Kelley Collins MFA, ATR, LPC, CCTP

As a Licensed Professional Counselor and a registered art therapist in Georgia, I bring a wealth of experience to the educational sphere, specializing in treating complex trauma, including attachment issues, dissociative disorders, and PTSD. Certified by the International Association of Trauma Professionals, my practice is rooted in clinically sound, insight-oriented processes that encompass psychodynamic psychotherapy and innovative body-based methods, such as art therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Somatic Experiencing.

Holding a dual degree in Counseling and Art Therapy from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I have developed my skills in both therapeutic practice and educational settings. My professional journey includes directing and developing programs at residential and intensive outpatient treatment centers, focusing on providing holistic and individualized care for adults and adolescents. This hands-on experience, together with an extensive background in treating conditions such as eating disorders, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and dual diagnoses with art therapy, forms the foundation of my teaching approach as experiential and hands-on in nature.

In my current role as an educator, I am committed to guiding students through the complexities of being in the role of student. My teaching philosophy mirrors my clinical approach: attachment trauma informed, viewing DSM diagnoses as symptoms arising from trauma, which I define as overwhelming emotional events causing feelings of helplessness and lack of control.

My adherence to a narrative therapy framework translates into a unique pedagogical style. I encourage students to move beyond asking “what is wrong with you?” to “what has happened to you?” thus reflecting the core narrative therapy principle: “you are not the problem; the problem is the problem.” This approach is central to my teaching, as I aim to instill in students an appreciation for the holistic impact of various life systems on an individual’s health and wellbeing. My goal is to equip future therapists with the knowledge and skills necessary to create therapeutic environments conducive to healing and personal growth.