Colin Chisholm
Mindful Mountain Counseling
I earned my master’s degree in social work (MSW) at the University of Montana, where I focused on end-of-life care, bereavement, anxiety and depression, geriatrics, and existential and mindfulness-based counseling. Over the years I’ve counseled a diversity of people with a wide array of life challenges, including relationship problems, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, chronic pain, trauma, and life transitions.
Prior to my work as a clinical social worker, I earned a master’s degree in creative writing (MFA) and worked as a writer for many years. My book, Through Yup’ik Eyes: An Adopted Son Explores the Landscape of Family, was published in 2000. My love for literature and writing has transferred well to my work as a psychotherapist, and with clients I will often harness the power of prose and poetry to educate, illuminate, and inspire personal growth.
I grew up in Olympic Valley, CA, which instilled in me a lifelong passion for mountains, the natural world, and healthy living. I enjoy backcountry skiing, rock climbing, and cycling, and many of the photographs you see on this website were taken by me, or by friends and family, in wild places nearby and around the world. While my outdoor pursuits have often challenged me physically and mentally, I believe the true adventure in life—the deepest, most courageous living—takes place within our inner landscapes. I envision Mindful Mountain as a place where courageous people come to seek integration of mind, body, and spirit. I hope to be a guide along the way.
I’m also a husband to my wife Emily, and a father to my daughter Aila. Both my inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you’re looking for a therapist who irons his shirts and combs his hair every day, I’m probably not your guy. If you’re wanting a therapist who validates without challenging, also probably not your guy. If you’re looking for a highly trained therapist who believes in your capacity to heal and grow, and who will challenge you to rise to your own potential, I may be a good fit for you.
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Absolutely not. In fact, I might be wearing shorts (even in winter!) Comfort is key.
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Hard no. I’m a guide, not a guru. You’re the expert on you—I’m just here to help you navigate the trail.
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Generally, I ask for 24 hours’ notice. However, if the powder is deep, I reserve the right to call a "mental health day.” I encourage you to as well!
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I ride mountain bikes, play with my daughter, bake bread. I read literary fiction, philosophy, and poetry (yes, really). I’m a dad and a husband, a former college hockey player, and a friend to many. I also love burritos.
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Most days. I love this work. It’s a privilege to walk alongside people as they figure things out.
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Any therapist that hasn’t gone to therapy likely shouldn’t be a therapist. The answer is yes. Without question therapy changed me, changed my life. My wife and I are strong believers in going to couple counseling when we’re going through hard chapters in our relationship..
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Sometimes. Whatever works for you. If that’s mindfulness, great. If it’s ranting about your neighbor’s poorly trained dog, that works too. (We’ll just call it “emotional processing.”)
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Bring it on. Tears, laughter, awkward silences—it’s all welcome. I haven’t seen it all, but I have kind of seen it all.
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Sometimes, but I’m not a cognitive behavioral therapist. I’m more inclined to offer resources, such as good books, novels, podcasts, poetry.
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Being curious, humble, attuned, engaged. Also being highly trained.
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You mean that slow, saccharine, affected tone some therapists use? No. I sound like me—just with slightly more intentional pauses and fewer skiing metaphors.
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Only if you’re into that. Otherwise, I can just stare at you meaningfully until you crack. (Kidding. Sort of.)
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For sure. That just goes with the job. And when I ask, I will really mean it.
