Shira Collings, LPC
Proper noun
[Shee-rah Cah-lings], c.1994
1 – A therapist, licensed in PA, NJ, NV, OR, and WA who specializes in reproductive mental health, eating disorders, body image, neurodiversity affirming care, LGBTQ+ affirming care, trauma, and grief
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2- A Humanistic Jewish ritualist and ceremonialist active in the Philadelphia area and virtually
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3 – A miscarriage and bereavement doula focusing on loss in underserved populations
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4 – A Mad Liberationist
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5 – A matchmaker for Jews of all backgrounds, particularly LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and childfree Jews in the Philadelphia area, for the organization Tribe 12
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6 – A consultant on any of the above
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Therapy
I am a feminist, neurodiversity affirming, LGBTQ+ affirming, fat affirming, and disability justice aligned therapist. I am passionate about supporting people in living a life that is aligned with their true values, and healing from both external and internalized oppression that may be impacting their well-being. I strive to create a space in which clients can express their full, authentic selves and share their stories without shame or judgment. I regularly incorporate mindfulness, self-compassion, expressive arts, philosophy and pop culture, and self-advocacy skills into my approach.
I own a private practice, where I specialize in reproductive mental health, e.g. experiences of infertility, pregancy loss, abortion, transitioning to parenthood, and deciding to be chidlfree. Other areas of expertise include neurodiversity affirming therapy, LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, grief and loss, and trauma, including religious trauma. I have training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems therapy, and Narrative Exposure Therapy. I am also certified in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
Reach out for therapy
I also work in a group practice with Dr. Rachel Millner, Psy.D, that specializes in eating disorders and body image. Because eating disorders can be complex and multi-faceted, the support of a team and of Dr. Millner is a tremendous asset in providing the best possible care. As a diet culture dropout myself with my own experiences of disordered eating and recovery, I am committed to supporting others in finding food freedom and body liberation.
Ritual and Ceremony
I am an ordained Lifecycle Ceremony Officiant through the International Institute of Secular Humanistic Judaism. I have training in Jewish lifecycle traditions and providing guidance around life transitions. My background is in “God optional” Judaism, meaning that I support people in honoring life experiences in a way that honors their Jewish cultural roots without having to adhere to any specific belief system. I can officiate weddings, funerals, baby namings, and b’nei mitzvot. I am especially passionate about officiating ceremonies for life events that are less commonly commemorated, including gender transition, infertility and pregnancy loss, mental health recovery, deciding to be childfree, and pet adoption and pet loss.
Start your ritual journey
Miscarriage and Bereavement Doula
I have personally felt the pain and devastation of recurrent pregnancy loss. This has sparked my interest in supporting others experiencing pregnancy loss, including termination for medical reasons and termination for mental health/other well-being reasons. I can provide education and emotional support about these topics, with a particular focus on supporting people with marginalized identities experiencing pregnancy loss.
Get Doula support
Mad Liberationist
I am a strong supporter of Mad Pride, a movement that reclaims the term Mad (as in the British word for “crazy” or “insane”) in a positive or neutral way. This movement views psychiatric disabilities and mental illness as part of human diversity that we should strive to accommodate and accept rather than solely treat or cure. As a Mad liberationist therapist, I center clients’ autonomy in understanding how they view their psychiatric disabilities/diagnoses, and work with clients to seek accommodations, supports, and communities that feel affirming and liberating.
Connect about mad liberation
Matchmaking
As a matchmaker, I help create opportunities for members of the Jewish community to find love and friendship. I especially love working with queer, neurodivergent, and childfree Jews to find love, connection, and belonging. I currently offer matchmaking through Tribe 12, an awesome organization serving Jewish young adults in Philly.
Tribe 12 Matchmaking
Consulting
I’d love to provide consultation and training to anyone interested in learning more about the above areas of expertise. I have provided trainings to practices and organizations on eating disorders, the neurodiversity paradigm, neurodiversity affirming approaches to eating disorders, and autonomy centered crisis support, as well as spoken on podcasts about perinatal grief and loss. Please feel free to reach out if you are interested in having me deliver a training, provide consultation, or speak at a conference or on a podcast.
Set up a consultation