Aetna Therapists in Newtown, CT

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.

What is most important to you? What do you value most in your life? I believe identifying these things is essential to being true to ourselves and living a fulfilled life. Getting to this place is a process but one you do not need be alone in. I specialize in working with individuals, couples and families. As a professional counselor with a background in marriage and family therapy I utilize various therapeutic models and techniques to help my clients process their trauma, struggles and relationships. As a family therapist I strive to help families understand and manage the complex dynamics within their family system.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 plus years experience providing individual,family, and couples therapy. Within a compassionate and safe setting, I utilize a variety of therapeutic skills and interventions to help people find their path to solutions, personal strength, and a sense of well being. I believe the most effective treatment is one that provides clients with concrete tools and new skills to be used both within and outside of the office.

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.

What do you want to see better or different in your life? This is where I love to start sessions with clients because you are the expert on being you, and I want to assist you in achieving your goals, whatever they may be. I am trained in a number of different modalities in order to provide a therapeutic process that is unique to each client.

Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome at some point. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, infertility, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow.

As the founder and clinical director of Meridian Psychotherapy Associates, I am here to provide you with the support you deserve. We have a talented and compassionate team of clinical psychotherapists that have worked extensively with individuals, couples and families. The majority of individuals we help are working on managing anxiety, depression, trauma, and loss. Meridian Psychotherapy Associates strives to provide a compassionate, safe and judgement-free space to talk and heal. Whether it is relationship difficulty or the stressors of day to day life, your lived experience should and will be heard.

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.

"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.

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

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 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.

You have begun a journey to healing, balance, growth and well being. We will work together towards setting tangible goals to overcome obstacles that are blocking your ability to find happiness and growth. I have sixteen years of experience working in mental health. My approach is eclectic. I use psychodynamic theories and incorporate principles of psychoanalysis, mindfulness based modalities, Cognitive/Behavioral therapies, Experiential Therapy and most importantly a Relationship Model. I believe change is possible.

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.

I am an experienced therapist who welcomes individuals and couples who want to find relief and overcome barriers that prevent them from feeling fulfilled. I specialize in working with anxiety, panic disorders, depression, grief, chronic illness, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges, career stress, self-esteem issues as well as trauma.

Life sometimes presents us with challenges that can feel overwhelming and we find ourselves at an emotional impasse. As an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor, I believe in fostering a collaborative relationship that is rooted in safety, respect, trust and empathy. During the course of therapy, I offer an accepting environment that opens possibilities for noticing patterns of daily functioning that are not working or are limiting potential. I consider that it is essential to validate my client's uniqueness to develop insight and encourage personal growth and healing of mind, body and spirit.

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.