Colleen Hennessy (She/her)

Whether you are just considering the idea of opening up your relationship, or you've been open or poly for as long as you can remember, you need a therapist who understands ethical non-monogamy. I don't make assumptions about what is right for your relationship--but I can provide guidance and resources. I help guide each person in the relationship to be able to understand and express their own needs, negotiate relationship agreements, and build more connection and intimacy.

Adolescence is such a time of transition! For many, this transition results in anxiety, questioning of identity, and maybe a few mistakes. I have years of expertise helping teens to turn this time into an exciting exploration and expression of who they are becoming. Whether there have been concerns about drugs or alcohol use, sexual experimentation or pregnancy, or skipping school, I am confident that I can help both your teen, and yes, you, too, moms and dads!

Alcohol and other drugs can be so insidious. The pervasive use in our culture makes it really difficult to know if you're just a "normal" person who has a bottle of wine every night or an alcoholic. Where does it cross the line? I have experience helping clients to find their personal line, and set boundaries with themselves. I will never tell you what to do, but I can help you to reduce the harm that substances are having on your life.

If you believe that what's bothering you in the present comes from your past, EMDR might be a good fit for you. When you are in a stressful or traumatic situation (as a child or as an adult), your brain can't process all the information. In EMDR, we go back and look at the memory with your "adult self" in charge to see it a different way, so you can feel free from the negative cycle it's causing. Check out this video on my website if you're curious to know more: https://bravespacesd.com/emdr

Relationships can bring out so many of our insecurities and deep desires. If you are feeling disconnected from your sweetheart, I can help you to get below the surface and start communicating from a place of deeper intimacy and connection. Additionally, I specialize in relationship agreement negotiations for open relationships. We can talk about how to manage jealousy, and make sure both of you feel safe and secure in the relationship, while also having your autonomy and independence!

As a feminist therapist, I understand how gender roles and societal expectations can influence our individuality and relationships with others. It can be hard to discern what is your own values and what ideas are prescribed from the outside world. I recognize that these issues affect all of us, regardless of our gender: male, female, non-binary, because we are all subject to loosing our authenticity when we have to perform expectations from others.

Sometimes it can be hard to put your finger on what is causing those feelings of emptiness or a sense of not being good enough. We can work together to look into your past and see where this pattern began so that you can break out of the cycle of self-criticism. That critical voice is trying to protect you from something, but it doesn't seem to be working anymore. We can work together to find a way to love all the parts of yourself and get them on the same page working towards your goals.

Do you feel stagnant or like you're missing something? Perhaps you've been meaning to come to therapy for a long time, but just kept putting if off. Maybe you've tried a lot of self-help books, yoga, and meditation, but still feel like there's more out there for you. Together, our work can help you to define your goals, identify your values, and build the life that you deserve.

Anxiety can come from a lot of things in our life. You may find yourself worrying intensely about little things that you know really don't matter that much, but can't find your way to the big picture. I can help you to connect to the root cause of that anxiety, and heal the underlying issue so that you're not constantly spinning your wheels. Then, you'll be able to confidently ask for help or for what you need from others, and not feel so overwhelmed in your everyday life.

Sometimes part of you wants to do something, and part of you doesn't. It can feel like a battle in your head! You may feel frozen or indecisive. Additionally, it can lead to feeling like part of you "takes over" and leaves you feeling ashamed or upset that you didn't handle something the way you wanted to. We can get a better idea of what all parts of yourself want, and get them communicating kindly, so you feel integrated in your choices, and like you're acting in your own best interests.

Eeek! In our sex-negative society, it's SO HARD to know what to do when you're having a problem related to sex. I can help you to relax so you can understand and explore your own sexuality, what you desire, and what brings you pleasure. We can practice talking about it so you can be comfortable bringing it up with your partner(s) in a way that feels authentic to you. We can also untangle stories that have you confused about what is "normal", so you can focus on getting what you want!