Colleen Karchunas

As we walk along the path of our lives, sometimes we discover that the identities or perspectives
we used to hold no longer fit. These realizations might come as a result of difficult things that we have experienced or from simply coming to know ourselves more. We might feel lost, confused, or hopeless as we come to learn more about ourselves or try to make sense of the things that have
happened to us. We might not be sure how to move forward knowing we are not quite the same as we used to be.

I believe that, in moments where we notice when our life doesn’t quite feel like it fits anymore, therapy can not only helps to heal us in the aftermath of difficulties and challenges, but also help
us find clarity about the life we really desire to live. Therapy can help us clarify values, identify strengths, increase feelings of empowerment and confidence, and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

Anyone can benefit from therapy; whether you’d like to work on a specific skill, make sense of a challenging or harmful situation, navigate a difficult relationship, have someone accompany you
as you make a life transition, sort through challenges, or learn to accept yourself more lovingly, therapy can give you the space to make meaningful change in your life, learn more about yourself, and live a life in alignment with your values. Fundamentally, therapy takes the best parts of being human and harnesses them for the purpose of healing. In therapy, we’ll take the simple acts of building a relationship, deep listening, creating warmth, and fostering trust and use them to create a collaborative space of nonjudgment and authenticity where you feel seen.

My approach to therapy can be described as accompaniment: a relationship in which I walk with you side-by-side through your joys and challenges, provide a space where you feel supported to ask deep questions and be your most authentic self, and we collaborate together to find ways to help you live a life that not only fits you, but that you are also proud of living. In our work together, we will build a strong, trusting relationship in which you can feel safe to learn more about yourself and your relationships, try out new possibilities, and grow in your ability to navigate challenges. Alongside these challenges, we will also identify your unique strengths and build upon these to cultivate your resilience.

In my work, I have enjoyed the gift of accompanying people across the lifespan through a variety of experiences. My background has included walking with young adults discerning their path
through life transitions, LGBTQIA+ youth growing in confidence in their identity, older adults reflecting on their lives and seeking to reignite living within their values, members of the LGBTQIA+ community coming out later on in life, and folks deconstructing or reconstructing their faith or religious tradition. My own identity, life experiences, and formal work have led me to have great care for and interest in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, survivors of religious trauma or those who have experienced harm related to their faith tradition or belief system, those who are deconstructing their faith or religious tradition, and folks who find themselves at the intersection of their LGBTQIA+ identity and their faith tradition.