Expressive Arts Therapists in Darien, CT

I am a CT Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor that specializes in providing therapy to children, adolescents and parents. I utilize an eclectic mix of theories and techniques to inform my practice (Client Centered, CBT, trauma-focused, expressive arts, play and mindfulness). I provide a safe, warm and non-judgmental space to be heard and supported.

With 12 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is Licensed in 22 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.

Tired of ‘talking’ about your feelings and explaining yourself to another therapist? Let your art speak for YOU! With the 'Mindfulness of DBT‘ and client centered therapy; we create a “Tool Kit’ custom designed for your specific needs and goals using art and art therapy directives. Grounding and self-regulating skills are the foundation of our work together. Selecting art materials, what and how you create, the interpretation and meaning of your art; begins the therapeutic dialogue. Clients gain self-esteem, a new perspective and ability to tackle their issues and life challenges in a healthier and more productive way.

Life has many challenges, it's how you grow from your past that defines who you are in life. You may feel alone, misunderstood, and unfulfilled with your life or personal relationships. Perhaps you're having intense negative emotions. People typically enter therapy when they are in distress, although it's usually the long-term and underlying struggles that concern them the most. Initially, we will work quickly to address your immediate pain and provide relief. As therapy progresses, our focus may shift so you develop more positive and enriching relationships with yourself and others.

You just feel...stuck. You deal with a persistent sadness like you're moving through life in a heavy fog. Or maybe you're constantly on edge, overwhelmed by worry and that unrelenting inner critic. Maybe you just feel so disconnected that you're having trouble identifying the problem. On the outside, everything looks perfect and you 'should ' be happy. The truth is, you've gotten so good at faking it that you feel like an impostor in your own life. You're just not your best self.

Donna has extensive experience working with diverse populations across a range of mental health concerns. She specializes in treating anxiety disorders, depression, schizoaffective, bipolar, trauma-related issues, relationship difficulties, and grief and loss. Additionally, she offers support to individuals navigating life transitions, such as career changes, divorce, and retirement. By combining her expertise, empathy and dedication, Donna VanderPoel strives to empower individuals to overcome challenges, rediscover their strengths, and lead fulfilling lives. Her mission is to create positive change one client at a time.

Your family's wellness solution. For over a decade, Lift has served as CT's premier choice for counseling, psychotherapy, concierge medical, psychological testing, and nutrition services. Equipped to meet the myriad of needs of modern families, Lift's multidisciplinary team provides psychiatric evaluations, dietary services, individual, group, couples & family therapy, eating disorder treatment, CBT, DBT, EMDR, ADHD evaluations & care, play therapy, career/effectiveness coaching, and mood and anxiety treatment, in person (Westport CT,) and remotely (CT, TN, VA, CO, TX, NY, FL, MA, DC, GA, NC, PA.)

I work collaboratively with you to create a safe, supportive relationship to help you to identify and attain your goals. So often we know what is wrong but don't know how to "fix it." I work with you to get to the heart of the matter, working closely with you to find joy and contentment in work, relationships and life. My expertise as a therapist, trainer, and supervisor has shown me that deep and lasting change is absolutely possible with guidance, caring, and courage. I learn new skills every year to help you to heal from anxiety, difficult and traumatic experiences and also in parenting challenges with your child and teenager.

Lift Wellness Group has proudly served as Southwestern Connecticut's premier outpatient counseling, psychotherapy, medical and dietary group for seven years. Located in the heart of downtown Westport, CT, our multidisciplinary team provides eating disorder recovery services, psychiatric evaluations and medication management, dietary services, group therapy, meal support, CBT, DBT, EMDR, executive function coaching, ADHD evaluations and treatment, play therapy, couples counseling, mood and anxiety treatment, therapy for teens, young adult counseling, both in person and remotely in CT, TN, VA, CO, TX, NY, FL, MA, DC, GA, NC, PA.

*** Please note I am not accepting new clients at this time *** I work with kids, teens, & young adults (ages 6 -26) experiencing issues of anxiety, self-esteem, bullying/social media/relationships, depression, trauma, self-harm/cutting, & transitioning to young adulthood. In addition to counseling, I provide advocacy & consultation regarding school issues; parent coaching for family, school & behavioral issues, as well as guidance & support for parents. I provide counseling with a warm, friendly, down-to-earth personal style. My work enables kids + teens to explore their feelings & develop problem-solving abilities in a safe child-centered environment.