As a clinical psychologist and a parent, Dr. Colleen Napleton blends her professional expertise and personal experience to provide helpful actionable guidance.
Founder of the Center for Balanced Parenthood and Inner Life Psychological Services, Dr. Colleen brings decades of clinical experience to her work as an expert coach and teacher. She changes lives with her solution-oriented and affirming approach.
Dr. Colleen’s passion for working with children and families began early in her career. After training at the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School at the University of Chicago, Dr. Colleen completed her internship and postdoctoral studies at the Hanna Perkins Center for Child Development, a therapeutic preschool and kindergarten in Shaker Heights, Ohio. During this time, she took classes on theory and defense mechanisms, learned about every stage of development from infancy through parenthood, observed the lab school, and saw children as clients/patients in school and therapy cases.
Through these clinical experiences, Dr. Colleen had the opportunity to expand and apply her knowledge of child development. She got to see these stages and behaviors play out in real-life scenarios. She learned how to really talk with kids and experienced firsthand how brilliantly complex toddlers and preschoolers are. Their minds are buzzing with all sorts of thoughts and feelings, often in conflict with one another. It’s amazing how much depth and intelligence these little ones have, but most people don’t realize it. It was at this point that Dr. Colleen’s passion, expertise, and mission intersected.
Dr. Colleen’s philosophy is built on the belief that having a deeper understanding of child development is key to addressing challenging behaviors and creating happier families. She provides parents with valuable insights into their children’s behavior, as well as reassures them that their child will be okay and that what they’re experiencing is a natural stage of development. Dr. Colleen helps parents discover what they may not know and gives them the tools to positively change their lives and ultimately their children’s lives. In every interaction, Dr. Colleen wants parents to feel confident in the knowledge that they are enough and they are not alone.
Regardless of age, everyone Dr. Colleen works with began life as an infant. Her dedication to early childhood gives her a deeper understanding of all humans — from where we start to how we grow and what shapes us.
As a mom herself, Dr. Colleen knows that parents need the opportunity to connect with others going through similar experiences. This knowledge inspired her to establish the Center for Balanced Parenthood as a supportive space for connection, coaching, and community. Dr. Colleen is also the founder of Inner Life Psychological Services, which focuses on enhancing community well-being by offering comprehensive support and insights. Through both organizations, Dr. Colleen is dedicated to ensuring parents feel equipped, confident, and understood.
The Center for Balanced Parenthood offers parenting classes, coaching, support groups, mommy-and-me groups, and more. In a time when so many parents feel isolated and exhausted, the center serves as a judgment-free space for community, camaraderie, and authentic conversation. Dr. Colleen’s personal experiences as a mother inspired her to create this nurturing environment for parents, ensuring parents have a dedicated space for connection and support.
Dr. Colleen founded Inner Life Psychological Services to provide comprehensive psychological support and foster personal growth in her community. Inner Life offers in-person and online therapy, as well as life coaching and psychological assessments. With locations in Chicago and Hinsdale, Illinois, Inner Life’s team of clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers is committed to helping people understand emotions, navigate challenges, and make positive changes.
Dr. Colleen shares her expertise on tricky parenting topics, including school stress, separation anxiety, and finding balance. Visit the press page for more appearances and to learn how you can collaborate with Dr. Colleen.
Whether you have a parenting question or a media inquiry, Dr. Colleen is here for you. Fill out the form to get in touch.
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