Colleen Trojbom, Licensed Social Worker

Education:

Master of Social Work, Simmons College

Languages:

English and Spanish

At a Glance:

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in Trauma & Interpersonal Violence. I received my Master of Social Work degree from Simmons College in 2017. Since then, I have been providing therapy to Gainesville's youth and families who have experienced abuse and trauma. I am certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, which is designed to support and enhance the relationships of caregivers and their children ages 2-7. I am also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Juvenile Sexual Offender Counseling, and Infant Mental Health. I have years of experience working with survivors of intimate partner violence, as well as those with complex relationships. I am available to see youth ages 0-18, as well as adults in all stages of life. I am also able to provide therapy in English and Spanish.

Why did you become a therapist? 

Like most of us in this field, I wanted to help people. Through my studies in college and graduate school, I was drawn to developing a deeper understanding of how systems and people impact one another. In my graduate program, my specialization was Trauma & Interpersonal Violence. In my career as a therapist, my work focuses on the adverse effects of trauma for children, families, and communities. 

What can a client expect to experience in session with you? 

Safety. As a clinician, my priority is always the emotional and physical safety of my client. I understand how scary it can be to ask for help and how vulnerable it can feel to share painful and personal challenges with a therapist. Clients can expect compassionate, trauma-informed care.

How do you spend your free time? 

I like to hang out with my 3 dogs and 2 cats. My favorite relaxing activities are gardening and learning new songs on my keyboard.

What's your favorite quirk about yourself? 

I cannot stop acquiring plants! I have amassed quite the collection over the last few years. I love learning about new plants and how to help them thrive.

What does social justice mean to you? 

 Social justice means that the culture and systems in place create, enforce, and support equity in the access to and the quality of resources everyone needs to thrive.

How do you believe change happens?

Change can only happen in relationship with others. As a therapist, the strength of the therapeutic relationship can act as a vehicle for change. Connection and a lack of judgment create room for a client to explore themselves and the world around them. So often in my work with children and adolescents I have been told that the youth is dangerous, lacking empathy, defiant, manipulative, etc. when in reality the child only needed kindness and connection. As people, we need one another to thrive.