Therapists in Montpelier, 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

Hello and welcome. I am so glad that you reached out for support. Finding the "right" therapist is important. Below, I have shared some information about myself and my experience to hopefully, help you determine if I am the right therapist to support you. Since graduating in 2004, from The University of Vermont with my Masters in Social Work (MSW), I have worked in a variety of clinical and therapeutic settings (a community mental health agency, outpatient and private practice, in schools, in a crisis response program, in a short-term residential setting and finally, in a private educational consulting firm). In addition to my clinical license, I have my Vermont Educators License with an endorsement in School Counseling. During my years in the counseling field, I have supervised both clinical social work interns, as well as school counseling interns. Additionally, as part of my ethically-focused, trauma-informed clinical practice, I participate, monthly in an inter-disciplinary (psychologists, nurse practitioners and social workers) group for consultation and supervision. I have been part of this group since graduate school! My style is collaborative, compassionate and supportive and my clients tell me that I am comfortable to be with, and easy to talk to. I have many years of experience working with children and young adults to help build positive self-concept, reduce stress and worry, increase personal wellness, and develop and work to achieve client personal, academic, relationship, and social-emotional goals. The work I do is grounded in theory - including, Humanistic (“Whole Child’, "Whole Self"), Psycho-dynamic (focused on importance of interpersonal relationship between client and therapist as the model for understanding and self-reflection, and development of positive self-concept) and Behavioral (understanding/reflecting that individuals respond with thoughts, feelings, actions, behaviors to our environments and experience). As an outgrowth of the above approaches, The Strengths Perspective (Dennis Saleebey), is a cornerstone of my clinical practice; I strive to help clients identify internal strengths (ie. grit and resilience), as well as external strengths (ie. education level and family supports). Additionally, I can work with clients on goal-setting, solution-focused work, Narrative Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, with attention to the Wellness Wheel (UMatter, Princeton University) and reflection on the “whole” self. I often include some very popular, and research-based Mindfulness, Meditation and Yoga tools. Finally, as part of an overall assessment, I use clinical tools and my ability to engage with clients to assess level of depression and anxiety to screen for any other issues that may reveal themselves in the course of our session(s). The results of the clinical tools help guide work with clients, and of course, I listen closely to the issues clients raise and the goals they focus on, and together we will work to address their needs. My passion for counseling includes supporting individuals - across the life-span - to shift from discomfort and distress, to acceptance and joy. When I am not working with clients and students, I like to walk with my dog, play cards with friends and family, and volunteer with Therapy Dogs of Vermont. I look forward to meeting with you “in person.”

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.”

Welcome to the start of your adventure! My name is Bobbi Warner Somers and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Vermont. I have worked in the field of human services for 24 years and received my Master's degree in 2007, leading me to become dually licensed in substance abuse and mental health counseling. While I have addressed a wide range of issues over the years, the focus of my work has been extensively with families, adolescents, and adults around issues of depression, anxiety, addictions, parenting, and family conflict. I believe that you have the solutions within. It is my job to be a conduit of change and guide you through the process of self discovery leading to ultimately achieving your goals. My approach begins with building a strong therapeutic relationship and then integrates pieces of cognitive behavioral theory, mindfulness, person-centered therapy, and solution focused therapy. We find techniques and tools that work for you! This process takes courage and the fact that you are here means you are already taking the first step. I look forward to empowering and supporting you through every step on your journey!

Hello and congratulations on taking this brave step of looking for help. My name is Dr. Nancy Kenyon Richardson, but I usually just go by Dr. Nancy. I strongly believe in the potential of all people to heal and move forward from trauma history, substance use disorders, and other mental health struggles. My passion is assisting people on their journey of healing. The course of my journey as a mental health professional has been two-fold. My master's degree is in psychology with a concentration in counseling. My Ph.D. is in psychology with a concentration in addiction and is research based. My research in successful recovery post-medication-assisted treatment (MAT) lead to an emerging theory on MAT as an aid to long-term opioid recovery without medication. I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) and a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC). I also hold several certifications including EMDR therapy and Dr. Gottman's Loving Couple's, Loving Children. My grandparents were all Portuguese immigrants who did not have the opportunity for much education. My lifelong dream was to complete my Ph.D. Of course reaching this goal was a wonderful feeling, but I am more proud of the 2012 Victim Activist of the Year Award I received for my work in the field of intimate partner violence. I am fascinated by brain science and often include psycho-education around trauma and the brain when helping people understand why they continue to engage in behaviors they wish to stop or why they continue to be impacted by past traumatic events. I have several years of experience helping people to move forward by identifying the "hooks" from their past that are holding them back from fully healing. I often state, only half kidding, that if I am still your therapist in 5 years and we're working on the same issues, fire me! Although I grew up in a predominantly Portuguese community in Rhode Island, I have resided in Vermont for nearly 30 years. My family and I enjoy travel and I have visited 49 of the 50 states. Our youngest two children are now teenagers so my spouse and I are beginning to explore what the empty nest chapter of our lives will look like. I truly feel honored and that it is a privilege to be trusted with the role of helping people heal from mental health problems. I look forward to being a part of your journey.

I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida. I have worked with clients over the 24 years helping them to process and work through individual challenges. Some of those included, ADHD, OCD, Depression, Anxiety, changes in life, parenting problems, relationship issues, career challenges and self-injurious behavior. I am very interactive. Much of therapy begins with understanding your own coping styles, strengths, skills and boundaries. I will work with you on strengthening different skills in order for you to make changes in your environment and life. My style includes a lot of listening and questioning to help keep you focused on your treatment goals and developing different action plans. It is necessary to make changes in the environment to make improvements in relationships, heal from trauma, grow and become empowered. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in Alabama and Vermont with 15 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 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'm Al, Licensed Professional Counselor located in South Carolina. I know it is not easy to take those initial steps to reach out to someone to address things that have been going on in your life, so I commend on doing so. I appreciate your ability to be self-aware and realize that seeking out a professional could be beneficial. I'm here to meet you where you are and discover what you would like to accomplish while you and I work together. I pride myself on building strong relationships with everyone I work with. I see this as a partnership. A partnership which must start with you and I building strong rapport. I believe the relationship between you and I is the most important part of the process. If I show an ability to be open, honest and transparent, you will be more receptive of my recommendations and feel far more comfortable opening up about the things that brought you here. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is having an understanding of how our thoughts, emotions and behavior are all linked. Even though most times we are not aware of our thoughts because they happen automatically. We are only aware of how we respond and how we feel emotionally. We will definitely explore this in greater detail in the future. I also utilize Motivation Interviewing and elements of Clinical Hypnotherapy in addition to CBT to help address the emotional subconscious parts of us that are impacted by our life experiences as we navigated life from childhood. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions. I'm an open book. I'm excited to have this opportunity and I'm looking forward to hearing back from you! Talk to you soon. Al

I am licensed in Vermont with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and 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!

I provide compassionate and effective support for children, adolescents, and families as they navigate life's challenges. My services are designed to break the cycle of generational trauma, helping you and your family heal, grow, and thrive. I take a collaborative & strengths-based approach, focusing on the unique strengths your child or family already has while working through their challenges. I provide personalized therapy for children and adolescents dealing with life stressors or the effects of trauma. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, or the impact of family dynamics we offer a safe, supportive environment to explore their feelings and foster growth. Together, we’ll work on building confidence, emotional resilience, and healthier ways of coping. I believe that every individual & family has the potential to overcome obstacles & thrive. My approach is centered on creating a safe, supportive, & empathetic environment where clients feel heard & understood. I utilize a variety of evidence-based techniques & therapeutic modalities tailored to the specific needs of children, teens & families.