Shira Collings (she/they)

My therapeutic approach is rooted in the Health At Every Size paradigm and body liberation. It is also informed by feminism, disability justice, and queer and trans liberation. I believe that healing comes from feeling heard, seen, and valued, and I strive to create a space in which clients can express their full, authentic selves. I have training in Motivational Interviewing, Dialectal Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, as well as Narrative Exposure Therapy, an approach that uses storytelling and testimony to support people in healing from trauma. I also have a background working in disability and mental health advocacy and regularly incorporate advocacy into the counseling process. Additionally, I enjoy integrating expressive arts techniques and self-compassion work into therapy.

I believe that our mental health and well-being are profoundly shaped by our environment, and in particular by systemic oppression and cultural biases. As a queer, neurodivergent therapist in recovery from diet culture and disordered eating, I have experienced firsthand some of the deeply harmful effects of living in a patriarchal, heteronormative, ableist, and fatphobic culture. Too often, we are told that our bodies and our identities are a problem that needs to be fixed or changed, and we go through life believing that we are not worthy just as we are. I am passionate about supporting people in accepting who they are and unlearning harmful messages that have been imposed by our culture.