My approach to problem solving and counseling is grounded in Bowen Family Systems Theory by Murray Bowen M.D. This approach provides a framework for one to improve his/her daily life functioning by decreasing symptoms and better understanding how to deal with problems or concerns in his/her important relationships. My goal is to support and help you gain a better understanding and a possible new perspective about self, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
It is best to reach me by email so that we can exchange contact information and set up a time to talk on the phone. Please feel free to navigate through my website to learn more about my practice and other resources in clinical and family theory.
Dr. Collier has found that working with clients that come into the sessions with thoughts like these are a good fit for counseling:
“I just don’t feel myself these days and I feel out of sorts”
“I feel strongly that something is missing from my life and the more I try to find it the more frustrated I feel”
“I am just not sure I want to be in this relationship anymore”
“I just want to learn or figure out how to be happy”
“I know what I need or want to do but I just can’t figure it out how to make it happen”
“I have too much anxiety these days and I feel like I am not in my own skin”
She has come to several important conclusions in her years of successful experience:
1) establish a gentle yet clearly defined working relationship with goals and outcomes – it is important to first understand the client and his/her culture, situation and experiences, and what he/she would like to see change in his/her life;
2) develop a family diagram – building a family diagram can be a powerful way to look at one’s life challenges in the context of the family system; work with the client to find the best way to approach and support his/her efforts to work toward solving the presenting concern(s);
3) suggest the client focus on self – individuals have a tendency to focus on others (family members, coworkers and significant others) and this focus or way of thinking becomes a downward spiral because we can change self but not others; and
4) provide a guide to getting “unstuck” – clients will benefit from working with a counselor in trying new ways to approach their problems, practice new behaviors and thinking, and will be able to achieve his/her highest level of functioning. Clients often come in to counseling when they are “stuck” in a rut and want to move on.
What to expect when working with Dr. Collier. She will:
1) Conduct a thorough 50-60 minute assessment session to better understand you and your concerns/issues/problems;
2) Work with you to figure out what you would like to see change in your life and what steps will get you moving in the right direction;
3) Work collaboratively with you and provide techniques and a family systems approach that is catered toward your needs and assessment.
Dr. Collier has been practicing mental health counseling since 1999 and in the DC area since 2002. She has experience working with a diverse group of clients with respect to age, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation and presenting concerns.
Dr. Collier believes that a family systems approach is most beneficial to the client because of the long lasting impact. When one applies this thinking to his/her life he/she walks away with the systems thinking knowledge and can apply this to future relationships and life challenges. In establishing a congruent and real working relationship with the client she can support the client’s efforts in thinking about his/her issues and concerns from different perspectives. When this is done, individuals can improve interpersonal and intrapersonal awareness and make changes in their lives. This means individuals will learn more about self (emotions, emotional reactions, ethical actions, values, beliefs and cognitions), improve their relationships and productivity, and decrease negative thinking, anxiety and depressive type symptoms.