420 5th AVE S
Suite #201
Edmonds, WA
98020
(206) 550-3502
Fax: (425) 672-3201
Ref: 453
I work with people of all ages. Often my clients come to me with anxiety, depression, grief/loss and relationship challenges, including parenting. In addition, I am an Eating Disorder Specialist and a Child Mental Health Specialist. I'm friendly, pragmatic, have a good sense of humor and am insightful and interactive. I use a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Narrative Therapy, and art, along with journaling--if the client is open to it. I see eating disorders as a coping strategy to deal with overwhelming emotions. Food is used in almost every social situation and celebration, but when it is used to cope with feelings of boredom, anxiety, fear and sadness, it can become a problem. (Some teens see food as the only part of their lives that they can control.) I help clients increase their emotional intelligence, understand themselves better, and find a variety of ways to cope with emotions other than too much or too little food. I think of eating disorders as problems with feelings, not necessarily about food. We often think of childhood as a carefree time, but for many children there is stress they are not equipped to deal with. This may be because of social skills deficits, being emotionally overwhelmed, bullying, parent's divorce, a recent move, or the addition of a new baby to the household. Some children are just more anxious than others and need to learn coping skills to help them relax, sleep, and concentrate on school work.
I provide a warm, friendly, non-judgmental therapeutic environment for the teens, adults, children, couples and families. Therapy is “Interactive”—a process we go through together, always with your consent and participation. Often, counseling brings up related issues that you may chose--or not--to work though in our sessions. The adults I see are often struggling with anxiety, depression, and an unhealthy relationship with food, challenges in the work place, marriage, and in parenting. Sometimes clients come in for extra support during times of grief and loss. Couples are often working on their communication, trust and level of intimacy. Reviewing what brought them together, assessing their feelings and expectations for each other and their willingness to overcome obstacles, are all part of the therapy.
When working with parents, I provide education and support. This often involves the basic elements of parenting needed for stability, emotional well-being and to help raise healthy, well-adjusted kids. We look at expectations, boundaries, rules, consequences, rewards, affection and fun. Finding the right therapist is important to your emotional health. I can tell you that I am a straight forward person who is honest, hard-working and sensitive. I'm friendly and warm, intuitive and insightful. I tend to do well with kids because of my humor and playfulness, and because I am clear and direct. Take action now to work on your concerns. I invite you to call me, set up at an appointment, and get acquainted.
Call or email Colleen Holbrook for your free phone consultation now - (206) 550-3502.
Treatment orientation:
Age Specialty:
Also Addressed in My Practice:
Years in Practice: 21 Years
Highest Degree: M.S.W.
School: University of Washington
Year Graduated: 1994
License No. and State: LW00005296 WA
Sliding Scale: Yes
Initial Free Face to Face Consulation: No
Free Telephone Consulation: Yes
Accepted Payment Methods: Cash, Check, Spendwell
Insurance Plans Accepted:
First Choice Health, LifeWise, Premera BlueCross, Regence BlueShield, Other: Wellspring EAP