Kathleen Collins, Ph.D.
(she/her)
Psychologist
About Me
The process of finding a therapist is quite personal and can be daunting if you are unsure what to expect. From my perspective, psychotherapy is an opportunity to explore your past, present, and future. We will work collaboratively to understand your unique patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating to yourself and others. We will work towards shifting any patterns that are no longer helping you and will tailor our approach to your specific needs. I bring a sense of curiosity, warmth, and humor to my work and invite you to bring your authentic self to the room as well.
I take an intentionally integrative approach to psychotherapy that is rooted in relational, feminist-multicultural, and psychodynamic perspectives. I aim to create a supportive space for us to consider how relationships, sociocultural systems, and unconscious psychic material have shaped both your past and your present experiences. I also incorporate behavioral medicine techniques (e.g., relaxation exercises) when appropriate to teach you strategies for managing distress in your everyday life.
My Specialties
I specialize in working individuals and couples who are members of the LGBTQ+ community (and the many sub-communities therein). This includes people who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity, people who are experiencing distress related to discrimination, and/or people who identify as LGBTQ+ but are coming in for something unrelated to these intersectional identities. I am committed to helping couples gain security and increase their connection through the gold standard couple therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I also specialize in working with college students, graduate students, and young adults who are struggling with identity development, interpersonal concerns, stressful life transitions, and/or questioning whether they want to change their relationship to substances.
Education and Career Background
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston
Pre-doctoral Internship, University of Massachusetts Amherst Center for Counseling & Psychological Health
MA in Clinical Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston
MA in Mental Health & Substance Abuse Counseling, New School for Social Research
BA in Liberal Arts, Sarah Lawrence College
Licensed Psychologist, Psychology Specialists of Maine
Postdoctoral Resident, Psychology Specialists of Maine