Therapists in Ansonia, CT

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!

Gregory Page is a LCSW ( Licensed Clinical Social Worker) that has practiced counseling since 2005. He is currently employed as an Independent Social Worker at Mind Management Services inc. located in Norwich CT. He has his masters in Social Work from the University of Connecticut graduating in 2008. His focus was Group work with mental Heath and addictions. He also attended New England School of Addiction Studies as well as many conferences including for Gambling Addictions. He treats children, teens and adults. He enjoys helping individuals determine their goals and working to meet them collaborating on treatment modalities.

Counseling is a process of working through issues that are interfering with you living a full life. In the process of doing this, there is a tremendous level of growth on many levels: emotional, relational, spiritual, existential, even physical. Counseling may at times address very difficult situations, including addressing difficult or painful experiences from your developmental years which are currently impacting you and your relationships. As a Master’s-level Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut, I work with my clients to explore the factors which have led them to pursue counseling: we collaborate to determine our priorities. Recognizing that real change requires more than an hour per week, clients may be assigned homework to complete between sessions, or may be encouraged to read an article or book on a particular subject pertaining to the issues being addressed; we will discuss the homework at the next session as well as suggestions for applying the material to your life. I won’t sugar-coat it: changing how you respond to people or other triggers takes real work and a willingness to change. Areas in which I specialize include Anxiety and Depression; Loss, Bereavement, and Grief; Marital and Parenting Issues; and Asperger’s/High-Functioning Autism. I am also experienced in working with clients who have issues with Anger Management, Life Changes (Chronic Illness, Aging Issues, Employment or Economic Changes), Communication and Conflict Resolution (including Couples Counseling), Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism, Equipping Parents to work effectively with their children with AS/HFA, Trauma-Informed Counseling, Family-of-Origin issues, Blended Families, and Home Schooling Families. My approach to counseling is “eclectic,” meaning that I approach different issues in different ways. Approaches that I draw upon include Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy. I am very comfortable working with those who have strong ties to their faith and/or ethnic/cultural background. I have been told that I approach my counseling almost more as a marriage and family therapist, as I view clients not as isolated entities, but as people who are influenced strongly by their families and others around them, and who in turn influence those very individuals as well. As an undergraduate I graduated with my A.A. from a community college in southern California with high academic honors. Then I transferred to the University of Southern California, with a double major in Communication Theory and Public Relations. My B.A was earned with highest academic honors (summa cum laude), and I was inducted into the academic honor societies Phi Beta Kappa (liberal arts and sciences) and Phi Kappa Phi (all-university). I completed my M.A. in Professional Counseling at Liberty University with high academic honors. In addition to being licensed by the state of Connecticut, I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor. A member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors, my mission as a Licensed Professional Counselor is to treat each client with respect, to walk alongside as you work through issues that are troubling you, and to be a part of the process of healing and reconciliation. I look forward to working with you!

I am a Clinical Social Worker in Connecticut with over 10 years of experience working as a Case Manager, Substance Abuse Counselor and have a knowledge of Medication Assisted Treatment (Methadone, Suboxone and Vivitrol). I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and poly substance abuse . I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is supportive and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic and psychodynamic I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Hi, My name is Hilary Hughes. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Connecticut with over 10 years of experience working in the Mental Health field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, parenting problems, school related issues, OCD, ADHD and trauma. I meet the client where they are at. I will listen carefully in order to understand your perspective and the challenges you are facing. I offer a counseling style that is interactive, empathetic, respectful, warm, and without judgment. I acknowledge the courage it takes to seek out counseling so I commend you for taking that first step. I look forward to working together.

Hello my name is Martha Ayala-Tannis. I have been in the mental Health field since 1997, with training in a variety of approaches; and I am always looking forward to working with my clients and learning from them. Christian counseling available.

I am licensed in Connecticut with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Connecticut with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients cope with addictions, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, relationship preferences, & career difficulties. 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. I enjoy helping the LGBTQ+ feel empowered to love and live their journeys with pride. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and joyful life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Please note that I do not have any evening and weekend availability at this time.

I am an individual and couples counselor with fifteen years of experience. I tailor my work with clients to ensure a person-centered approach. We can work together collaboratively as you continue your journey at your own pace. I would like to support you in clarifying your goals and find healthy ways to meet them. Growth and change are not always easy but together, we can explore what tools and skills will best lead you to where you want to be. Working with individuals, I like to reassure clients that we are each on our own path in life and our journey will not be the same as those of our peers. We arrive at different places and at different times, but I believe we are all where we are meant to be. Together we could identify changes that could have a positive impact on your life and help lead you to personal growth and satisfaction. In working with couples, I have completed levels 1, 2, and 3 of the Gottman method as well as Treating Affairs and Trauma and Couples and Addiction Recovery. I like that the Gottman Method gives roadmaps and specific exercises to use in treatment. I have found couples find it effective and helpful. I look forward to working with you!

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of New York, providing virtual therapy in New York and Connecticut. My experience comes from providing therapy to couples, individuals, and families with a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, relationship and family issues, trauma, addictions, family conflicts, parenting, motivation, and self-esteem issues. I approach the therapeutic relationship with care and respect for intersectional identities. Much of my experience includes working with families that have a member who struggles with anxiety, depression, and addiction. I've worked with parents on parenting, and couples on communication. I've worked in a variety of settings such as community mental health, group practices, large non-profit and for-profit organizations. I focus primarily on adjusting how one feels, behaves, and thinks within relationships. Including your relationship with yourself! My style tends to be casual, relaxed, and thoughtful. I approach therapy with a directness and light demeanor that reflects my optimism about your ability to reach your potential. I strive to build our relationship so I can be someone you trust to lean on and also challenge you when needed. My style and approach draws from Structural Family therapy, CBT, DBT, and humanistic models of therapy. I'm going to meet you where you are and develop an approach that works for you to help you meet the goals we will collaboratively build. Whether that's enlightenment or improved function, I hope to work together to achieve it! It can be an effortful process to work towards a better life. If you're ready to do that, then I'm here to support you on that journey.