How I Work
In all the years that I have been practicing, what I know…is that true connection and open communication is the cornerstone of all relationships. Engaging in a loving connection to SELF is paramount in developing any deep and long lasting partnership, friendship or parent/child relationship. When we have the foundation of Self Love as an anchor point, it increases our communication skills, our relational abilities, and our resilience.
I am trained in a myriad of relational, interpersonal and somatic therapies, and my main intention when working with any client, adolescent or adult, is to HOLD SPACE.
Holding space is a term that is loosely thrown around in the “helping professions”, but to truly sit with a therapist that knows how to HOLD you and your troubles, in the SPACE of a therapeutic relationship, can be life changing. This is what Rogers, Jung, and Winnicot, some of the foundational theorists in psychology, believed will lead to transformational experiences in therapy. It allows for a client to trust in themselves, trust in the process, and trust in their own inner KNOWING. We are all born with a deep understanding of what makes us feel safe, and what makes us retreat. Therapy that provides a safe exploration between the poles of “trust” and “retreat”, can gently unearth the beauty deep within each individual. It has been my honor over these years, to provide a connected and safe environment for adolescents, adults and parents to slowly peel back their protective layers, and uncover the true beauty of what lies beneath.
Please contact me, via the contact form below, or via email/text to set up a free 15 min exploratory phone call.
Adult Individual Therapy
Inner Relational Therapy is a method of developing a compassionate, non-judgmental connection with all parts of yourself. Specifically, addressing conflicted inner feelings, ingrained patterns, anxious thoughts and challenging inner dialogue. It uses bodily sensations (felt sense) as a guide to explore deep, present-moment self awareness and nervous system regulation. This is just one of many approaches that I practice. Once we've concluded our 15 min call...
-Upon meeting for your intial session, we will work together to gain an understanding of where you are in your work, as well as what goals you have for your individual therapy. -Once we have decided on goals that feel safe and attainable, we will map out and collaborate on ideas about what methodology will work best to assist you in achieving your therapeutic goals. -Finally we will establish check ins. Check In's are an important part of best practices, we will discuss what Check In's will look like for you and ideally, set up a schedule.
Adolescent Psychotherapy
With Adolescents, I begin with what I call, a “Meet and Greet”. It's not an official therapy session. It is an informal 30 min zoom where your adolescent and I willl:
- Discuss their thoughts about therapy and past experiences they've had.
- What to expect from a weekly 50 min session with me, and answer any questions they may have about my process. Most importantly, whether or not THEY believe I am someone they could work with.
The "Meet and Greet" allows your teen a sense of agency over their treatment, and immediately involves their own knowing.
I request that you notify me within 72 hours if your adolescent is interested in moving forward.
YES = one parent must be present for the initial intake session, where we will complete paperwork, develop a diagnosis and I will complete a more thorough assessment.
NO= I will provide a list of referrals.
Parent Coaching
Parent Coaching is more than just coming up with a plan for you, your partner and your family, it's a holistic approach that honors your families specific needs. -To begin, we will have an exploratory session about what is working in your home, and what is not working. -Once a clear picture has been presented, I invite each parent to fill out a personal family history to gain an understanding of possible inherited and ingrained belief systems that may exist within your parenting style. Parents will look inward to identify their personal challenges, patterns, and strengths. -The goal is to meet you and your family where you're at, identify the areas of resistance and develop individual, partner, and familial strategies that will address the specific challenges where you and your family struggle.
Links / Websites
Finding You / Dr. Brad Reedy https://www.findingyouprograms.com/ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28448694-the-journey-of-the-heroic-parent https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31312.The_Dance_of_Anger https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/403028.The_Developing_Mind https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1963638.The_Untethered_Soul
Services & Sessions
About
#42627
Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in Los Angeles
Experience
I have been working with clients since 1999 in a variety of settings, and I've been in Private Practice since 2015. Early in my career, I worked with adolescents in group homes/specialized schools, and since 2015 I expanded my work to include adult individuals and parent coaching, specializing in relational psychology, somatic based therapies, and trauma informed therapy. I have experience with a diverse set of concerns, including anxiety, social skills concerns, self-esteem, learning disabilities, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, executive function, life stresses/transitions, domestic violence, trauma based treatment (adult and child), and video game addictions. Ideally I hope each client uncovers skills that they can utilize outside of the therapeutic environment and assist in applying those skills in their home, work and personal lives.
I was born in the Los Angeles area, earned my undergraduate degree in Massachusetts, and had the pleasure of living abroad in Ireland with my husband before having our 2 children. I love cuddling with our scruffy mix breed dog and my orange cat, and I enjoy music movies, travel, rollerblading and hiking, yoga and meditation, and all varieties of crafting.
Training & Certificates
-Trauma Reslience Model (TRM) Level 1 and 2
-Attachment Focused EMDR
-Clinical Child and Adolescent Anxiety Treatment
-Hakomi Essential Skills Certificate / IFS informed treatment
-Adolescent and Adult ADHD / Executive Function Skills
Former Board Member of the International Dyslexia Association,
Los Angeles
Presenter at Irish Association of Teachers in Special Education (IATSE) Conference, Dublin Ireland
presented on: Aspergers/Teens/Social Skills
Graduate
Antioch University, Los Angeles - MA in Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate
Clark University, Worcester MA
Boston University, Boston MA - BA in Sociology
Stacie Ottoson, LMFT
Client Reviews
"I've been struggling with stress and anxiety, but after a few cold therapy sessions, I've noticed a significant improvement in my mood and overall well-being."
Dora M.
"The cold baths are amazing! It's become part of my health and self-care routine. Collin is friendly and supportive."
Anya L.
"Collin is knowledgeable and makes the whole process comfortable. The cold plunge is an incredible experience and highly recommended"
Laurance R.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer in person sessions?
All sessions will be held via zoom. Links will be sent prior to each calendared session.
How long does each therapy session take?
-Each individual session (Adolescent/Adult) will last between 50 min - 1 hr/ 1 time per week.
-Parent Coaching sessions- initial session is 90 min. Following sessions 60 min each. (duration of therapy will be discussed in initial session)
What therapeutic modalities do you typically use?
Each session is specific to the individual. My practice focuses on Somatic based / Mindfulness therapy, Attachment and Relational psychology, and Psychodynamic therapy.
How long will I need therapy?
Every person’s experience is different. We will agree together what goals we have for your therapy and will discuss your progress during our meetings over time. I believe that everyone needs help at times with transitions or emotions in their lives, but there is no need for anyone to be in therapy forever.
Insurance
I do not currently accept insurance. I can provide you with a Superbill to provide to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Fees
Sessions for Adult Individuals: available 9am-6:30pm Monday-Friday.
Sessions for Adolescents: available 4:30 & 5:30 Mon/Wed/Thur (sliding scale avail upon request) ** ONLY 6 slots available for adolescents 14yrs and older **
$200 per Adult Individual / Adolescent therapy session
$300 for initial Parent Coaching session / $200 for subsequent sessions
Other fees may apply for additional tasks or requests
I offer a limited amount of sliding scale slots. Please contact me if this is something you're interested in.
Payment via Credit Card/ Zelle
Ready to Take the Plunge?
Fill in the contact form and get ready to transform your life.
310.902.3182