Who We Are
Our Therapy Practice
Combined, founder Colleen Blackston, LCSW-C and partnering clinician Julie Miller, LCPC have been practicing therapy for upwards of 17 years. With a wealth of knowledge and experience working for one of the nation’s leading domestic violence agencies, our extensive training in the realm of trauma informed practices deems us respected leaders in the field. Specializations include, but are not limited to: PTSD, life stressors, women's issues, divorce reactions, anxiety, depression, et
Colleen Blackston, LCSW-C
Adult Counseling Services:
I've developed a depth of knowledge in early childhood trauma and its reverberating effect on one’s life, and relationships shared with others. This understanding assists with providing services to both children, and adults who've experienced trauma at an early age, who may still be attempting to reconcile past pain.
Child & Family Services:
I provide individual services to children as young as 2 years of age, and upward. I also offer parenting support, and family counseling.
I utilize experiential treatment approaches, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, EFT-Tapping methods, in conjunction with sand, art, and child-centered play therapy techniques.
It is my goal to learn about who you are, assist you in exploring why you are, while supporting you in becoming exactly who you aspire to be.
Julie L. Miller, LCPC
Adult Counseling Services:
My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space that empowers you to explore, accept, and challenge yourself. I incorporate mindfulness, breathing techniques, creative expression, self-compassion, and narrative therapy into session to facilitate healing.
Approaches to Treatment:
I have additional training in DBT, Mindfulness Based Self-Compassion, Trauma-Focused CBT, and meditation. I enjoy using my EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) training to introduce this process, which allows people to experience relief and resolution of painful memories and negative self-beliefs.
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." - Carl Rogers
Our Services
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling is a first step towards a journey of self-exploration and acceptance. Within this treatment space, your therapist will gently reflect, challenge, and support your thoughts and feelings, while also providing psychoeducation and additional perspective. You will gain additional skills which will assist with internal recognition, and coping.
Depression & Anxiety
Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives.
Anxiety and depression can be both debilitating and crippling. Symptoms of both may include feeling helpless, fearful, irritable, stuck, out of control, misunderstood, and unworthy. Such feelings often lead to withdrawal, decreased confidence, and social isolation.
Request a free consultation today, in an effort to learn more about anxiety and depression, as well as treatment options.
Groups
Major healing, growth, and change can occur in environments where individuals find their "herd people" as it has been quoted that "the absence of human contact is traumatizing to both the mind and body".
Shining In The Shadows, LLC hosts Pyschodeducational Support Groups which provide educational awareness, resources, and coping strategies that individuals can incorporate in their day-to-day life. Groups assist participants in stepping out of isolation, and into a supportive environment where they will be seen, heard, and respected by their peers in search of similar acceptance.