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Therapist
Director & Co-Founder at coeo
Collegeville, Pennsylvania and Virtually
Oh hey, welcome! I'm Colleen, a counselor and industrial organizational psychologist by education; a human aspiring to find wholeness by experience. I take a non-judgemental, non-bullshit approach to therapy. I’m compassionate, while still holding you accountable to the goals we set together. My main role is not to just “make you feel better” rather, I want you to feel the tough emotions, process them together, and gain some insight into why these feelings are surfacing so intensely for you. I recognize the power of connection when it comes to healing and work to ensure you know I see the real you. Together, we will go through it, instead of around it, and we will work collaboratively to develop your capacity to endure intense emotional experiences without turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
When I am not therapizing others, you would find me either attempting to convince my family members and friends to complete house renovation projects with me (sauna in the basement anyone), watching Stinky and Dirty with our four-year-old son, trying not to overwater my plants, or planning my next snowboarding trip out west.
MS, MSP
Colleen Valerio
What does Kristen specialize in?
I specialize in working with clients facing complex trauma and relationship challenges. Together, we’ll dive deep into untangling the impact of past experiences, exploring patterns, and building resilience for the future. I’m a big dreamer, always seeking new ways to create connection for clients, meet them right where they are, and remind them that healing is possible. Even when you can’t see what healing might look like, I can hold that vision for you and walk alongside you on the journey.
SPECIALTIES
I specialize in working with teenagers (15+), college students, adults, and LGBTQIA+ individuals facing challenges such as eating disorders, substance abuse, identity exploration, ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, career transitions, and relationship issues.
I’m passionate about meeting you where ever you are, and helping you navigate life’s complexities with adaptability, style, and most importantly, a perfectly timed joke.
SERVICES
Therapy for LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Tailored support for exploring and affirming identity.
Career and Life Transitions: Guidance for navigating big decisions and changes.
Support for Mood Disorders and Emotional Regulation: Building strategies to manage intense emotions and foster resilience.
Eating Disorder Recovery: Compassionate and direct care to address patterns and build a healthier relationship with food and self.
Substance Use: Compassionate care for overcoming substance use, building healthier, lasting recovery.
APPROACH
My approach to therapy is best stated by the timeless lyricist, Vanilla Ice, “if there is a problem, yo, I'll solve it. Check out the hook while my DJ revolves it.” While I will not rap during our session, I will help address whatever difficulties are presenting in your life, be that depression, anxiety, addiction, or an eating disorder.
I utilize modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and client-centered approaches.