Couples Counseling Therapists in Schenectady, NY

Our journey through life can be filled with a plethora of emotions and experiences ranging from ultimate joy to the depths of despair. How we handle and move through these phases is heavily influenced by the way we saw our parents and family members deal with it. Understanding the impact of the dynamics of our family of origin can bring about clarity and understanding of how we operate and our worldview. Ultimately, this does not have to define us in a negative way. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I will work with you to identify these influences and patterns affecting your current functioning and work alongside you to process.

Imagine yourself as a writer, carefully crafting the story of your life. What important events and experiences stand out, and what effect does your supporting cast have on you? Is your story unfolding the way you want it to? For most of us, the answers to these questions aren't always clear. We're often too entrenched in our own story to be our own author. Experiences such as navigating a new life transition and developing a more loving relationship with yourself can be tough.

Adara Shafe received her master’s degree from Hunter College in 2021. Her focus is Clinical practice with individuals, groups and families. Adara has experience with children in foster care, families and adolescents. She has also worked with individuals with ADHD, mood disorder and adjustment disorder, and she has also worked with members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Shelby is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her masters degree in social work from Adelphi University and has over seven years of experience providing therapy for adolescents, adults, and couples . She has worked with different populations in various settings such as schools, OMH residences, and outpatient clinics.

Healing from an eating disorder is possible. Healing from trauma, abuse, discrimination, and chronic stress is possible. Depression can be cleared; anxiety can be managed; panic can be eased; overwhelm can be processed. You can grow from where you are right now, and so can your family, your child(ren), and your partner (s). Therapy is not a cure, but a private and ethical space that allows for the needed health, repair, and exploration. My goal as a therapist is to be collaborative, honest, and intuitive, so we can figure out together what needs to shift for you (and your loved ones) to change and grow.

Did you grow up with a mother that may have been a narcissist? Do you struggle with codependency and healthy relationships? Lack self-esteem? Do you find yourself wondering how did I end up in another toxic situation? Cognitive therapy is a service that can help you understand how early experiences impact how you go through life. Maybe you need to create boundaries and communication to save a relationship where is the time to let go of that toxic person altogether? consider scheduling a cognitive therapy session. You will gain the skills needed to recognize old patterns of behavior, create boundaries and be a healthier you.

I believe we are all whole as we are. It's the traumas and losses along the winding path of life that create stories of lack, of not-enough-ness, and of shame, that cloud our ability to feel connected to our whole selves. I believe we can never lose this wholeness, we only forget it when we disconnect in order to survive what we've experienced. In my work as a therapist, yoga teacher, EMDR practitioner, energy healer, and plant medicine enthusiast (mushrooms and Ayahuasca are incredible healers and teachers), I have found that we can always come back home to ourselves when it feels safe to do so.

There is a universal human need for our stories to be told, heard, and understood. Perhaps your story has painful memories that have caused anxiety, stress, and depression to enter your life. Maybe you have yet to understand how to get to the next chapter and feel stuck reliving your past. You are nervous to face these memories and challenges alone and you are ready to try therapy. It is my goal as a therapist to provide you with a safe space to explore and process your past and present stories with the intention to access healing and positive change. There’s some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for- J.R.R. Tolkien

Have you ever found yourself consumed by unproductive, negative thoughts and emotions that interrupt you from living your life in the present? The discomfort you may be experiencing has the capacity to heal and I am here to connect with you on that journey. I assist clients with identifying goals that matter to them.

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship conflict and/or family trauma, I want you to know that I am here to support you. I specialize in working with individuals or couples who are dealing with these challenges and have a passion for helping them overcome their struggles. During our therapy sessions, I will reassure you that you are not alone in this journey. Together, we will identify the patterns that are influencing your behaviors and habits and work towards updating those patterns to help you achieve new, healthier outcomes. I welcome you to reach out to me and look forward to guiding you on your journey.

**CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** My experience of working with clients of varying ages provides a unique perspective on stages of development and how life experiences can manifest across a life span. My training coupled with my desire to continually acquire knowledge provides me with a solid foundation to begin working with clients and adapt as the clients’ needs change. I am here to not meet you where you’re at, but meet you where you dream and to work with you to develop and utilize the tools necessary to discover those dreams.

Dr. Woods specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, couples , families, and individual adults. She works with patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and eating disorders. Treatments include Parental Guidance, Anger Management, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Play Therapy. Dr. Woods provides a comfortable,cozy office atmosphere where confidentiality and privacy are the absolute norm. She works with a variety of insurance plans and insures that patients/clients are comfortable with their payment plans. Dr. Woods provides a flexible scheduling of appointments, including evening hours. Dr. Woods provides assistance for families requiring help in their child's school programming,

What is your story? I look forward to hearing it. My name is Noelle King and I am passionate about a humanistic approach to counseling. The development of a strong therapeutic alliance is of utmost importance for positive change to occur. Through a warm, compassionate and relaxed environment we can work together at a comfortable pace to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The counseling relationship will be collaborative and non-judgmental.

Gehrig has experience working in research, focusing on existential anxiety and it's relationship with different facets, including identity distress, mindfulness meditation, religiosity, and risk taking. Gehrig also has research experience studying relationships and the impact on thoughts and emotions.

Mindy completed her Master of Social Work at Adelphi University and has over 25 years of program and clinical experience providing therapy and therapeutic services to adolescents, adults and families in community based and residential programs, outpatient mental health and private practice. Mindy has provided supervision to licensed social workers and expressive arts therapist and interns.

Relationships in Crisis: We Have Four to Six Private Couples /Marriage Workshops & Individual Sessions, in order to Rapidly Accelerate Your Healing & Your Communication Process (Traditional 45 min. session Does Not Work). During these 4 to 6 weeks, we will see both of you Together & Individually, as well as Help each of you Learn the Art of Empathy, Sensitivity & Compassion. These Workshops are Informative & Powerful, in order to Accelerate the Healing Process & Stop any further Damage from Occurring. In Addition, Our Success RATE is 85% of Our Couples that have Successfully Completed Our Couples Workshops or Alcohol Treatment.

Freedom First Psychological Services, PLLC specializes in Evaluation Services, Therapy Services, and Autism Services in a caring and supportive environment to the Capital Region of NY. These services are designed to help you take important steps towards achieving your goals. Therapy Services include individual, family, couples , and group counseling, as well as ADHD Coaching. Our clinicians have an array of clinical expertise and provide individualized, supportive and solution-focused services across many areas. Teletherapy is available. We are currently accepting therapy clients, with more open availability for daytime sessions.

What changes do you want to make in your life? Would you like to be a better parent/ partner /friend? End a destructive relationship ? Stop negative thinking? Set boundaries? Help your children succeed in school? The list is endless...I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works with my clients to help them reach their fullest potential by tapping into their individual strengths and encouraging personal growth. When you are ready and motivated to commit to your wellbeing and to therapy, then I am ready to partner with you in your journey to growth and/or healing.