Therapists in Connecticut

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 🌈". It is my hope to, if not lead, point to, or help you discover a rainbow of your own. WEDNESDAY APPOINTMENTS ONLY: When openings become available, I open my "Availability Notification", and then, I schedule only on WEDNESDAYS --mornings, afternoons, and evenings. By request, I specialize at this time, in sessions for LGBTQ/PRIDE 🌈 persons exclusively. As soon as an opening for an additional PRIDE referral becomes possible, I will re-open my availability notification. Thank you so much for your understanding. 😊 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're reaching out to BETTER HELP'S PRIDE (LGBTQ) COUNSELING!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience working in community behavioral health and educational settings. I have supported individuals and groups on a variety of issues including: dealing with traumatic life events, managing depression and anxiety, building self-esteem, and dealing with family conflicts, caregiver and parenting issues. My counseling style is compassionate, non- judgmental and nurturing. I will vary my approach to meet your individual needs and preferences. I will work with you to develop clear goals for counseling sessions and I will utilize cognitive-behavioral principals, mindfulness strategies and stress management techniques to address your concerns. We all have challenging times in our lives when we would benefit from the guidance and support of a trained professional. It takes great courage to ask for that help and to allow yourself to trust another person with your feelings and concerns. I can assure you that I will do my best to assist you with the utmost kindness and respect! I look forward to working with you!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have over 12 years of experience working with youth and families. I have a wide range of expertise in areas including depression, anxiety, parenting problems, relationship issues and ADHD. I have also helped many people who have experienced emotional abuse and other trauma related situations. I believe in treating everyone with respect and meeting you where you are at. My approach in counseling is very warm and interactive. You are the expert on your life, so we will tailor treatment plans and goals around your needs. It takes courage to seek for a happier life and wanting to make changes is the first step. Let me be the one to help you. We can do this together. I have a passion for this work, I love what I do and enjoy working with people. I am looking forward to working with you!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who knows first hand the lasting impact childhood trauma can have on ones mind, body and soul. My life experiences have led to me choose a life of service to others through providing hope and healing. Being a therapist is something I enjoy, providing support comes EASY. My unwavering desire and innate ability to Make people feel comfortable and accepted, help people identify and put their feelings into words, accept people for who they are, understand people’s experiences and support personal growth makes me a great listener and compassionate therapist. For over 20 years I have worked with individuals, couples and families in addressing some of life’s most challenging circumstances. I am clinically trained in the following treatment modalities; Psychodynamic , Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)and Solution Focused Therapy. My use of diverse and interactive; clinical and holistic therapeutic approaches have proven to be most effective in addressing issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, substance use/abuse, relationship issues, parenting concerns and diminished coping skills. A patient centered approach allows me to most efficiently utilize my clinical training. I am COMMITTED to being available to support underrepresented, misrepresented and marginalized populations in their therapeutic journey by validating experiences of trauma and abuse experienced due to racism, biases and prejudice. Supporting women of color who have found themselves in spaces or situations where they have been victimized by systematic oppression, inequality, and intergenerational trauma is also of utmost importance to me. It would be an honor to help you heal and grow while sharing your story.

I am licensed in Connecticut with more than 15 years of professional work experience in Career Counseling, as well as 3 in a therapeutic role. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert in your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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 in Connecticut with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. I also have experience working with executive and professional coaching. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 supporting you in your journey towards being the best version of yourself.

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 18 years of professional work experience. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, parenting issues, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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 a licensed psychologist in Connecticut with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, and bipolar disorder as well as many other conditions. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our discussions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek help and to take the first steps towards a change and a happier life. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.