Colleen Short (She/Her)

Hi, I’m Colleen (She/Her/Hers) I am a neurodivergent, nerdy Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 16 years of experience supporting individuals through trauma, identity exploration, neurodivergence, and personal transformation. I offer trauma-informed, affirming individual therapy for people who don’t fit neatly into society’s boxes. Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, polyamorous, kinky, or are simply seeking a therapist who truly gets it, you are welcome here. Individual Therapy Designed for Your Whole Self I specialize in EMDR, DBT, and trauma-focused psychotherapy for individuals experiencing: • PTSD and complex PTSD • Developmental or generational trauma • Anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation • Identity exploration (gender, sexuality, neurodivergence) • Codependency and boundary challenges • Stress, burnout, and relationship-related anxiety • Experiences related to polyamory, kink, or alternative lifestyles My approach is compassion-focused, person-centered, and grounded in real-world tools. With humor, analogies, and pop-culture references woven into our work, therapy becomes a collaborative space to explore what’s holding you back and what’s possible. A Safe Space for Identity, Sexuality & Neurodivergence Affirming Care for LGBTQIA+, Polyamorous, Kinky & Neurodivergent Individuals You deserve a therapist who understands marginalized identities without asking you to educate them. My practice is built for individuals seeking space to explore: • Gender identity • Sexual identity • Polyamory or ethical non-monogamy • Kink or BDSM identities • Neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, AuDHD) • Trauma rooted in identity exploration or marginalization This is a place where your whole self is welcome—and where nothing about you is “too much.” Therapies I Use in Individual Work Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) EMDR helps you process and heal from trauma stored in the nervous system. Using bilateral stimulation, EMDR reduces emotional intensity around distressing memories and supports long-term recovery from: • Trauma and complex trauma • Negative self-beliefs • Anxiety and intrusive thoughts • Flashbacks or hypervigilance • EMDR is highly effective for individuals seeking deep, transformative healing. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) DBT helps individuals regulate emotions, build stress tolerance, and develop healthier coping skills. This evidence-based modality supports challenges such as: • Emotional dysregulation • ADHD-related overwhelm • Anxiety and depression • Impulsive behaviors • Trauma responses DBT combines mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral strategies, empowering you with tools for both acceptance and change. Understanding the Issues You May Be Facing PTSD & Trauma Recovery • Trauma can shape how you think, feel, and navigate the world. PTSD symptoms often include: • Intrusive memories or flashbacks • Avoidance of reminders • Hypervigilance or emotional numbness • Irritability, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating Therapy helps you reclaim safety, clarity, and control using evidence-based approaches. Complex Trauma, Developmental Trauma & Generational Trauma If you grew up in instability, emotional neglect, or chronic stress, you may carry wounds that didn’t originate with you. Trauma can impact: • Self-worth • Emotional regulation • Trust and boundaries • Identity formation Therapy creates a pathway toward breaking long-standing patterns and building a more grounded and empowered sense of self. Codependency & Boundary Healing For individuals who prioritize others’ needs above their own, therapy can help you: • Rebuild self-worth • Set internal and external boundaries • Understand people-pleasing patterns • Develop self-trust • Learn interdependence instead of overfunctioning Healing codependency is foundational to reclaiming your identity. Polyamory, ENM, Kink & Diverse Sexuality As an affirming clinician, I help individuals explore these identities without shame or judgment. You might be seeking clarity on: • Values and boundaries • Internalized stigma • Emotional regulation within alternative structures • Identity development • Healing from past relational trauma You deserve a therapist who sees these parts of you as valid—not as problems to fix. Is Now the Right Time for Therapy? If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about your next steps, therapy can help you make sense of your internal experiences and move toward a more integrated, regulated life. Take the First Step Toward Healing Schedule a Consultation Let’s Work Together You don’t have to navigate trauma, identity exploration, or emotional overwhelm alone. I’m here to walk beside you—with compassion, expertise, and humor—every step of the way.