Therapists in Poultney, VT

I’m excited to get to know you better! In the meantime, here’s a little about me, and my professional experience and training. I think one of the biggest challenges, after taking that first brave step of reaching out, is to find a good therapist that you connect with. In my twenty-eight years of experience, the therapeutic relationship is the principal reason that therapy “works” or “doesn’t work.” My approach focuses on first developing a strong therapeutic alliance in which you feel emotionally safe and heard without judgment. You’ve already come to the conclusion that something in your life is not working. My task is to help you to identify the ways in which you’d like things to be different. From there, together we can create realistic, achievable goals that support those changes and move you toward the life that you deserve. I have a large repertoire of strategies and interventions, which include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing. Producing insights, strategies, and tools that you can use immediately is my goal for every interaction with you. I have extensive experience in trauma, anxiety, relationship issues (adult as well as parent-child), substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders. I have found that many people experiencing trauma or anxiety are helped by a combination of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. This teaches us how to tolerate our intense feelings and how to reframe unhelpful thought patterns that keep us stuck. Life is challenging and, at times, difficult and painful. Learning how to be "comfortable being uncomfortable" gives us the skill and flexibility to ride these waves (as opposed to feeling like we're treading water or simply drowning). On a personal note, I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1997. I have worked in a wide variety of settings, including community mental health centers, where I have worked as both therapist and clinical supervisor; university training clinics; private residential treatment facilities; and a successful private practice. I have worked with individuals, couples, families, groups, and with children of all ages. When I’m not helping people, I can be found on the golf course or outdoors, enjoying the beauty of my surroundings. I look forward to working with you and helping you to make the changes you desire.

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 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.

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 Clinical Mental Health Counselor licensed in Vermont. I am also an alcohol and drug counselor and am happy to treat co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance abuse). I specialize in working with adults with depression, anxiety, grief, and complicated grief as well as with issues with trauma, communication, confidence and identity issues. My approach is to meet my patients where they are and to walk them forward to where they would like to be. We work together to develop skills and habits that allow for a better quality of life. My primary therapeutic treatment approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I feel as though a strong Cognitive Behavioral approach to the brain, coupled with a Rogerian approach to the patient, is what works best for the people I have worked with. I have an undergraduate degree in World Literature and a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in substance use. I am dually licensed in the state of Vermont with an LCMHC and LADC.

I am licensed in Colorado with 3 years of clinical work experience. Through a compassionate and empathetic approach, I create a safe and nonjudgmental space for you to explore your emotions and experiences, offering you tools to navigate challenging situations. With a trauma-informed lens, I work collaboratively with you to process your experiences and cultivate resilience. As a clinician, I am mindful of the impact of compassion fatigue on individuals in helping professions. I understand the emotional toll it can take and offer support to professionals experiencing burnout or vicarious trauma. I provide a nurturing space for self-care, reflection, and developing strategies to enhance well-being and maintain a healthy work-life balance. I believe in focusing on the individual as a whole, with their experiences, emotions, and values at the center and extending beyond therapy to encompass broader societal contexts. I am honored to walk alongside you on your journey of self-exploration, acceptance and personal growth.

As a licensed mental health professional with a decade of experience in Montana, I specialize in assisting clients with a diverse range of challenges, including stress and anxiety management, relationship issues, motivation enhancement, self-esteem cultivation, and addressing depression. My approach prioritizes the creation of an open and safe therapeutic environment, where individuals feel empowered to share their thoughts and emotions without apprehension of judgment. Embarking on the journey towards a more fulfilling and contented life requires courage, and I am dedicated to providing steadfast support throughout this process. Together, we can work collaboratively to navigate obstacles, cultivate resilience, and foster positive growth. Your well-being is my utmost priority, and I am committed to helping you achieve your goals and aspirations.

I am licensed in New Mexico with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience working with 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 in Florida with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

Hello! My name is Kelli Johnson. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) based in Sheridan, Wyoming. I specialize in treating symptoms of depression and anxiety and addressing issues of loneliness, unease, women's health, and life transitions. I tailor my approaches to counseling based on you and your needs. I employ an integrative approach to healing utilizing tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic body based techniques ( informed by both psychology and my training as a yoga teacher) mindfulness, breath work, narrative therapy (finding power and purpose in your story) and bibliotherapy (this one is for you, bookworms!). I see my role as a counselor as a collaborator. You are the expert of your own experience. Through my professional training, clinical work over the past decade, and life experiences, I have acquired frameworks, skills, and tools to help you recognize your own beauty and strength, tap into sources of resilience, grow from challenges, center and soothe yourself, and to move forward in your life with intention, wisdom, and peace. I believe the key to productive work in therapy is the counselor client relationship. I am committed to building a strong working alliance with you grounded in respect, acceptance, empathy, and authenticity. I believe we are all fellow travelers, making our respective ways in the world and I would be honored to walk with you awhile on your journey! Kindest regards, Kelli