Colleen Overholt , LMFT

Colleen Overholt is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people manage stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, and self-esteem struggles. She also supports those facing parenting challenges, relationship and family conflict, sleeping problems, career strain, and mood concerns such as depression and bipolar disorder. Colleen practices in California and brings many years of clinical experience to sessions.

Her style is warm and straightforward. She listens first and follows the client's lead about what to work on. Sessions include practical steps as well as time to process difficult feelings. Colleen aims to highlight a person's strengths and build skills they can use between sessions.

Colleen uses a mix of approaches depending on the person and the issue. She often draws on client-centered therapy to keep conversations focused on the client's goals. Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques are used to notice and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. Mindfulness and psychodynamic ideas are woven in when they fit the work.

She has 26 years of experience in roles that include clinical supervision, program management, and direct psychotherapy. That background informs how she structures treatment and supports clients in practical ways. Colleen invites people to be clear about their goals so therapy stays focused and useful.

People who seek her help can expect an accepting, engaged therapist who encourages honest feedback. She emphasizes collaboration and respects diversity in clients' backgrounds and life stories.

How her therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Colleen commonly combines client-centered work and cognitive behavioral therapy in online sessions. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following the client's goals so sessions stay relevant and respectful. Cognitive behavioral therapy provides clear tools for spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors, which can be practiced between sessions.

Finding the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. The therapist and client look at what feels most helpful, try techniques, and adjust based on results and preference. Goals and methods are reviewed together so the plan fits the person's needs and life circumstances.

Online formats offer practical flexibility. Video calls let people use visual cues and longer discussion time. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is lower or when a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging make it easier to fit brief check-ins into a busy day and to use written reflections between meetings. These options help people keep therapy consistent around work, caregiving, or travel.