Colleen Conklin
MA, LPC-MHSP, RYT; she/her
therapist, marketing manager , & internship supervisor
I do this work because I’m passionate about supporting folks in their journey to feel more at home in their bodies, find freedom from the things holding them back, find meaningful connection with self and others, and build lives they truly love.
As someone who has walked the path of recovery from an eating disorder and trauma, I believe that therapy is one of the bravest things you can do— and I don’t take lightly the courage that my clients have as they walk into my office to start or continue their own healing journey.
I also believe that…
People have an innate ability to change and heal themselves – sometimes they just need some help in uncovering it (that’s where I come in)
All bodies are good bodies. Our culture has a lot of distorted ideas around bodies and health. I believe that health can’t be determined by a person’s weight or size, and all bodies are worthy of respect.
"Trauma" means a lot more than our old narrow definition leads us to believe, and it also doesn’t have to be a life sentence. You are capable of healing from trauma so that it simply becomes part of your story instead of consuming your whole life.
Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all practice. Everyone heals in different ways, and it’s important for us to collaborate to find what works best for you.
Our bodies and minds hold a wealth of inner wisdom that deserves to be honored, explored, and often requires going beyond just “logic-ing” our way out of things.
These beliefs and my approach to therapy has been formed out of not just textbook knowledge and trainings (which are important) but also my own lived experience and that of the many clients I've had the privilege of working with. I am always striving to learn, grow, and evolve, both as a therapist and just as a messy, imperfect human.
My purpose with The Gaia Center is to provide a welcoming, non-judgmental space where you can be your most authentic self, truly feel seen and heard, and build a joy-filled life.
We often aren’t taught how to navigate the messy, complicated challenges life can bring.
I am passionate about supporting folks who are navigating trauma, eating disorders/body image concerns, sex-related concerns, anxiety, relational challenges, and neurodivergence. I also specialize in working with dancers, creatives, and those working in the music & entertainment industries. In addition, I am auDHD and queer.
In my work with clients, I take a whole-person approach for mind + body integration and trauma resolution, utilizing a variety of approaches including EMDR, Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Gottman Method, trauma-sensitive & body-inclusive yoga + dance, play, and somatic (body-based) + experiential techniques, based on each person’s unique needs.
Certifications & Trainings
EMDR Basic Training
EMDR for Complex Trauma
Onsite Psychodrama Training Institute
Comprehensive DBT 40 Hour Foundational Training with Shaelene Lauriano and Kathryn Butts, DBT-LBC Certified Clinicians
Radically Open DBT Levels 1 and 2
Brainspotting Phases 1 and 2
Family Based Treatment for Eating Disorders Introductory Training with Lauren Muhlheim
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Trauma
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) with Yoga Alliance (including trauma-sensitive and body-inclusive training)
Human First…
When I'm not working, you can find me listening to Harry Styles, dancing, doing Pilates or yoga, taking Row House classes, laughing with my husband, writing, reading, or chilling on the couch with my sweet yorkie Zen. You can keep up with my offerings and shenanigans here or on Instagram @colleenmwerner.
Do you want to schedule an initial session or phone consultation with Colleen?
Colleen works with adults (individuals and couples) and adolescents 12+.
Fill out the form on our contact page, or reach out to us at hello@gaiacenter.co or 615.270.8117 (call or text). We’ll respond within 24 business hours.
Hours & Rates…
🌱 Typically sees clients on Tuesday-Friday during the day with a handful of afternoon/evening slots.
🌱 Individual 50-minute session is $150 ($170 for couples)
🌱 Individual 75-minute session is $225 ($255 for couples)
🌱 Colleen reserves several reduced-fee spots for clients in financial need, reach out via our contact form to see if any are currently available. Reduced fee services are also available with graduate interns at The Gaia Center.