The people that I work with often do not understand why they are feeling depressed, anxious, angry, disappointed and so forth, let alone where it stems from or how to change it. I work using multiple therapy models tailored to an individual's needs and personality. We will work collaboratively to uncover the root of distress and develop the tools needed to overcome the challenges that are problematic.

We all have our unique challenges as we navigate the craziness of our world these days. Many of us can manage the bumps in the road on our own or with support from friends and family. And at times, the terrain of our journey can feel unfamiliar, unsafe, a bit rough or even treacherous. In those moments of vulnerability, it takes courage to reach out for support and connection. Connection with someone who will accompany us as we cultivate insight into the roots of what is causing us pain, explore how to bring compassion to our flaws while developing coping strategies that allow us to tolerate some of our more uncomfortable emotions.

I am a clinical psychologist with expertise in treating addictions, eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, body image issues and difficulties with emotion regulation. I teach skills that increase life satisfaction, happiness, self-confidence, curiosity and gratitude. When life doesn't meet our expectations or painful situations occur, many people become self-critical and fight against emotions such as anger, loneliness, fear or shame. It is this lack of acceptance that increases suffering. Mindfulness and self-compassion involve responding with kindness to our own pain, thereby reducing suffering.

I am a licensed clinical social worker excited and prepared to help you achieve your goals by offering individualized patient centered treatment. We will collaborate to create the best treatment associated with your strengths throught a variety of techniques.

With 25 years experience, I am a licensed in Marriage and Family therapy providing marital therapy, and individual therapy for adults, teens and children in West Hartford. We all need help sometimes making the changes that will improve the relationships, feelings and thoughts that keep us stuck. More and more people are turning to the Systemic (Family) therapy approach, because they are tired of treating only the symptom with medication or other methods and are ready to make the changes that not only heal the symptom (i.e. depression, anxiety, etc.) but help them begin to have the relationships and life they want.

In this this time of crises, people are struggling to cope with the multiple challenges they are facing, including isolation, fear, anxiety, depression, anger, sadness, financial stress, and relationships. As a therapist, I want to offer assistance to individuals who find themselves overwhelmed and seeking a safe space in which to openly discuss their concerns. Although I take insurance, I will be discussing a sliding scale with individuals who would otherwise be unable to get treatment.

My 30+ year career in psychology began with a specialty in the behavior problems of children and adolescents. Although this continues as a specialty, my practice has evolved to include adult, marital, and family issues. I place a strong emphasis on enhancing family harmony and cohesiveness through "common sense" parenting and developing sound marital relationships. I am aware that certain adult mental health issues may negatively impact family functioning. In some instances those adult issues need to be addressed first. I attempt to include the school and other agencies in the treatment plan when indicated.

How can it be that only 41% of people with mental health needs have sought out services within the past year? Perhaps there was a lack of connection between the client and the therapist. I hope to be that warm connection to a therapist that you have been seeking. Welcome! Congratulations on taking that first step towards personal growth and transformation - let's take the next part of your journey together. I can help you tackle those issues that have been keeping you stuck, to help you to move toward clarity, just by helping you discover the internal resources that you already possess.

Do you often feel worried about the future, less interested in things you used to enjoy, not good enough, or isolated and down? Are you pregnant or newly a parent and finding yourself feeling distressed, hopeless, or helpless? Do you often experience stress with work or relationships that feels overwhelming?

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!

Let's work together to investigate how your feelings, thoughts and beliefs are shaping your current experience. From that place the goal will become to change that which you decide is no longer serving you. I have enjoyed working with individuals and couples from a variety of life circumstances presenting with many different issues and symptoms. My approach is active and engaged while also allowing space for silence and reflection.

I think that the heart of successful counseling and psychotherapy is a trusting, professional relationship. As a clinical social worker for over thirty years, I continue to enjoy working with clients with a wide range of concerns. Depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and questions about identity are examples of some of the areas I like to work with. From adolescents (including high school seniors transitioning to college) to senior citizens, I have experience and knowledge helping people deal with new phases of life and the decisions and challenges that go with those.

My work with individual adults and couples is a combination of Traditional Psychology and evidence- based Positive Psychology. The traditional psychotherapy focuses on problem solution and symptom reduction, which, of course, are important first steps toward managing the difficult periods of our lives. However, most of us want more from life than surviving the rough parts that we encounter. What we long for is a way to thrive in our everyday lives.. Evidence-based Positive Psychology focuses on our strengths and the development of habits that can create a lasting sense of happiness, wellbeing and meaning in our lives.

With 30 years of experience as a clinical psychologist, I have successfully treated children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I work with a well-established, multi-disciplinary group of mental health professionals in West Hartford. I treat a range of issues, including adjustment disorders, depression and anxiety, divorce, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, dyslexia, and executive function disorders. In my practice, I encourage clients to develop the strategies to make use of their strengths as they reduce distress and manage the obstacles in their lives. I find each person who enters my office to be unique and interesting.

Have you reached a place of significant worry or frustration trying to instill motivation in your tween through young adult? Do the battles take up more time and energy than the joys and satisfactions? Looking for advice on challenging relational situations? Suffering from overt battles with anxiety or depression? Are you concerned about what you see as your own or a family member's coping skills and resiliency? Scary situations. Draining. Confusing. So let's shed the shame and make things more manageable and meaningful, past the merry-go-round of fear and stagnation. Let's collaborate to build hope to have you move into "thriving."

Sometimes when life throws us a curve ball, or when we are dealing with a more chronic, ongoing challenge, talking to a therapist can help us see our inner strengths and abilities which can help us successfully navigate through these challenging times. A good therapeutic relationship, one that allows us to be fully ourselves while recognizing our unique potential, creates the optimal conditions for healing. I provide a place where you can feel safe to explore your most difficult feelings, to resolve grief and loss, heal childhood wounds, improve communication, increase self-esteem and develop more satisfying relationships.

This unprecedented time has called for all of us to make significant sacrifices to combat the spread of COVID-19. I have adjusted my practice in several ways to meet the needs of this time. I have posted links to several articles explaining what the science says about stress and pandemics on the resources section of my website, and I will continue to share empirically supported information as it becomes available. I am offering video sessions via a HIPAA compliant secure link. I am implementing a flexible sliding scale to accommodate most incomes. Lastly, I am offering evening times for parents after their children are asleep.

Deborah works with couples and professional individuals to strengthen relationships and deepen connections. Clients learn to change the way they communicate, and alter unhealthy relationship dynamics. Trust issues and resentments are replaced with optimism and renewed energy. Deborah uses science-based therapy to teach clients to communicate productively, enabling them to have difficult conversations about finances, power-struggles, sex and difference of opinions. She provides a safe environment and therapy sessions are motivational and effective. In Deborah’s sessions, there is no “bad guy” and blame is never the focus.

Above all, therapy is a relationship. I work collaboratively with my clients to develop a safe, trusting, and attuned relationship that we can use to explore problematic patterns of relating, work through emotional tensions and conflicts, and better understand themselves. Through the therapeutic relationship, we can begin to unravel those patterns that keep people wondering, "why does this keep happening?", fully experience emotions, develop a greater sense of self-awareness and vitality, and understand how the past impacts and influences the present. Please see my website for more information.

I have had the privilege of working with adults, young adults, and older adolescents, both on an inpatient and outpatient basis. My work centers around guiding and helping people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship issues, difficult life decisions, post college "now what should I do" issues, sexuality issues and managing and coping with chronic illness.