About Colleen Cavanagh

Colleen M. Cavanagh, LCSW Located in LIVINGSTON, New JErsey
Got a question? Call Colleen - (201) 362-5793

Colleen began her therapeutic career as a couples and family therapist. She was initially trained in the method, Structural Family Therapy, and has kept the techniques of relational importance, family dynamics, and emotional bonds and attachment theory, at the forefront of her method with clients. Colleen encourages clients to invite family members and close family friends to sessions whenever possible.

Colleen believes that healing and emotional well-being are supported by strengthening our relationships and positive connections with others. When we are able to communicate our thoughts and feelings to those we care about, and then feel validated and heard, we are better able to thrive, connect, and be our best selves. Family therapy sessions are designed to help family members learn how to correct negative patterns, such as avoidance, or blaming, and replace these negative patterns with more positive and healthy interactions.

Colleen has evolved her practice and understandings over the years and has become specialized in trauma recovery. Utilizing a somatic approach that includes a concentrated awareness of physical sensations and emotional waves in the body, Colleen now guides clients into a relationship with their physical and emotional bodies. Colleen believes that there is an accelerated healing process in the body when a direct relationship is developed between bodily awareness and focused attention. Colleen has created her own method of engaging the body into an interactive healing relationship which generates energy and mobilization in the body. Colleen guides her client through this method and empowers her clients to take ownership of their own healing journey and their relationship with themselves.


Colleen specializes in the following areas:

  • Holistic Psychotherapy, utilizing a mind-body-spirit approach, that focuses on Personal Empowerment and Compassionate Embodiment

  • Somatic Trauma Healing and Nervous System Regulation using an interactive and co-meditative approach that teaches the client how to facilitate their own healing responses in the body

  • Structural Family Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy

  • Helping couples heal from infidelity, betrayal of trust, loss of romantic connection, or a traumatic family event

  • Helping individuals and families process a family member having a serious illness, such as a cancer diagnosis or the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Self-actualization work: assisting clients in achieving higher levels of self-understanding, empathy, productivity, and personal fulfillment in their lives

  • Spiritual Guidance, Reiki, Chakra Balancing, and Yoga Therapy