Photo of Amy Young, Marriage & Family Therapist in 06119, CT
Amy Young
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Hartford, CT 06119
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 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!
(860) 866-5764 View (860) 866-5764
Photo of Dr. Dori L Gatter, Licensed Professional Counselor in 06119, CT
Dr. Dori L Gatter
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
West Hartford, CT 06119
With over 20 years of experience working with couples, business partners and relationships, Dr. Dori Gatter creates an environment of compassion and safety for your personal growth and healing. She uses cutting edge brain science and mindfulness based modalities to help you with your relationship issues and goals. Dr. Dori specializes in working with couples and business partners and offers couples retreats at our West Hartford office and Worldwide.
With over 20 years of experience working with couples, business partners and relationships, Dr. Dori Gatter creates an environment of compassion and safety for your personal growth and healing. She uses cutting edge brain science and mindfulness based modalities to help you with your relationship issues and goals. Dr. Dori specializes in working with couples and business partners and offers couples retreats at our West Hartford office and Worldwide.
(203) 212-9322 View (203) 212-9322
Photo of Sandra A Coakley, Licensed Professional Counselor in 06119, CT
Sandra A Coakley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
West Hartford, CT 06119
My ideal client is looking for therapy to help them and wants to change their life for the better.
My ideal client is looking for therapy to help them and wants to change their life for the better.
(475) 234-3855 View (475) 234-3855
Photo of Samantha Murphy Counseling And Coaching, Licensed Professional Counselor in 06119, CT
Samantha Murphy Counseling And Coaching
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Hartford, CT 06119  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
My approach is informed by Gestalt and body-focused psychotherapy that values the mind-body-spirit connection, through use of mindfulness techniques, CBT and somatic work.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost or stuck? I am here to help you to determine what you need to reach your goals from a grounded and empowered place so you can live the life you desire. We'll work collaboratively to break the cycles you've been stuck in and create sustainable, lasting change. I specialize in working with young adults and adults who may be managing: life transitions, anxiety, eating disorders/disordered eating, emotional eating, body image, self-esteem and other mental health concerns. Showing up for yourself & reaching out for help takes strength & courage, so if you are here, you've already taken the first step.
My approach is informed by Gestalt and body-focused psychotherapy that values the mind-body-spirit connection, through use of mindfulness techniques, CBT and somatic work.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost or stuck? I am here to help you to determine what you need to reach your goals from a grounded and empowered place so you can live the life you desire. We'll work collaboratively to break the cycles you've been stuck in and create sustainable, lasting change. I specialize in working with young adults and adults who may be managing: life transitions, anxiety, eating disorders/disordered eating, emotional eating, body image, self-esteem and other mental health concerns. Showing up for yourself & reaching out for help takes strength & courage, so if you are here, you've already taken the first step.
(959) 207-8574 View (959) 207-8574
Photo of Diane L Samuels, Marriage & Family Therapist in 06119, CT
Diane L Samuels
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Hartford, CT 06119
Not accepting new clients
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.
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.
(860) 357-6417 View (860) 357-6417
Photo of Janna Phillips, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 06119, CT
Janna Phillips
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMFT, LCSW, LAC
Verified Verified
West Hartford, CT 06119
Not accepting new clients
I am a strength-based and collaborative therapist who utilizes systems theory, narrative therapy, social justice and trauma focused models. I also provide EMDR for clients both as individuals and within couples work. I believe that clients are the experts in their own lives. I believe every client has the right and ability to author their own story. I am passionate about working with those suffering from trauma (including as the result of experiencing oppression), grief and loss, life changes, family conflict, anxiety and depression as well as any problem getting in the way of connection with others and self.
I am a strength-based and collaborative therapist who utilizes systems theory, narrative therapy, social justice and trauma focused models. I also provide EMDR for clients both as individuals and within couples work. I believe that clients are the experts in their own lives. I believe every client has the right and ability to author their own story. I am passionate about working with those suffering from trauma (including as the result of experiencing oppression), grief and loss, life changes, family conflict, anxiety and depression as well as any problem getting in the way of connection with others and self.
(860) 831-3492 View (860) 831-3492
Gestalt Therapists

What is gestalt therapy?

Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.

How does gestalt therapy work?

Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.

How long does gestalt therapy last?

As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.

Does gestalt therapy work?

Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.