LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Avon, CT

Let’s get you to where you want to be. I believe my clients are the experts in their own lives and I bring to the work: lived experience, training, and a sincere commitment to you living your best life. I follow your lead while also speaking up when something sounds like it might be harmful internalized messaging. I am invested in working with people of a wide range of relationship models and social identities including polyamorous/non-monogamous, trans and nonbinary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, fat, disabled, neurodivergent, and sex workers. I come to therapy as a second career from the art and education worlds.

I specialize in working with clients with eating disorder, trauma, and addiction. I have a particular interest for working with marginalized voices, especially within the LGBTQ + community. One passion is helping those impacted by power-based personal violence and assisting them in reclaiming their voice. I believe in fostering mutually-empowering relationships with clients that assist in supporting them through their personal journeys and encouraging them to access their inner strength and capacity for change. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and groups, with a special interest in the emerging adult population.

Dr. Andonian is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Founder of Resonance Center for Psychotherapy & Healing Arts in Hartford, CT, specializing in Holistic Psychology, PTSD, and integrating Western psychotherapy & modern neuroscience with Eastern healing practices. As a descendent of Genocide survivors, Dr. Andonian is passionate about supporting individuals in liberation from the adverse effects of inter-generational trauma. Treatment options include innovative techniques such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Parts Work (IFS), Somatic Therapy, Mindfulness, & Sound Therapy.

**Telehealth Therapy Available** I work with individuals, couples and families to help them identify and address the difficult issues that are standing in the way of the strong, loving relationships they desire. I strive to help all clients establish positive communication skills and stronger relationships. I provide a safe and supportive environment where they can explore and address feelings of hurt or anger and develop goals that will move them toward healing and reconnection.

If you are struggling with the difficulties of life I will help you in a genuinely caring and respectful manner. I believe people are innately resilient and adaptable and that everyone has the capacity to grow and improve. As your therapist I will focus on what is working for you in your life and collaborate together with you to identify and build solutions to help you reach your goals. My goal is to ethically offer guidance and support to help you be the person you want to be and live the life you want to live.

Welcome! You landed here for a reason and are one step closer to finding your way towards your highest potential. Whether you are looking for support through a challenging situation or are in of need guidance to support positive change, I can help. I am a licensed psychotherapist with specialized training in mindfulness and integrative medicine for mental health. I work with clients from a strength based approach using evidenced based clinical interventions along with complimentary and alternative therapies to support and empower individuals to find pathways towards their highest potential.

Coming to therapy can be challenging and create a sense of vulnerability. I strive to be a compassionate clinical psychologist to be a present, empathic listener to help people improve their life situation, relationships, and sense of well-being. I am best suited to treat individuals and couples who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, and trauma. I have a particular interest and training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. In addition, I work with individuals who develop psychological difficulties that accompany medical illnesses, specifically those who suffer from chronic pain.

*Not currently accepting new clients* Generalizations about therapy are difficult; experiences are as unique as the individuals involved and are unlike any that encountered in family, work, or personal life. Therapy requires involvement of and trust between clinician and client during and between sessions and asks questions or presents issues that may be difficult to discuss. Uncomfortable or unfamiliar emotions may arise, and exploration can lead to reduction in distressing feelings and greater understanding of one's experience, which many people experience as highly rewarding.

I am a bilingual licensed clinical psychologist in private practice. As a Certified CBT (Academy of Cognitive Therapy) and Board Certified DBT therapist (DBT-Linehan Board of Certification), I teach my clients tangible tools to make healthy choices by approaching life challenges flexibly and mindfully. My background in Psychodynamic and Mindfulness-Based psychotherapy led me to fluidly utilize different therapeutic approaches that are most helpful to individual needs.

Are stress, anxiety, depression, ruminating/obssessive thoughts keeping you from being your true self and living the life you want? Are you dealing with past traumas that continously present themselves in your present-day life? I can help you to break out of dysfunctional unconsious patterns that are keeping you stuck, and work collaboratively with you to start developing steps towards postive, lasting changes. I primarily use a treatment called Accelerated Resolution Therapy which can help facilitate lasting changes in relatively few sessions. (I am a New York and Connecticut-based clinical psychologist)

I enjoy working with womxn who are looking to find their life work and soul's calling. Who desire a stronger connection to the earth and their ancestors and have a desire to slow down. I often work with individuals who carry a great deal of stress in their bodies from past trauma - showing up as autoimmune and hormonal issues. We will work together to find the root of the symptoms arising to allow for healing. My focus is on helping you find meaning in your life while fostering a sense of purpose. We will work together to build your own personal narrative through the use of art, nature, writing and meditation.

Don’t give up. You are not alone. When we are experiencing emotional pain, healing occurs when an empathic and compassionate therapist helps you to explore and understand what your psyche needs. Pain is inevitable at times in our lives, although suffering does not have to be. Emotional discomfort is the signal from your psyche that change is necessary and crises and challenges can be opportunities for our psyche to heal and grow. If you have experienced a loss, are trying to manage conflicts with a partner, friend or colleague, or you are seeking to improve your relationship with yourself, therapy can be helpful.

I have a deep-rooted commitment to helping individuals from diverse backgrounds, backed by professional expertise in a variety of settings. But I also believe that clients are the experts on their own lives. I have worked with clients of all ages, from as young as three to late adulthood, in outpatient therapy settings; methadone clinics; intensive outpatient programs; inpatient psychiatric units, and in-home crisis intervention. One thing remains constant: the focus of therapy should be based on what YOU wish to work on.

Life's struggles can come in so many forms - depression, anxiety, grief, mania, frustration, and anger - to name a few. We all need support to help understand, make sense of what has happened, be able to move forward, and to grow. Therapy with me is a collaborative approach where we seek to understand your full experience, to shine a gentle and understanding light on the most difficult aspects of what it means to be you.

Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I use an integrative therapeutic approach to help clients achieve their goals. I am bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish. I believe in providing a safe, supportive, and positive space to help clients reach their full potential.

Let's talk. Life can become overwhelming, leading to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Panic attacks? Sleepless nights? Withdrawing from family and friends? Increased agitation? Often these symptoms negatively impact our ability to function well and can interfere with our relationships and the carrying out of the activities of daily living. There are many options and resources available to assist you in reclaiming your life, improving your relationships and creating a more satisfying and fulfilling existence overall. I am here to work with you, to support and challenge you, in a safe and nurturing environment. Let's get started!

I have been practicing psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and couples therapy for over thirty years. I believe that all of us are attempting to better understand our emotions/actions in order to develop a stronger sense of self and to achieve more satisfying personal relationships and careers. While I have completed five years of postdoctoral training geared toward working with highly motivated, insight oriented patients, I have worked in many different communities with diverse populations and am quite comfortable with assisting men, women and children from all walks of life in achieving their personal goals for growth.

With over 20 years of experience working with couples, business partners and relationships, Dr. Dori Gatter creates an environment of compassion and safety for your personal growth and healing. She uses cutting edge brain science and mindfulness based modalities to help you with your relationship issues and goals. Dr. Dori specializes in working with couples and business partners and offers couples retreats at our West Hartford office and Worldwide.

As a holistic psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, I have had the privilege of supporting my clients through a variety of difficult life experiences. Integrating my own personal struggles and shame has opened me to become a more compassionate, nonjudgmental therapist. My warmth and humor help to create a safe environment that allows my clients to transform difficult emotions such as grief, rage ,despair,fear, and shame and open to more happiness, fulfillment and peace in their lives.