Staff Psychologist, Liaison to Feinberg School of Medicine
Email: rachael.collins@northwestern.edu
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Education & Training:
- Postdoctoral residency: University Counseling Services, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Predoctoral internship: University Counseling Services, Virginia Commonwealth University
- PhD, Counseling Psychology, Ball State University
Theoretical Orientation:
Dr. Collins values working with clients through a collaborative, culturally humble, anti-oppression, and strengths-based approach. She enacts the research supporting that a safe and secure therapeutic relationship is a significant factor for effective healing and growth. Dr. Collins tailors her treatment approach by integrating psychodynamic, interpersonal, and relational-cultural therapies, while also employing other evidence-based treatment modalities (e.g., ACT, CBT, DBT) to support clients in better understanding themselves and their relationships, their patterns and behaviors, and to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Professional Interests/Expertise Areas:
Dr. Collins has provided clinical services in several different settings including a community mental health center, private practice, and multiple university counseling centers. She has experience providing individual, couples (i.e., Gottman Method and EFT), and group therapy (i.e., skills-based, support, and interpersonal process) with individuals across the lifespan and to address a variety of concerns. Dr. Collins has expertise and particular interest in addressing concerns related to graduate and professional students, stress and anxiety, adjustment and life transitions, depression, perfectionism, self-criticism, impostor phenomenon, trauma, burnout and compassion fatigue, relationships and family of origin, and grief and loss.