Colleen Illsley, LMHC
Therapist

Depression, Anxiety, Marriage/couples therapy, Family systems

Life offers many opportunities and also great challenges related to our individual journeys. For me therapy is about creating a safe, respectful environment in which an individual can explore and assess his or her own unique journey. As a therapist my role is to help you consider new possibilities, implement alternative ways of thinking and responding and ultimately to build a more satisfying, proactive, intentional life.

Often an individual is seeking a greater sense of personal happiness, desires more effectiveness within a relationship or more general satisfaction with life. All of these are commonly accepted goals of human beings, but are not necessarily achieved automatically or without some self-reflection and the increasing of their own level of insight. In therapy we are able to join together in the process of setting goals and making one’s own goals and values more congruent with real life experience. As trust is built between the client and therapist we are able to create a safe, confidential place in which to take on specific challenges, fears, conflicts, disappointments and areas of loss. Also in this process it is often important to evaluate an individual’s thinking patterns and coping skills in light of their own short term and long term goals. From my perspective there is a tremendous basis for positive change to occur with an individual (or couple) brings to the therapeutic process (1) an inquisitive mind and (2) a willingness to challenge current ways of thinking and/or responding.

Specialties:
I am a licensed mental health counselor and have worked extensively with individuals, couples and families. I am committed to compassionate, ethical and professional therapy. I am also an educator and as a certified teacher I have worked with students and families for over 30 years. I am committed to all aspects of growth in the clients I see: personal, emotional, social, relational and spiritual.

Therapeutic Approach:
From my perspective there are a number of effective therapeutic approaches and just as individuals and circumstances vary, the effectiveness of different approaches also varies based upon individual circumstances and needs. My training and practice is largely based in cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically RET (Rational Emotive Therapy). Because cognitive behavioral therapy is based upon the idea that our thinking patterns create our feelings and behaviors, there is great potential to impact the way we experience life by changing the way we think. I see this approach as the most “evidenced based” therapy and that within it the utilization of evidence and science are supported by research. RET is a process theory that encompasses a variety of techniques and strategies (including didactic, emotive, academic, experimental, behavioral and others) but its theoretic simplicity is its strength: how we think impacts how we behave and how we experience life. For me personally there is evidence for this truth in Scripture (Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” NAS). It is my personal belief that ultimate wisdom and understanding of human beings comes forth or is supported in the Holy Scriptures.

How to Contact Me:
You may contact me through Restoration Counseling Services at
206-533-9984 or directly at 206-851-7236.
colleen@restorationcounseling.org.

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