Colleen Otto

Colleen Otto, M.A. (she/her) is a dedicated mental health counselor at Brighter Life Therapy, PLLC, offering both in-person and virtual sessions. Colleen is currently license-eligible and brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to her practice. Colleen holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marist College, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hunter College, and an Associate degree in Behavioral Science from SUNY Orange. Her academic background is complemented by a diverse professional experience, having worked with individuals and families across various stages of life in settings such as residential care, college campuses, city probationary departments, and private practice. Specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, relational and communication challenges, stress management, life transitions, and self-esteem issues, Colleen employs a multimodal therapeutic approach. She integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic, and narrative orientations, tailoring her methods to meet the unique needs of each client. For younger clients, Colleen utilizes play therapy techniques and incorporates a psychoanalytic perspective to foster deeper understanding and insight. Colleen believes in the power of each person’s unique story, challenges, and intersecting identities. She creates a supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment where creativity, humor, and genuine connection thrive. Central to her practice is the client-counselor relationship, ensuring that every client feels supported, heard, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey.