Colin M. Hammer, LCSW, PLLC
My name is Colin Hammer and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Illinois and Oregon. I earned my Bachelors of Social Work degree from Southern Illinois University in 1992 and my Master’s degree in Social Work from Portland State University in 2001. Throughout my 25 years of practice, I have worked in many different settings with individuals of different ages, ethnicities, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. I have been able to help people who are struggling with an array of personal issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, LGBTQ, caregiver stress, and end of life issues. My formal training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, LGBTQ Affirming Therapy, and Trauma Informed Therapy.
I approach the therapeutic relationship from a client-centered lens with an integrative treatment approach. This means that I work with each client to develop a unique treatment plan to address their specific needs. I do not utilize a one size fits all approach and I believe that the client is just as important in this process as the therapist is. I examine all aspects of a client’s perspective including the systems that impact them. Treating the whole person is an important aspect for me in my therapeutic engagement with clients. I believe that every person has value and is worthy of kindness, and being an active listener and allowing people to be heard and accepted are the cornerstones of a successful therapeutic relationship.
To help grow future social workers, I actively provide Clinical Supervision to Illinois Social Workers working towards their LCSW licensure. Clinical supervision is conducted via video conferencing, and follows all State of Illinois and NASW guidelines. Please feel free to contact me with questions or for additional information. To learn more about the NASW of Illinois’ supervision requirements, visit https://www.naswil.org/supervision.
