Colleen Armitage, LCSW

My Approach to Therapy

You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by past experiences that still impact your daily life. Maybe you struggle with anxiety that won’t quiet down, emotions that feel too big to handle, or a deep sense of disconnection from yourself and others. You may have experienced trauma, a difficult childhood, or life challenges that have left you feeling like you’re constantly in survival mode. If any of this resonates with you, I want you to know—you don’t have to navigate this alone.

I specialize in helping individuals who feel trapped by their past or consumed by self-doubt, shame, and emotional pain. Together, we’ll explore the patterns that keep you feeling stuck, process painful experiences in a way that feels safe, and help you build the confidence to move forward. My approach is compassionate, down-to-earth, and centered around meeting you exactly where you are. Healing isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about uncovering your resilience, reconnecting with yourself, and creating a life that feels more fulfilling and aligned with who you truly are.

I have extensive experience working with people who struggle with:

• Trauma and PTSD (including childhood trauma, abuse, and complex PTSD)

• Anxiety and chronic stress that feels impossible to shut off

• Emotional dysregulation—feeling like your emotions control you instead of the other way around

• Perfectionism, self-criticism, and feelings of never being “good enough”

• Relationship struggles—difficulty trusting, people-pleasing, or feeling disconnected from others

• Eating disorders and body image concerns that make it hard to feel at peace in your own skin

• Depression and numbness—when you feel emotionally drained, unmotivated, or disconnected from life

• Substance use and addiction, especially when it’s tied to trauma, emotional pain, or attempts to cope

Education & Clinical Background

Alongside my relational, client-centered approach, I bring extensive training and leadership experience in trauma-informed care and evidence-based therapy.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University. Throughout my career, I’ve worked across all levels of care—from inpatient hospitalization to residential and outpatient settings—supporting individuals facing complex mental health challenges.

I am fully EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained and am a Certified Trauma Therapist. I’ve completed intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through the Behavioral Tech Institute, as well as advanced Psychodrama Training. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my work and believe in a holistic, integrative approach that honors the whole person.

In my previous roles, I served as Executive Director of an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for both adults and adolescents, overseeing clinical teams and program development. I’ve also worked as Clinical Director of residential and outpatient programs specializing in eating disorders, leading multidisciplinary teams in providing compassionate, comprehensive care.

Earlier in my career, I gained foundational experience in residential substance use treatment, detox programs, and psychiatric hospital settings. These experiences have shaped my ability to understand the intersections of trauma, addiction, eating disorders, and mood disorders—and how to walk alongside clients through recovery.

No matter where you are on your journey, I’m committed to creating a safe, affirming space for healing, growth, and lasting change..