Therapists in Essex Junction, VT

Hi, My name as it appears on my license is Robert Kauffman, but I use the appellation, Roc. I came to this profession after a lengthy career in the home services business. I ended up with an antique furniture repair studio while I attended graduate school and performed internships. For nearly the past twenty years I have engaged with clients in a new way, focusing more on their psychological needs rather than their property needs. In both arenas attentive listening was a skill I possessed and served us well. I am a licensed professional counselor in two states, Massachusetts and Vermont. But enough about me, let's focus on you. The most important element, whether this be your first time or a reappearance, turns out to be you made a decision to reach out for help. Well done. Our first matter of business is to formulate a therapeutic alliance. This may take a while as we become familiar with each other’s learning, teaching and communication styles. Just to provide a heads up, my approach is client centered and comes from a strengths based perspective. We will build our treatment process upon aspects where you have already demonstrated abilities and resiliency. Next, collaboratively we will construct your goals and devise a method to achieve them. My box of tools that apply to this work contains several powerful items. Cognitive-Behavioral assignments seem to keep a person engaged in this work. Insight and Cognitive Interweaves along with Motivational Interviewing seem to clear the path ahead of us. I firmly believe and research bears out that mindfulness practices demonstrate brain changing capabilities. We can experiment with an array of practices and techniques to find some that fit. With persistence and support we will increase your capacity to overcome whatever obstacles you face. My client base from adolescent to elderly spans the rainbow array of cultural diversity. It stretches me to come up with a human characteristic yet to be encountered, although I am certain some exist. I have much experience resolving trauma, grief and loss issues using phase oriented approaches. Adversity, particularly in the early years, usually springs forth many psychological symptoms, namely, anxiety, depression, attachment disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders, somatic disorders, or even psychotic presentations. By treating the underlying issues, we will find that these psychological symptoms abate. I look forward to being on your team, Sincerely, Roc

I am a deeply compassionate, creative, and inspired person that enjoys helping others find their way. As a clinical social worker I've worked with clients in diverse settings including community mental health clinics, a psychiatric hospital, and in private practice. Thinking about ways our lives could be different is easy. Yet, breaking out of old habits or figuring out new ways forward can feel overwhelming. Psychotherapy can be helpful for cultivating insight and identifying solutions and methods for meaningful change. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, strength-based, and transformative. Together we can explore the role your thinking, emotion, physical health, and community play in your wellness. This holistic approach is based on my training and practice as a clinical social worker and meditation teacher. Depending on your goals and preferences, our work together might include talking about patterns and life circumstances, learning more about your interpersonal style, practicing mindfulness or breathing exercises, engaging in creative arts for cultivating self-compassion, grounding yourself through anxiety or emotional pain, or learning coping skills. I look forward to working with you!

Hello. My name is Michael Knapik and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Vermont. I am also certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors. I have been working in the mental health field since 2007. (Before pursuing this career, I was a professional journalist for 30 years.) My orientation is to focus on a client’s strengths, because I believe that clients are the experts in their own lives and that the role of therapy is most often to assist clients in fully recognizing and using those strengths. My approach to therapy is eclectic. I draw on resources and interventions from positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, emotional freedom techniques, solution-focused therapy, compassion-focused therapy, and family systems. I have experience working with those who are struggling with anxiety, stress, addictive disorders, grief and loss, end-of-life issues (I was a hospice volunteer for 16 years), depression, and self-harming behaviors. For today, my hope is that you have compassion for yourself. As Christopher Germer, a psychologist, has remarked: “A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life.”

Hello, My name is Nicole Williams and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the beautiful state of Vermont. I moved here from New Jersey 30 years ago after graduating from the University of Delaware with my BS in Individual and Family Studies. In 2000, I received my Masters Degree from Northern Vermont University in Counseling with a dual licensure in mental health counseling and school counseling. My work has included private practice, community mental health, and counseling in educational settings. Throughout my 20+ year career as a counselor, I have developed my approach and methods through extensive study and experience. My work with adolescents and families as a counselor has always been incredibly rewarding. My practice has allowed me to help clients experiencing a great number of issues including, compassion fatigue, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and grief and loss issues, as well as life transitions. I’ve found that my personal interests; a love of music, spending time with family and friends, and always seeking out opportunities for humor and laughter helps me see the beauty that life offers. I also truly recognize and consider that our lives can be difficult, stressful and confusing, which leads us to needing more support at times and opening ourselves up to new ideas and perspectives and that will improve our lives and increase our happiness. The foundation of my counseling practice is trauma-informed and I pull from a variety of therapeutic approaches such as; client centered , solution focused ,skill based (CBT) and Humanistic. My approach is comprehensive and holistic, The work we engage in together will build on the natural supports that are present in your life and build on those foundations. I pride myself on developing trusting relationships with my clients that offer a kind, compassionate, non-judgmental space for them to deepen their own identities and beliefs. I look forward to meeting with you. Please let me know if you have any questions.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in New Hampshire and Vermont.. I have a particular interest in the aging population . I encourage my clients to cultivate and maintain a constellation of people, places and things that promote interdependence. My adult clients tell me that I help them to see their situations from an new angle. Therapy is an opportunity to discover new ways of thinking about one or more situations. I understand how frightening this can be. I continue to learn from my clients in a community mental center. It is important that my clients give me feedback about their therapy experience. Building and practicing effective communication is key in my relationship with clients.

My Journey began as a paramedic in Hartford, Connecticut. At the age of 20, I saw firsthand the physical and psychological suffering humans experience. It was in those vulnerable moments with others that I realized that how we connect is as important as what we do. It put me on the path of seeking ways to understand this experience and the world around us. Towards this end, I completed a Master's Degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University, countless continuing education courses on trauma and behavior and have recently completed my Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology. As a Clinical and Executive Director, supporting my coworkers and supervisees became a core component to my true north (or calling). It provided me the opportunity to support those who work in the helping professions and give of themselves to support others. In addition to the skills I developed and refined, it also strengthened my belief that relationships and people are at the core of our collective health. I have experienced the profound effect that a strong therapeutic relationship can have and my 10 years of clinical supervision experience has taught me the importance of creating a safe space for people to explore who they are. Ultimately I seek to give the gift of being seen, heard, and understood to those around me.

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 43 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family of origin issues, narcissism, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, self esteem, and self-confidence. 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!

Thank you for taking time to learn more about me as a therapist, as you contemplate taking this important step toward attending to your own wellbeing. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois with 10 years of experience as a therapist. I would describe my approach as warm and compassionate, but I will also challenge you when needed. My ultimate goal is to help you gain the tools and insight to live the life you want. I meet my clients where they are and work collaboratively with them to develop a plan for getting them where they want to be. I believe establishing a strong working relationship and attending to the therapeutic alliance is a key aspect of successful therapy. That is to say, we will work together to get you where you want to be and will have an open dialogue to be sure your therapeutic needs are met. I offer counseling for individuals with trauma/abuse, personality disorders, mood disorders, LGBTQ related concerns, addictions, and anxiety disorders. My approach is rooted in psychodynamic theory; however, I pull from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, and Mindfulness to help my clients gain the tools needed to face whatever challenges arise. I look forward to working with you and want to commend you for taking this step toward personal growth. Best, Andrea

I am licensed in Florida, Vermont and West Virginia with 9 years of professional work experience in psychotherapy. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety and depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, personality and mood disorders & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am passionate about my clients progress and work hard to integrate evidence-based, clinically proven methodologies into every therapy session. Whether you are struggling with stress and anxiety and would benefit from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or a Solutions Focused Therapy approach, or you are trying to find a way to live with personality disorders and historical life trauma and would make great progress with a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or Cognitive Processing Therapy approach, I am confident that my knowledge and practice experience can help you achieve any goal you set your mind to. When you work with me you will regularly hear me ask about what you are doing for self care as I am a firm believer that you can’t meet anyone else's needs unless your own needs are met first. To show you that I practice what I preach, I can share with you that here in Vermont in the summertime I am a part of a Women’s Slow-pitch Softball team and won the state championship with my team a year ago! I also regularly enjoy ice fishing on Lake Champlain in the winter time and typically on the weekends you will find me sitting on an upside down bucket with an ice fishing rod in my hand on the ice. Additionally, a funny fact about me is that I can eat an entire watermelon in one sitting! I am down to earth and a straight-shooter when it comes to advice. I am compassionate and empathetic but I will also tell you what you need to hear even if it may be harder to process than a sugar-coated version. I care about your progress and will make sure that you are reaching your goals because ultimately my hope is that you don't need me anymore and that feeling you get when you reach this point in therapy is life changing. I am a change agent ready to help you make the changes you have been wanting to make but haven’t yet. I am on your side and will always put your needs at the forefront of our work together. Taking this first step and signing up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started. I can’t wait to meet you!

I am licensed in New Hampshire with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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!