Addiction Therapists in Newtown, CT

I take clients from where they are to where they want to be.

"When You Stumble in Life, Make it Part of Your Dance" I am a Licensed Professional Counselor; I specialize in alcohol and drug addiction . I believe that recovery is a journey for each individual to explore, and requires a trusting and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship. That each individual is the expert on self and will lead themselves to true happiness and freedom through their personal process of change. There are times we get lost on our journey, and need some help finding our road again...I would like to help.

My name is Heather K. Mazarakos LCSW. I have been in practice for over 20yr. I have a Bachelors in Social Work from Southern CT State University in New Haven CT. I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work with a specialization in Substance Abuse and Berevement from Fordham University in New York State. I am licensed in CT. I have extensive experience in areas of Addictions, Legal Issues related to drug and alcohol offenses, Sexual Abuse and Trauma. In addition, I have worked with geriatric disorders, mood disorders, sexual identity, transgender,infertility, Grief and Loss, Hospice and suicidal and Fetish Life.

I believe that transformation is possible for every person and that each client is a unique individual who needs to be understood from their personal worldview. I can help you identify coping skills for difficulties you are having - addiction , anxiety, trauma, anger, depression, divorce; and strategies to help you become empowered and in touch with your feelings. I can help you resolve the problems for which you are seeking treatment but also to help you to identify your strengths that will allow you to experience happiness and peace within yourself and others, and to live a life that you envision!!

I use a person-centered approach to assist my clients in identifying their goals and paint an image of what they envision for themselves. I enjoy helping individuals work through infertility and or other women's issues (post-partum, pregnancy). Often, I treat clients struggling with life events, trauma, substance abuse/ addiction , depression and anxiety. I have been working with in need families (adolescents and adults) throughout New Haven and Fairfield County for the past decade. I have an eclectic approach, meaning I use a variety of treatment modalities to work on issues presented.

My mission is to bring Exceptionally Compassionate and Empowering Treatment to every Client & every Client System. I specialize in treating the many forms of Addiction , including Co-Dependency as well as Psychiatric issues such as Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder. Many clients are surprised to find out that by the time they enter my door for the first time, 90% of the work they need to complete has already been accomplished. The toughest journeys in life all begin with the First Step. There is no shame in needing help, only in not getting the help you need.

You have taken the first step to explore accepting help/therapy and I welcome the opportunity to meet you and work with you. This has been a very challenging time for us all. The issues which were troubling you: stress in your relationships with family and friends or life changes/separation, divorce, retirement, illness or loss may have intensified during this pandemic. I offer daytime, evening and week-end hours and now with more people getting their vaccinations you may prefer a hybrid model of therapy in my office and telehealth.

Each person has the power to change, and I will partner with you to discover the solutions to the challenges you are facing. I provide a warm, nurturing environment and tailor the therapeutic process to help you overcome obstacles standing in your way. You deserve to achieve fulfillment and success in your life and it’s a privilege to take this journey with you. Please reach out via email or phone to schedule an initial phone consultation.

Life is a series of transitions that sometimes create anxiety and other emotions or feelings that are difficult to maneuver. I offer support through these transitions working with the mind, body, and spirit. My approach is holistic. I believe that it is important to tend to all aspects of a person for whole health and healing.

I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship based on respect and understanding is essential to making positive change and helping individuals gain new insight, a healthier perspective or perhaps more meaning in their lives. In order for an individual to reach their full potential, it is important to uncover reasons they may be "stuck" in unhealthy relationships, addictions, poor self-image or other negative situations or behaviors. Cumulative experience has provided a deeper understanding of how dysfunctional patterns, low self esteem, mental illness and addiction can have an impact on the individual as well as those around them.

Laura is a Licensed Professional Counselor with several years of experience. She uses a compassionate, relatable approach tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Laura enjoys working with adolescents, young adults, adults, and couples. Her extensive experience includes working with a variety of mental health needs including anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, anger, grief and loss, and interpersonal conflict. She also has training in treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Laura is honored to meet you where you are at and journey with you through the process of change and healing.

I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing life changes, such as depression, divorce and job difficulties. I do a lot of EAP work, dealing with workplace difficulties. I am also an SAP( Substance Abuse Professional), who does DWI evaluations and assesments for DOT referrals. I also work with teenagers,dealing with divorce issues and relationship problems. Much of my work deals with marriage and family issues. I have successfully helped many couples dealing with marital issues, and extramarital affairs. I have worked for the State of New York for many years, dealing with individuals with chronic mental illness.

I have been in practice for over 20 years working in a variety of treatment settings. I enjoy working with individuals and families from all walks of life. I have strong ties to the educational and medical communities and have an affinity for working with teenagers and adults. My social work training also includes a license and specialization in substance abuse disorders.

Southbury Counseling works with teens and adults with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, and family issues. Southbury Counseling will match you with a counselor best skilled to assist you with your specific issues and at your convenience.

Effective counseling occurs when people develop the insight to make meaningful changes to their emotional, spiritual, and social functioning. The client/counselor relationship starts by building of trust and respect, which sets the foundation to reach mutually agreed upon treatment goals.

Whether it is anxiety, depression, recovery or life transitions that lead you to seek help, I believe everyone can benefit from the insights and tools counseling provides. We carry the answers to our problems however often need unbiased help and support sifting through options and external messages and tools to support change. I would welcome the opportunity to work together with you to identify and address these issues and help you move forward to a better place.

The questions of who am I, where am I going and what does it all mean can produce many challenges for each of us. I try to see the world through the eyes of the clients I work with to develop an action plan to identify goals, solutions and adjustments to help guide the transition of change. I help client’s in a collaborative approach to develop an understanding of self-empowerment and self-efficacy to form a foundation from which to grow. My work with clients involves traditional individual, family, group and couple counseling modalities as well as practical real life applications in a life-coaching setting.