Therapists serving clients in Ansonia, CT

I believe that therapy is a collaborative process. I work with my clients to set personalized goals and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. I am a Masters level clinician licensed in both Connecticut and Florida, as well as Board Certified National Counselor. Owning and operating in the private practice setting for the last 6 years. I have years of experience working with individuals on a wide range of issues such as Trauma, Anxiety, Sexual Dysfunctions, Family Conflict, and more. I use a psychodynamic approach that utilizes evidence based techniques such as CBT, DBT, ACT, Solution Focused, Family Systems, and Trauma focused to name a few. I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals can feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. And here to help you achieve your personal growth goals. I look forward to working with you.

REVIEWS: <>“Kindness is Ron Hughes!” is the inscription on a silver letter opener presented to me at the completion of a therapy group I facilitated many years ago. <> “You’re different than most of the staff here—you take time to listen, and it shows that you really care,” a patient’s mother told me shortly after my first hospital internship in the 1960’s. <>In 2007 a hard working employee facing unfair termination until my intervention on her behalf, presented me with a lovely green crystal frog in a silk lined box. Inside the cover of the box is this touching little poem: "Thank you--you could have let the moment pass, or looked the other way; Instead, you took the time to care-- I thank you every day!" The green frog reflected her newly found (green) assertiveness and Kermit the frog's song: "It isn't easy being green." <>One evening In the 1980's a former patient I hadn't seen for about a year, appeared in my waiting room, and to my great surprise, presented me with a personally embroidered plaque that today hangs in my living room. Beneath an embroidered rainbow it reads: "The soul would have no rainbow, had the eye no tear." This--a year after nearing suicide in response to suffering relentless homophobic harrassment in a professional workplace. The personal inscription on the back reads, simply, "Thank you for leading me to the rainbow." <>At the time of my retirement from Adolescent/Pediatric Psychotherapy (2011), there were many handmade cards from the children and among them one from a 12 year old observant boy: "You were the best therapist we've ever had, and you were good to all the other staff here, too! I really wish you weren't going." As the saying goes: "Through the eyes of babes..." EXPERIENCE: Both clients and colleagues have described my counseling style as sensitive, patient, gentle, compassionate, and kindly honest when confrontation is indicated. After over 40 years in the Healthcare profession, I retired as a Clinical Administrator and a Behavioral Health/Employee Assistance Director in a major healthcare system and, also, as a private practioner in individual and family psychotherapy and hypnotherapy. Within hospital Multi-Disciplinary-Teams (MDTs) I worked with clinical staff, clients, and patients experiencing anything from workplace challenges, to relationship issues, to depression and anxiety, to severely dibilitating psychiatric illnesses that required intensive inpatient treatment and/or psychotropic medications. FORMAL EDUCATION: Undergraduate: Holy Cross Monastery (OHC--Spiritual and Liturgical Studies); Eastern Connecticut State University; University of Hartford and Hartt College of Music; Southern Connecticut State University for undergraduate degree; Hypnology and Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy Specialist certifications with National Guild of Hypnosis and Hypnodyne Foundation in Boston and New York; Graduate studies at Fordham University earning a Master's of Social Work degree, entering the postgraduate doctoral program before accepting an administrative position in a major healthcare system. PSYCHIATRIC/SUBSTANCE TREATMENT AFFILIATIONS: Began psychiatric affiliation in the State Department of Mental Health (DMH) at two inpatient pediatric, adult, and geriatric facilities and was Director of Aftercare Services and clinician for Intensive Care Services for a (CADAC) alcohol and drug treatment hospital. Clinical Administrator for a Yale private "for-profit" psychiatric hospital for 7 years. While in private practice, part-time, for over 30 years, provided clinical and administrative services full-time to both State and private hospitals from the 1960's until 2011--last four years specializing in pediatric and adolescent psychotherapy for a major healthcare system. Served 15 years as Director of another major healthcare system's Social Wellness Support Services and directed Employee Assistance services for 3,000+ healthcare managers and employees, and was Program Administrator for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Services (DHI). Supervised Crisis and Emergency Department Psychiatric Services and Inpatient Psychiatric Social Services. WHY AM I COUNSELING AGAIN AFTER RETIRING? In recent years, I learned of a nearby 9th grade boy who took his own precious life--believing he had no where to turn following torment from family and peers who condemned him after courageously "coming out" to them--after a long lonely private struggle. Then, one of my first private practice clients (1970s) contacted me about having discovered THIS (BetterHelp) online counseling platform and urged me to adjust my busy retirement and consider resuming counseling through this platform —especially for PRIDE COUNSELING for LGBT persons. Since I still retain my clinical license in the state of Connecticut, and since you can take the counselor out of the counseling arena but can’t take the counseling out of the counselor, here I am! Fortunately, “older” can mean “wiser”—that is, wiser in so many ways, thank goodness, than I used to be. Having made wrong decisions along with right decisions, hopefully I've achieved the "Noblity" about which the late Wayne Dyer, PhD wrote: "Nobility isn't being better than others--it's being better than you used to be." An anonymous (as far as I know) wise person once wrote: The secret of success is in two words...Right Decisions. How does one make the right decisions...Experience. How to get experience is also two words...Wrong Decisions. OTHER INFLUENCES: E.E. Cummings wrote, “It takes courage to grow up and be who you really are.” I believe it also takes courage to reach out and overcome the fear of being judged. You may be assured that I leave the judging to others. My “approach”, if you will, draws from a combination of years of training and experience--and even errors. If I were pressed to specify preferred clinical approaches, I would likely favor Cognitive Behavioral and Humanistic modalities, while not excluding a multitude of other effective influences and likely that which recognizes where YOU are, and meets you there to help you move forward to a place you hope to be. Everyone deserves to find happiness. A tiny wooden plaque in my home office reads, “Happiness is an inside job!” Sometimes being able to discover the meaning of that requires outside help. There are, and have been, so many gifted life educators--I feel personally fortunate to have learned from some of these gifted scholars and over the years have continued to share with others what I've learned about growing and improving productive thinking, behavior, and personal humility. I find it exciting to share with others what I've learned and exciting to continue to learn. One such gifted life educator from whom I learned said, "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change!" If you're believing you're "stuck" and feeling you're simply the result of someone else's or others' treatment of you, you've yet to learn the wonder of accessing strength from your own inner guidance system. Sometimes without the right help, we may not know inner strengths even exist. Another wise person said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” When I was in High School and College I knew two young people who contemplated suicide--one eventually carried it out. I was aware of the surrounding impact it had on so many people, myself included. The other was able to obtain effective enough help to restore self-esteem and tell others about the resulting joy in choosing to live a productive valued life. One friend who had concealed suicidal intent, did commit suicide when a Senior in college. Such a beautiful person--dearly loved by friends and family, admired by most people, and so gifted in personality and intelligence. Could someONE's helping wisdom have averted the thoughts that led to these tragedies? How tragic that the choices were not to reach out for help. I suspect these losses have been significant influences in my desire and eventual decision to invest myself in my efforts to "lead to the rainbow". It is my hope to, if not lead, point to, or help you discover a rainbow of your own. SCHEDULE OF APPOINTMENTS: In order to reserve slots for those who request "standing appointments", I arrange appointments according to mutual availability that we discuss during our sessions. Unfortunately, I have limited availability for sessions. My current schedule only allows me to schedule on TUESDAY --mornings, afternoons, and evenings. I check my messages daily--usually evenings. In order to be as effective as I can, I appreciate your understanding that I need to keep my caseload limited in number. A HOPEFULLY HELPFUL TIP: Sometimes selecting "the right fit" when searching for a counselor or therapist is easy and sometimes it's challenging. Once you do select a counselor, it can be so beneficial to both YOU and your COUNSELOR to have an HONEST and considerate rapport. Please be assured that if you and I work together, it will not only be appreciated, it will be helpful for you to find comfort and safety in not only seeking feedback, but also in YOUR GIVING feedback if or when you need to. If you should ever feel disappointed, frustrated, or in any way bothered by something I say, or something about which you are troubled--please take comfort in knowing that you're not only welcome to give both positive and/or negative feedback at any time, it will be appreciated and useful for me to know. In the event that you want to say such things as, "I don't like what you said", or "I don't understand what you mean," or "I think our sessions are too short/long/at inconvenient times/not helpful, etc." --these things are productive things for you to be able to say. I won't be hurt--I will be informed! While most people don't feel comfortable giving feedback if it seems other than flattering, I hope you will take comfort in knowing it can be helpful to BOTH you and me. If you're able to say you're pleased or displeased, I can be sure I have a pulse on such things as determining my effectiveness or my ineffectiveness. Then, I may be better able to be effective for you. In the event you'd like to discontinue, I'll perhaps learn where I need to improve or possibly not repeat ineffective services going forward with others. I would like YOU to know that sharing your honest views will be received with respect and appreciation, and never be met with disapproval, anger, moralizing, judgment, or defensiveness--whether I agree or disagree. Also, please know that I consider it both an HONOR and PRIVILEGE whenever anyone is able to share with me difficult, embarrassing, honest feelings and information. Most everyone fears being judged. It is not uncommon for people seeking counseling to have feelings of shame. Feelings of shame are commonly the most difficult feelings to share. My purpose here is to lend support along with honest feedback, and if at some point my feedback might be challenging or difficult to hear, I will offer it as compassionately as I possibly can with hope that it will be helpful. That's my promise. When I need to decline to take a referral, it is always relative to the amount of availability I have, or that I believe someone with more expertise will be better able to provide for you. Very happy you've come either to BETTER HELP, or to PRIDE (LGBT) COUNSELING! If, after having read this profile, you're interested in our working together, I welcome you to contact me.

My name is Tahara DeBarrows, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Connecticut. I work from an eclectic style that combines solution focused brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. These are models of therapy that are commonly used and effective for most reported issues. I also enjoy teaching and utilizing meditation and deep breathing techniques with my clients. My counseling style is warm and I enjoy using humor and my personality to create a more inviting space for my clients. I believe the client's perspective is valuable and important. I will make it a priority to include my client's desires in creating a plan for them to succeed. The majority of my experience has been with individuals struggling with substance use. These individuals had co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mood and personality disorders. I've also worked with individuals and families on issues related to parenting, relationships, career changes, and more. I believe that empathy is not something that can be learned, rather it is something that you have and share with others. My empathy for people, along with recognizing and uplifting them for overcoming their struggles is what I tend to use as a catalyst to help client's see their full potential. I believe that addressing one's mental health needs is one of the most important things that you can do. You decided to make the best decision for yourself and that was to reach out for support. It takes courage to ask for help and I appreciate you doing so. You've overcome life obstacles before and you can do it again! I am here to support and empower you to make the steps for a better life for you. Thank you for trusting me with your personal challenges and I look forward to connecting with you.

Welcome! My name is Jennifer Boden Gaumer and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Southern California with over ten years of experience in providing therapy services. I have worked in many therapeutic settings including: a hospital-based child guidance clinic, residential treatment center, and community-based professional parenting program for teenagers in foster care. I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting problems, ADHD, OCD and, learning disabilities. As a trained forensic interviewer, I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. Originally from Connecticut, I relocated to Southern California in 2009. I earned my Masters in Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work in 2001. My undergraduate degree is in Psychology from Clark University in Massachusetts. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and caring. I use various forms of psychotherapy (e.g., talk-therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and problem-solving therapy) to help my clients develop the tools necessary to address and/or relieve troubling symptoms and make positive improvements to their lives. The journey to starting a therapeutic relationship is one built on courage, strength, and trust. It takes courage to recognize the need for help, strength to believe in yourself, and trust in the therapeutic process. Outside of being a therapist, I am an avid gardener and home renovation fan. I also enjoy reading, going to the beach, and traveling to new places with my husband and two daughters. I look forward to working with you!

Working to help others understand their strengths, underlying problems, and challenge their internal dialogue has always been a passion of mine. As a licensed professional counselor I help guide others in their quest to better understand themselves and situations. My goal is always to work in collaboration with clients to come up with the best solutions. Therapy is not always easy, or fun, but together we can make great progress!

Hello and welcome to my profile page! A bit about me: A native New Yorker, I graduated from City College (CCNY) with a BA in Psychology. I then attended YU (Wurzweiler School of Social Work), acquiring my MSW and becoming licensed as an LCSW. Essentially, I view myself as a Life Coach, a motivator who recognizes that we are all unique individuals, but paradoxically share many common thoughts and feelings at different times. We've all struggled with anxiety, uncertainty and self-doubt- yet we have also experienced feeling confident, grounded and secure. Our backgrounds and early childhood experiences, our genetic predispositions all serve to shape our personalities and the essence of our being. To that end, as a clinician, I strive to assist my clients in examining their beliefs and thoughts to gain insight into their potentially self-destructive behavior- or whatever they feel is getting in the way of their success. Together, we will explore why you have sought treatment now- and what you are looking to achieve or gain. What do you identify as the biggest challenge or issue? What have you tried so far and why hasn't it worked, long-term? Often it is this: Complacency vs Burning Desire. How do you keep the momentum going? The power of ignited vision. Designing a dream & getting specific. Having a daily schedule. What are you going to get excited about today? What concerns you that could trip you up? I have helped many clients develop high performance habits, starting with sharpening their self-awareness and being intentional. I invite you to join me in this exciting adventure of self-discovery. In the immortal words of Anthony Robbins, when would Now be a good time? Looking forward to working with you! DEBORAH ALTER, LCSW

I am licensed in Connecticut with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with depression. I am trained in a variety of evidenced-based treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Connecticut with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Connecticut with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York with 10+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I look forward to working with you!