Psychodynamic Therapists in Avon, CT

Certified PSYPACT psychologist. Dr. Chu is a bilingual licensed clinical psychologist. As a Board Certified DBT (DBT-Linehan Board of Certification) and Certified CBT therapist (Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies), she teaches her clients tangible tools to make healthy choices by approaching life challenges flexibly and mindfully. Her background in Psychodynamic and Mindfulness-Based psychotherapy led her to fluidly utilize different therapeutic approaches that are most helpful to individual needs.

Many people come into therapy because they are suffering in some way and want to feel better. This suffering can take many forms--low self-esteem, difficulty with relationships, illness, depression, excessive worry or anxiety, coping with loss, family problems, alcohol abuse, divorce, and other important issues. I will work with you to help alleviate suffering by identifying thinking patterns or behaviors that might be involved in preventing you from moving forward and/or by assisting you in creating coping skills to deal with challenging situations.

Are you a teen or parent looking for someone who can help you or your child feel better about themselves at school or home? As a clinical psychologist and child and adolescent Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMHCNS) with prescription privileges (for those up to 17 years of age), I specialize in treating children and adolescents. Medication may be indicated for depression, anxiety, ADHD, symptoms from autism. In a holistic approach, I interface with school, therapist, PCP and naturopath and use the lowest effective dose of medication, avoid multiple medications and help explore potential learning disabilities.

I specialize in the really hard stuff life throws our way. I work with adults, college students, and teens affected by grief and loss, complex trauma (abuse and neglect) and PTSD, serious and chronic health conditions (like cancer, ALS, MS, MD), disability, and other big life changes and challenges resulting in depression and anxiety. I believe that our inability to control what happens to us is not something to be overcome. Instead, it is the reality of life that we all live within. This is where the real work of being a person begins. And this is where good, meaningful, compassionate therapy comes in. I'm glad you're here.

I have been practicing psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and couples therapy for over thirty years. I believe that all of us are attempting to better understand our emotions/actions in order to develop a stronger sense of self and to achieve more satisfying personal relationships and careers. While I have completed five years of postdoctoral training geared toward working with highly motivated, insight oriented patients, I have worked in many different communities with diverse populations and am quite comfortable with assisting men, women and children from all walks of life in achieving their personal goals for growth.

Kathleen Cairns, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist, hypnotherapist, and author of "The Psychotherapy Workbook","The Bald & The Beautiful: Surviving Breast Cancer, self-hypnosis audio tape "Breathe... As If Your Life Depended On It.," and lithographic greeting cards "Kathleen's Condolences." Her weekly column LIFE GOES ON can be read in her website. She is also frequently interviewed for the internet, magazines, and books regarding today’s social issues. Kathleen works with anxiety, depression,bipolar, addictions, sexual abuse, relationship issues, stress, grief, death, adolescents, and couples.

I admire the courage and determination of those who seek help when life becomes challenging. I work with client strengths and motivations to affect positive change, moving forward to a fulfilling and rewarding future. I have helped individuals, couples, and families through the spectrum of life's difficulties, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, anger management, substance abuse, low self esteem, and family dysfunction. My approach is eclectic, having been trained in humanistic, psychodynamic, relational, cognitive behavioral, family systems, and brief solution focused therapy and techniques. Our work together will result in longterm change and I look forward to guiding you along the way. ~ ~

My work is a dynamic blend of all that has profoundly influenced me. My education is in the science of Family Systems and I have 30 years of personal practice and study in Buddhist psychology. My marriage and my relationship with my two young adult children has offered countless teachings and insights into human nature. I am committed to the work of conscious partnerships, mindful parenting, and healing from trauma to live free of anxiety and depression. My work is psychodynamic: integrating psychoanalyic and attachment theories, IFS, contemplative inquiry, meditative practices and relational awareness for healing and happiness.

Imagine having the things you want in your life, and less of what you don't. I help clients identify and achieve their goals by creating an open and trusting environment where they can share what is bothering them. My ability to put people at ease through empathy and humor helps us work together to find solutions.

More than ever, our society places high demands and expectations which can be overwhelming to our emotional mental health. Utilizing psychodynamic theories, cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques, I seek to help children, adolescents, adults and families navigate these pressures. I have had the pleasure of providing services as a therapist at Connecticut Children's Medical Center, in private practice, as well as other outpatient and inpatient settings.

Offering DBT treatment both in person and virtually in Ct. and Mass. My specialization in treating developmental trauma for the past 27 years highlights my dedication to addressing the unique needs of individuals who have experienced early life adversity. This area of expertise is crucial to helping clients overcome the lasting effects of such experiences through the use of DBT. DBT treatment includes diary card mechanics, and phone coaching, I also offer DBT-PE, family therapy, psychotherapy, and supervision for LPC’s and LMHC’s.

As a specialist in the treatment of psychological trauma, anxiety and depression, I know you need relief. With more than 40 years of clinical experience, my clients tell me they most appreciate my patience, insight, skill and good humor. I can help you find the person you were truly meant to be. Let go of old hurts and limiting beliefs. Heal and deepen your relationships and live a life filled with a clear and inspired sense of meaning and purpose. I have a limited number of reduced fee appointments available, allocated based on availability and significant need.

I enjoy working with women who are looking to find their life work and soul's calling. Who desire a stronger connection to the earth and their ancestors and have a desire to slow down. I often work with women who carry a great deal of stress in their bodies from past trauma - showing up as autoimmune and hormonal issues. We will work together to find the root of the symptoms arising to allow for healing. My focus is on helping you find meaning in your life while fostering a sense of purpose. We will work together to build your own personal narrative through the use of art, nature, writing and meditation.

I am happy to be serving the Farmington Valley, and neighboring communities with my private clinical practice located in Avon, CT. I have twenty-two years of experience in the field of child welfare with an extensive background in attachment, trauma, foster care and adoption. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to practice in various settings, ranging from residential treatment facilities, in-home to outpatient agencies. I have experience treating children, adolescents, adults and families seeking mental health treatment for emotional and behavioral issues.

Are you looking for a supportive space to work through your lived experiences, address concerns you have and heal? I work with a broad spectrum of clients who experience struggles with trauma, sexuality and gender issues. These topics can impact life for long periods of time and can leave you feeling alone, confused or somehow not "good enough." I strive to cultivate personalized methodologies that empower you to reclaim your authentic self in mind, body and spirit. It is my core belief that all individuals deserve quality, affirming care and a nonjudgmental space to address their needs.

Coming to therapy can be challenging and create a sense of vulnerability. I strive to be a compassionate clinical psychologist to be a present, empathic listener to help people improve their life situation, relationships, and sense of well-being. I am best suited to treat individuals and couples who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, and trauma. I have a particular interest and training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. In addition, I work with individuals who develop psychological difficulties that accompany medical illnesses, specifically those who suffer from chronic pain.

Life's struggles can come in so many forms - depression, anxiety, grief, mania, frustration, and anger - to name a few. We all need support to help understand, make sense of what has happened, be able to move forward, and to grow. Therapy with me is a collaborative approach where we seek to understand your full experience, to shine a gentle and understanding light on the most difficult aspects of what it means to be you.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with a private practice in Avon, CT, convenient to West Hartford, Simsbury, Canton and surrounding areas. I work with adults, teens, couples and families, to help them feel better in their lives, their relationships and about themselves. I offer you a place to heal, grow and create new patterns of thinking and behavior; an opportunity to sort through issues in life that feel cumbersome and to find a path toward wellness. Common issues include life adjustments, self-esteem/relationships, depression/anxiety, family challenges, grief and loss, food/weight/body concerns and resolving trauma.

Don’t give up, you are not alone. When we are experiencing emotional pain, healing occurs when an empathic and compassionate therapist helps to explore and understand what your psyche needs. Pain is inevitable at times for all humans, although suffering does not have to be. Emotional discomfort is the signal from your psyche that change is necessary and crises and challenges can be opportunities for our psyche to heal and grow. If you have experienced a loss, are trying to manage conflicts with a partner, friend or colleague, or seeking to improve your relationship with yourself, psychotherapy or hypnotherapy can be helpful.