CHARLENE COLLINS

Providing Safe and Accessible Care in Gainesville

Story By: MONICA SEGEREN

Charlene Collins, the owner of Connections Family Counseling, is a Marriage and Family Therapist. Charlene has a unique story where she begins her career as a police officer at Gainesville Police Department for 8 years. During her time in the police force, she realized that: “I could be doing so much more for my community by addressing core issues at the root—the family.” So, that’s just what Charlene did. She earned her M.S. in Marriage and Family Counseling and opened her private practice, Charlene Rene Consulting, 4 years ago. Every day, Charlene makes a difference in someone’s life.

Charlene has also started a podcast called iGetBetter with her longtime college friend, Phedra Smith. On the podcast, the two friends discuss everything from boundaries to faith. The goal was to talk about how no one is perfect and that we can always strive to be better. Episodes range anywhere between 10 and 30 minutes long, and there’s something for everyone!

When discussing how there can be a wait to talk to a therapist, Charlene suggested a toolkit to help while you are waiting to talk. Or if you’re in the process of finding a new one. This toolkit includes: practicing healthy nutrition and dietary choices, physical fitness activities, reading self-help or inspirational books (audio or paperback), listening to uplifting music, listening to motivational podcasts, spending time with loved ones (friends and family), journaling, practicing meditation or prayer, engage often in enjoyable hobbies or activities, or take a trip to a new place or try a new restaurant.

Although these are things that do not replace therapy, these are some great tools to help you stay afloat. Charlene also talked about the importance of finding the right fit and not being afraid to fire your therapist. “Change is important,” Charlene said, “Never be afraid to make a change. Quite often people allow their fears to keep them in a place of comfort or they feel as if they have put so much time into something that they should just remain there.” That applies to more than just finding a therapist.

When asked if she wanted to share something with our readers Charlene said: there is a quote from a song called: “Dream On” by Willie Moore Jr. that I carry with me and say to myself often…”If people don’t laugh at your dream, it ain’t big enough.” Charlene Collins shows us that change can be a scary thing, but it can drastically improve our lives. Through her journey, Charlene learned that even though people may not see her perspective on her visions, she reminds herself that she has to believe in her vision first, despite the isolation. From a police officer to aiding her community differently to now helping families one-on-one through therapy, Charlene reminds us that through strength and dedication—anything is possible.