Christine Colburn, LPC, NCC, CCTP, CATP

Christine attributes her success to a relentless commitment to growth, integrity, and meaningful connection. She does not take a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, she meets each client with intention, clarity, and a deep respect for their individual story. Her ability to build trust quickly, while maintaining strong clinical boundaries, has been a defining factor in her work.

She is known for blending evidence-based practices with creativity and real-world application, ensuring that therapy is not only insightful but effective. Christine continuously challenges herself to evolve, staying current in her field while remaining grounded in what matters most: helping clients recognize their own strength, develop resilience, and create lasting change.

At the core of her success is a clear belief that therapy should empower, not enable, and that real progress comes from accountability, honesty, and the courage to do the work.

The best career advice Christine has received is to “stay in your lane, but never stop growing within it.” She has learned that success is not about trying to be everything to everyone, but about being clear on your values, your strengths, and the population you serve best. From there, growth comes through consistency, continued learning, and a willingness to refine your craft over time.

She also values the reminder that boundaries are not barriers, they are what make longevity and integrity in this field possible. Protecting time, energy, and scope of practice ultimately allows her to show up fully present and effective for the clients she serves.

When I have interns or when I was training them doing their clinical work before they graduated grad school, I would always tell them, do not work harder than your clients. You will burn yourself out so fast. Our field is one of the top five highest burnout careers. So if you're left tired all the time, it means you're working harder. If they don't want to do the work, then you know what? Don't do the work for them, because it's not going to help them. I firmly believe you have to practice what you preach and lead by example, because a lot of people are visual. If you show them what that looks like, it's gonna be easier for them to do it. In mental health, we always talk about self-care, but I kind of got away from it at one time when I had my group practice, and it was an eye-opener for me. Now I intentionally don't work on Fridays with clients. I do my trainings or CEs or consulting work instead.

The mental health field is at a critical point where both the challenges and opportunities are significant. One of the biggest challenges right now is the growing demand for services paired with a shortage of qualified providers. Many clinicians are carrying high caseloads, navigating burnout, and working within systems that can limit access to care for those who need it most.

At the same time, the field is evolving rapidly. Technology, including telehealth and AI-supported tools, is changing how services are delivered. While this creates opportunities for increased access and efficiency, it also raises important questions around quality of care, ethics, and maintaining the human connection that is essential in therapy.

Another key shift is the increasing complexity of client needs. Clinicians are seeing the impact of social media, technology use, and ongoing societal stressors in real time, particularly with children and adolescents. This requires therapists to be more adaptable, creative, and grounded in both evidence-based and experiential approaches.

Despite these challenges, the opportunities are equally impactful. There is greater awareness and reduced stigma around mental health than ever before, which allows for earlier intervention and more open conversations. The demand for specialized, high-quality care continues to grow, creating space for clinicians to refine their niche, expand their impact, and shape how the field evolves moving forward.

Christine views this moment as one that calls for both innovation and integrity, balancing progress with a commitment to ethical, client-centered care.

The values that guide Christine’s work and personal life are integrity, authenticity, and compassion. She believes that meaningful change begins with honest, transparent relationships where clients feel seen, respected, and safe to be themselves without judgment.

Boundaries are also a core value in her practice. Christine views clear, consistent boundaries not as barriers, but as the foundation for ethical, effective, and sustainable therapeutic work. They allow her to show up fully present for her clients while maintaining balance and longevity in her profession.

She also deeply values growth and accountability, both personally and professionally. Christine is committed to ongoing learning and self-reflection, recognizing that effective clinical work requires humility, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve.

Above all, she values empowerment. Her goal is not to “fix” people, but to help them recognize their own strengths, build resilience, and make meaningful, lasting changes in their lives.