- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness tools
- Solution-focused steps
About Colleen
Colleen Canfield-Smith is an MA, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in New York with 21 years of experience. She works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, parenting challenges, ADHD, grief, and relationship or family concerns. She also supports those facing blended family issues, social anxiety, mood disorders, and young adult transitions.
Her approach is straightforward and practical. She works collaboratively with clients to identify strengths and useful steps. Sessions often include cognitive techniques, short-term solution-focused work, and mindfulness exercises aimed at reducing reactivity and improving day-to-day coping.
Colleen draws on experience from schools, hospitals, community agencies, and primary care settings. That background shapes how she helps people manage job stress, compassion fatigue, and life changes. She also brings the perspective of a parent while keeping focus on what each person wants to change.
In sessions she may use relaxation practices, brief behavioral strategies, and guided awareness exercises. She emphasizes clear, doable skills that can be applied between meetings to reduce anger spikes and lower ongoing tension. Humor and plain language are used when appropriate to make tools easier to try.
People who prefer a straightforward, skills-focused style often find this approach helpful. Those interested in starting are asked to follow the site's process to match and schedule an initial appointment so goals and practical steps can be discussed.
Approaches used in online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and supporting the client to name what matters and make choices. It helps when someone wants help clarifying values and goals rather than following a strict protocol.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors that fuel anger and stress. It teaches practical exercises to test unhelpful thoughts and change reactions, which is useful for workplace frustration and relationship tension.
Mindfulness Therapy offers short awareness and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and increase calm in the moment. These techniques are often paired with behavioral steps to create a simple plan for stressful situations.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to try methods and adjust based on what helps most. The process emphasizes shared decision-making, quick skills to practice, and checking progress together.
Confirm current session options before booking so practical details are clear. Many people find remote sessions make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Ask about how sessions are scheduled and which formats are supported to find what fits your routine.
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 anger and stress does she help with?
She works with anger that shows up as lost temper, built-up resentment, workplace frustration, and stress linked to parenting or caregiving.
What is her general therapy style?
She uses a collaborative, skills-focused style that combines cognitive tools, solution-focused work, and mindfulness practices.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 21 years of clinical experience across schools, hospitals, community agencies, and primary care settings.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She holds an MA and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in New York.
Does she offer sessions in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule an initial session to discuss goals and next steps.