LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in West Hartford, CT

My approach is eclectic. I join you in the road to recovery. I consider myself culturally competent, trauma informed and gender sensitive. Therapy like most professions continue to evolve, therefore, I actively seek ways to improve the delivery of evidence based practices that I use. I strongly believe that each experience with clients I serve is unique and rewarding. My hope is to help clients begin the journey of achieving a life worth living.

You want to build your confidence - you need a space that is just yours and allows you to center in your truth, intuition and sense of self-worth. We specialize in supporting women in stepping into their power, finding their confidence & voice, and setting healthy boundaries by healing from trauma and unresolved wounds. We all need a sacred space to unpack the complexities of life. We support you in breaking free from old traumas, self-limiting / self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. We create a safe space and work collaboratively with you to heal and become the best versions of yourself.

Welcome! I’ve been practicing for nearly 15 years, and work with adolescents and adults. If you think you or a loved one may be struggling with ADHD, trauma, anxiety, depression, or just generally feeling numb and stuck, it may be time to try therapy.

Thank you for taking the first step to invest in yourself. Life can be like a roller coaster, with many bumps, twists, and turns, but it should not be an unsafe ride that never stops! You get to reset! I am a trauma informed, Licensed Therapist, experienced with ages ranging from 3 to 92. Being trained in a variety of evidence-based practices, I offer a comprehensive range of therapy techniques including IFS, MI and CBT. My approach is strength-based, intuitive and clinically sound, assisting you to achieve defined goals to create positive, lasting change. You deserve the sacred space to become your best Self possible!

With over 30 years clinical experience and training at Harvard, Princeton and University of Chicago, I treat individuals and families, ranging in age from pre-teens to adults. I help clients achieve relief from emotional distress, enhance self-esteem, and restore the quality of their relationships and work/academic functioning. Clients seek my assistance on such problems as anxiety, depression, existential issues, life transitions, trauma, cognitive/learning disorders, behavior problems, as well as sexual dysfunction and addictions.

Reaching out and asking for help can be difficult but shows tremendous courage and strength. Are you a woman struggling with overwhelming anxiety? Are you a newly pregnant or postpartum mom that is struggling to keep your head above water in this difficult transition? Maybe you’re struggling with the massive invisible load of womanhood or motherhood. I have been in those trenches. You don’t have to manage these difficult moments alone. If you’ve ever thought that seeking out counseling could be helpful or beneficial to you, you’ve already taken the first step!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, women and veterans. My specialty is treating Dual Diagnosis, Trauma, Women's Issues, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety and Relationship Issues. My clinical experience includes inpatient, outpatient and residential settings. I currently work from a Person-Centered approach as well as a Strength- Based perspective utilizing Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Trauma Informed Therapy, Brief-Solution Focused Therapy and Play Therapy.

Are you finding life hard and stressful, and feeling like you need a supportive person to talk to? Is your anxiety causing you to retreat from social situations and activities you used to enjoy? Is it difficult to connect with your loved ones and maintain healthy relationships? Have you become more irritable and easily annoyed? Perhaps you are simply finding it harder to get out of bed each morning, and not looking forward to any part of your day.

Helping you help yourself has been my passion and mission for over 15 years. I am the kind of therapist that will be real with you with empathy and compassion. I won't sugar coat it or use too much clinical jargon to confuse you. I will utilize theoretical frameworks such cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma therapies, mindfulness work etc. I enjoy working with tweens to adulthood and have extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, ADHD/executive functioning challenges, peer conflict, family issues, trauma, and anger. I have unique experience in specifically treating those who have experienced medical trauma.

The best way to find a therapist who is right for you is through a referral from someone who knows that therapist. A good personal fit is the most important requirement for a positive and beneficial therapy experience. Browsing through photographs and thoughtful, sensitive, but idealized self-promoting profiles is not a very reliable way to choose one therapist out of the hundreds of attractive, thoughtful, educated, qualified and credentialed therapists in the Greater Hartford area and the many surrounding towns and cities. The Counseling & Psychotherapy Referral Service is provided free of charge by Kenneth R. Sleight, Th.M., NCC (Licensed Professional Counselor CT#000001).

I specialize in relationship issues, substance abuse, dual diagnosis, women's issues, depression and anxiety. I have 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field serving very young children through adulthood and families in many varying stages of their lives. I feel very grateful to work with each and every one of my clients on their journey and honored to help them to achieve the life they want to create.

We are all facing a tremendous amount of stress and uncertainty. Managing our thoughts and emotions alone can feel like an impossibly daunting task. Together we can work towards creating overall wellness and establish routines and habits that allow clients the opportunity to feel able to shift from surviving to thriving.

I have been working as a clinician in the mental health field for seven years, I have learned that out of all the treatment modalities that mindfulness is the most enriching for the entire body. Human beings often forget that we have no control over yesterday and no control over tomorrow, that we can only control what is happening right now. Being more in the moment. I have worked with and helped many people with a multitude of psychiatric issues, I find the brain fascinating, and I also believe that people think that they are alone when they aren't, and I enjoy helping people face those challenges.

With over 15 years of experience as a psychotherapist, my greatest privilege is helping my clients discover their best self. I want to help you live more in the moment, to make decisions confidently, to heal emotionally, and to thrive in your life, not just keep your head above water. Together we’ll work on identifying thoughts, patterns, and behaviors that aren’t serving you at the moment. We’ll create meaning where you’re feeling unsatisfied and find ways to communicate with the important people in your life so your needs can be met.

Anxiety and depression are at all-time highs lately, and finding help has gotten very difficult. I am a goal-oriented therapist with 20 years of experience working in the areas of trauma, anxiety, depression, dissociation, and more. I am looking for clients who want to work to make changes to how they feel and how they live their lives.

Kathleen Cairns, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist, hypnotherapist, and author of "The Psychotherapy Workbook","The Bald & The Beautiful: Surviving Breast Cancer, self-hypnosis audio tape "Breathe... As If Your Life Depended On It.," and lithographic greeting cards "Kathleen's Condolences." Her weekly column LIFE GOES ON can be read in her website. She is also frequently interviewed for the internet, magazines, and books regarding today’s social issues. Kathleen works with anxiety, depression,bipolar, addictions, sexual abuse, relationship issues, stress, grief, death, adolescents, and couples.

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.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you sad, angry, feeling anxious at the current crisis? We all get affected by the stresses of life but you don't have to face this alone. Life is full of challenges that leave us feeling lonely and stuck without knowing where to turn. I work with clients in a safe, validating, empathetic and non judgmental virtual space to support you in expressing your deepest feelings. Together we will work to create goals to help you feel a greater sense of hope, well being, and happiness. I am Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy effective for processing traumatic and adverse memories.

On your first visit with me you can expect a relaxed, comfortable, and inviting office environment. The environment reflects my personality, and my personality is reflected in my approach to therapy. I am a compassionate, understanding therapist who utilizes a client-centered approach to treatment. I will make sure that the sessions are focused on what you want out to get out of therapy. I will not tell you what to do, however, will gently walk with you and guide you find solutions to your problems and ease your suffering.