Caitlin McCollister is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Mamaya Health in Nashville, TN. Her work sits at the intersection of trauma, attachment, and the transformative experience of parenthood.
Parenthood often shines a light on our own childhoods — whether we're ready for it or not. For many new and expecting parents, the transition into caregiving can be hard and at times triggering, especially for those with unresolved trauma or complicated family dynamics. That's where compassionate mental health support becomes not only helpful, but life-changing.
Attachment to Heal the Present
Caitlin works exclusively with adults, many of whom are parents or contemplating parenthood. A cornerstone of her approach is attachment theory — which helps people understand how early relationships with caregivers shape responses throughout life.
"Even if someone says they had a happy childhood, there's usually some area where they learned to suppress or fear a certain emotion," Caitlin said. "For example, maybe sadness wasn't welcomed in their home, so they never learned how to feel safe expressing it."
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Caitlin's go-to method is Internal Family Systems, a model that sees humans as made of many different "parts" — each serving a purpose, even when that purpose appears problematic on the surface. "There are no bad parts," Caitlin emphasized. "Every part is trying to help in its own way."
Caitlin listens carefully for negative self-talk. "Instead of arguing with it, I ask: Where did that belief come from? Who taught you that? What age were you when you first had that thought?"
The Nervous System and Motherhood
Polyvagal theory — which explains how our nervous systems respond to safety and perceived danger — plays a key role in Caitlin's work. "Your brain might know your toddler screaming isn't dangerous, but your nervous system might still react that way," she noted. "People who are well-supported are more likely to stay calm and connected in those moments."
Cultural Humility and Presence
Caitlin approaches therapy with cultural humility, leading with curiosity rather than assumptions. She uses an orchestra metaphor: "I think of the self as the conductor and all the parts as instruments. No part needs to be silenced — we just need to find balance and harmony."
Healing Is Human
Caitlin reminds her clients that breaking generational cycles isn't about becoming a perfect parent — it's about becoming an aware and present one. "If your whole body tenses when your toddler screams, that doesn't mean something is wrong with you. It means you're human."
Interested in working with Caitlin or one of our other trauma-informed therapists? Connect with a Mamaya therapist →
