Trauma Focused Therapists in Guilford, CT

Welcome! I am the owner and founder of Synergy Wellness, LLC. I have extensive training in treating trauma, as well as often associated symptoms of anxiety and depression. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I also have a special interest in working with couples and have training in Gottman's Couples Therapy. My practice is firmly rooted in a strengths based and collaborative approach, fulfilling the idea that "it's not what's wrong with you, it's what happened to you".- Dr. Bruce Perry

Good therapy happens when you and your therapist work collaboratively to achieve your goals, you feel truly heard and understood and your therapist has the knowledge and experience to help you identify the obstacles to achieving your goals. I am passionate about the work I do with children, adolescents and adults and feel fortunate to enjoy going in each day. I've been told by many, I have a warm, caring style and frequently use humor in sessions. I help people understand the connection between their thoughts feelings and behaviors and ways in which they can make changes to find relief from the stressors they experience.

I am a highly trained and experienced clinical social worker whose practice invites individuals, couples & families facing adaptational challenges of all kinds throughout the life cycle: infancy through end-of-life. Working with strength-based developmental treatment models, I find best results are achieved in strong collaboration with individuals (and designated family members), who have the capacity to engage in a meaningful therapeutic relationship, have good family and social supports, and are motivated for change.

At the Shoreline Psychotherapy and Behavioral Health (SPBH) center, we care for clients of all ages and stages including young children, adolescents and adults as they learn to cope with their psychological issues. We provide individual, couples, family and group psychotherapy.

Life can often feel overwhelming–you’re carrying a lot on your shoulders–and as a result you feel stuck in a rut or routine. Please know that this narrative can change; it’s possible to find peace, and I’m here to help. Our therapeutic relationship is the most important aspect of therapy, and so my objective is always to provide a space where folks feel safe and heard and like they can be their authentic selves within a session. I use a warm, validating approach balanced with a directness that is clear and affirming. I’m person-centered and believe that my clients should be co-creators in their own paths to healing.

Feeling emotionally exhausted? Tried talking to friends and family and still feel unable to be understood? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? Sometimes people just need an outlet to vent out things. Necesitas hablar con alguien que hable tu idioma y entienda tu cultura? I provide individual interventions integrating various approaches such as: Psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Interpersonal brief interventions, Guided Imagery, and problem solving strategies among others.

I believe that each of us has something to learn from our past; however, the first step toward becoming the best we can be is to look at and learn from our past, but not live there. Seeking therapy is a statement of strength and belief that you, your family, and your relationships are of significant value. Some people seek therapy when in crisis. Many others, who are already doing well in life, seek therapy to prompt improvement or provide objective feedback to help them move forward.

In private practice for 25 years, counseling children, adults, families, couples as group, workshop leader, psychotherapist, professor college/graduate programs, HR consultant, corporate businesses, Canyon Ranch Spa (12 yrs), hospitals, entertainment industry, with first responders and their families. People who seek counseling are often in a transitional stage of life. People experience self doubt, anxiety and loneliness. In our therapy, I listen with compassion, sharing my vast experience and truth. I offer creative therapeutic tools, a sense of meaning making. In relationship with me, you feel deeply understood and cared for.

Making an informed choice in selection of your therapist is your first step in achieving your goals. In the field for 25+ years, I am licensed both as a Clinical Social Worker and a Drug and Alcohol Counselor with post-graduate training in Marriage and Family Therapy. As a Substance Abuse Counselor, I am flexible and work with persons seeking abstinence as well as those working toward harm reduction. Certified as a School Social Worker to work with children with special needs, I can assist in navigating the Educational System and can collaborate with family and school around issues impacting performance or socialization with peer.

I’m sure you’ve been asked this a thousand times… “I’m so impressed—how do you do it?” On the one hand, that question is SO satisfying as your inner perfectionist steps up to claim her gold medal. But on the other, you’re silently screaming that the pressure of trying to do it all is crushing you. Your perfectionism shows up in your work. You probably find yourself working way more hours than your colleagues. It might show up in your relationships. Have you ever gone into a tailspin because you wanted to plan the perfect party for a loved one? Or it might show up within yourself—how you eat, dress, exercise, or maintain your home.

Nautilus Counseling takes its name from the chambered ocean creature. A nautilus builds a new shell chamber for itself when the current one no longer works and is uncomfortable, allowing the nautilus to grow as it should. Discomfort inspires change and growth for the nautilus and for us too. Are you ready for change? If you are, I am excited to support you in making that change. Together, we will look at what in your life is creating discomfort for you, what is contributing to that feeling, and how to help you change and grow towards a place that feels right for you.

I specialize in working with individuals and couples struggling with anxiety, depression or trauma that often accompanies major life transitions (launching to adulthood, birth of a baby, career shifts, loss of a loved one, loss of a relationship/divorce, health crisis). Life transitions impact our identity, our relationships and our sense of Self, often in ways we don’t expect. If a life event feels overwhelming or is keeping you stuck in patterns of thinking/behaving that no longer serve you, let's talk. EMAIL inquiries are the most efficient way to reach me.

My treatment approach emphasizes a collaborative process of deep understanding of your personal and unique life journey for the purpose of improving or enhancing your wellbeing. Within a safe, empathic, and highly respectful environment, my goal is to help you make sense of where you've been and where you are now so you can create the future you want. As an experienced therapist and psychoanalyst with advanced certifications, I work with a wide array of problems and concerns. Special areas of expertise are trauma, anxiety, transitions, and loss.

Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or maybe just not like your usual self? Do you feel like you set the same goals year in and year out and don't stick to them? Are you feeling burned out from your job or feeling like you have lost your sense of purpose? Maybe you have a child who is suffering or maybe you are not sure what the best way to parent a developmental stage is. If this sounds like you, we may be able to help.

I believe that each of us already possesses the ability to live a happy and fulfilling life. With greater self-understanding, we can discover and break through barriers that hold us back, find new perspectives, and achieve new goals. I work with people who are experiencing specific challenges--such as trauma or relationship issues--as well as those who suffer from anxiety, depression, feel "stuck in a rut" or are simply interested in exploring new ways to find more fulfillment in their lives. Whatever your goal, we can work together to achieve balance and lasting change.

Anxiety, Depression and addiction are the most common issues around the world. Are you a student who is having difficulty in these areas? Or maybe a young professional who has been having a hard time? What about the parent who needs a little help sometimes. I can help you. My warm and empathetic nature will help you to feel comfortable and open to work on making some changes. I would love to help you be the best version of yourself.

I have extensive experience treating substance use disorders and related trauma. I also have created a subspecialty called ABC therapy that directly addresses the needs of families involved with substance use. Additionally, I have recently added EMDR as a powerful new tool for helping clients dealing with trauma and anxiety.