Colette McCreary

My name is Colette McCreary. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of Pasadena, California. I offer telehealth services. I specialize in anxiety, as well as life transitions which involve dealing with unexpected and expected changes that occur throughout life for both adults and adolescents. I am also well-versed in grief/loss, personality disorders, and the area of self-worth (care, identity, esteem). I use various orientations, depending on the client and symptoms, including Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

My approach

Each individual needs a personalized approach to their personal concerns. I initially lean towards person-centered work, providing an individual with a nonjudgmental environment for self-exploration. Other orientations I call upon include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, for change in unhelpful thinking patterns, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy for regulation of intense emotions.

My focus

I typically work one on one with individuals suffering from anxiety and the intrusive inner conversations that can be debilitating. The focus is on redirecting thoughts and regulating the high emotions that are causing unhappiness. I also specialize in working with older adolescents because moving into adulthood can be challenging for the individual and the family. I offer intermittent sessions with parents, sharing with them developmentally-appropriate skills and strategies to meet their child’s needs during this transitional period.

My communication style

I work gently and respectfully with clients to engage in a collaborative and creative process. The client brings their concerns and self-knowledge and I bring my clinical skills, education, and personal life experience into therapy. Through open-ended dialogue, a client feeling “stuck” can begin to experience movement as we integrate our combined areas of expertise and find appropriate modalities/techniques that best fit the client’s concerns, unique temperament, and life experience.

My journey to mental healthcare

From a young age, I found people would often confide in me. As I matured I found myself consistently in conversations with my colleagues about their struggles. After starting a family, my interest piqued even more watching my children develop. It became apparent to me that therapy was my calling. I love my work and feel privileged every time someone trusts me and shares their life with me. It is rewarding to watch my client get a better understanding of “yesterday”, learn how to be present for “today” and realize they can make their best choices for “tomorrow”.

My goals for you

Goal setting with the client revolves around the client’s needs. As we talk and build trust, we are able to look deeper into the client’s concerns. Together we set goals that will help the client to attain the necessary relief. I educate and make suggestions, but it is imperative that the client is a part of selecting modalities that best suit their strengths and initial comfort level.

My first session with you

In our first session, it’s important to begin building a rapport. The relationship that exists between a therapist and a client is the foundation for success. Feeling comfortable and safe is essential. We discuss the issues that brought the client into treatment and begin to identify the goals.