- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness tools
- Solution-focused goals
About Colleen
Colleen Canfield-Smith is an MA, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in New York with 21 years of clinical experience. She helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, ADHD, relationship and family problems, grief, anger, compassion fatigue, and issues common to young adults navigating life changes.
She offers a direct, person-focused approach in sessions. Colleen leans on Client-Centered methods to follow what each person brings, and she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She also draws on Solution-Focused ideas to set short-term goals and on mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage tension and strong emotions.
Her background includes work in schools, hospitals, community agencies, and primary care settings. Those roles inform a practical style that emphasizes clear steps and tools people can use between sessions. Humor and down-to-earth communication are part of how she works when appropriate.
Colleen describes the therapeutic relationship as collaborative. She treats clients as the expert on their own needs and helps them test small changes, notice results, and adjust plans. This can be useful for people dealing with job stress, blended family issues, social anxiety, or the transition from school to adult life.
She has a Master of Arts in counseling psychology from Boston College and holds the MA LMHC credential. Sessions are conducted in English from her New York practice, and she does not take international clients.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to what each person brings. It supports people who feel uncertain about next steps by prioritizing their concerns and moving at their pace.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions. Online CBT sessions often involve identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, trying short behavioral experiments, and practicing skills between meetings to reduce anxiety or low mood.
Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices that reduce reactivity. These skills can help with stress, anger, and coping during big life changes common in early adulthood.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which approaches to try based on goals, preferences, and how practical the techniques feel for everyday life.
Session logistics should be confirmed before booking, since formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around classes, jobs, or caregiving by removing commute time and allowing appointments during breaks. Phone or video options can match what feels most manageable for check-ins, longer talks, or skills practice depending on the person’s routine and comfort.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
21+ years
Listed in
Massachusetts, New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she focus on?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, ADHD, relationship and family problems, grief, anger, compassion fatigue, and issues faced by young adults.
How does she approach therapy?
Her style is client-centered and collaborative, using CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques to set goals and practice new skills.
How much experience does she have?
She has 21 years of experience working in schools, hospitals, community agencies, and primary care settings.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She holds an MA LMHC and practices in New York as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Session formats are not specified here; confirm current session options before booking to know how meetings are held.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, fill out the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.