Therapists in Sharon, CT

My psychotherapy practice is dedicated to helping people overcome difficulties in managing troubling emotions, dysfunctional behaviors, or problems in career, relationship, or life transition. Working primarily in short-term cognitive behavioral models, trouble areas are defined and broken down. Clients are actively encouraged to collaborate on developing new, healthier perspectives, and to generate and practice effective coping strategies and skills. Foundations in psychodynamic and developmental theory, neuroscience, as well as eastern philosophy and mindfulness practice often inform and shape the course of work.

I am a trauma-focused, relational licensed psychotherapist practicing in depth and existential traditions. I work together with clients to create and reach goals and commit to them inquisitively. We will employ myriad methods, including visual, expressive, and somatic modalities to enhance coping skills, make meaning, and foster change- all with an open and direct approach. I work well with persons undergoing stress, anxiety, depression, and existential concerns. We will together build a compassionate and curious container to undertake this work. I work extensively with creatives, activists, and highly attuned folks.

I specialize in mood disorders and anxiety. I've published five books--Undoing Depression is probably the most familiar---on depression, stress, and happiness, My latest, "Rewire," was released August 2014, and I'm working on a new book about self-destructive behavior. My approach is basically psychodynamic, with a lot of CBT and mindfulness. I believe that anyone can change--the brain can literally be rewired--but it takes a lot of patience and practice. Most of the people I meet have been battered around by life, and it's left scars--difficulty hoping, difficulty trusting. It's my job to mobilize that hope and trust.

Life is not easy and in this increasingly disconnected society, we often feel alone even when living among the people that we love. As an experienced therapist, I offer a connection built on honesty, authenticity, and empathy. By developing and fostering this connection, we can face your pain together while also uncovering and challenging blocks that hinder your own ability to heal yourself. I use a variety of modalities to help each person meet his or her goals, though EMDR and Interpersonal Process Therapy are my most common approaches to treatment.

In a nonjudgmental format, I will help you improve your self-esteem and self-worth, as well as focus and motivation. It is my honor to assist you with reaching your true potential. Stop letting worry, fear and anger stand in the way of your goals and dreams. Awaken to the strengths you possess and learn new strategies to increase life enjoyment.

My commitment is to work with clients to solve problems and build skills to achieve a fulfilling, happy life. I view my work as a partnership in which clients meet personal goals and make desired life changes. I work with teens, adults, and families on a wide range of needs. My approach is strength based and holistic. I am passionate about my work and serious about my commitment to helping my clients thrive.

The old stories play back in your head - an event, a relationship, a group of friends. It's hard not to compare ‘now’ to those days; life is so much harder to cope with. You wonder why you no longer connect to people in the way you once did, or maybe you never really did at all. It's a roller coaster of feelings; these memories and old stories seem to have something to do with it. You know you need help figuring it all out- the ways you've been influenced, affected, and the roles you've played in it all. Most of all, you need someone to help you re-connect to others and help you figure out who you are really meant to be.

Seeking out therapy is a brave step to creating a life that you want. My style is warm, kind, and direct. I believe in meeting you where you are. Every person brings in different life experiences and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. For me, the purpose of therapy is to create a relationship where you can feel safe and supported while developing new skills. I am offering virtual sessions across both Connecticut and Massachusetts. I am offering in person sessions in my office in Lakeville, Connecticut.

As we are all different, so is each therapeutic relationship. Therefore, no one approach works for all. I strive to meet people just as and where they are. We best serve others by seeing them as a whole within the context of their environment. This includes our: mental wellness/ state of mind, physical/ state of body, and spiritual/ state of soul. Together we will explore the relationship between your beliefs, experiences, and the lens in which you see yourself and the world around you. My practice is person-centered and strength-based; providing insight, advocacy, education and encouragement to help people reach their goals.

Hope, resilience, renewal, expansion. We all have a fundamental need, and the innate capacity to heal, grow and flourish. It is a sign of your strength and striving for health that you are seeking support from a professional. With a safe, affirming therapeutic relationship as our base we can harness the power of your strengths to transform what may be blocking you from living your full potential.

By seeking therapy you are taking an important step toward achieving a greater sense of fulfillment in life. You may currently be experiencing painful feelings, longstanding problems, or feeling stuck in repetitive patterns. Therapy can provide an opportunity to better understand the problems that occur in your life. Developing insight into yourself can lead to lasting change, such as more satisfying relationships, a more gratifying experience at work, recovery from trauma, and an alleviation of symptoms of anxiety and depression.

If you are a young adult, you know all too well how stressful and confusing this period of life can be. The recent political upheaval in the country may now be adding to your distress, causing you to feel overwhelmed and fearful for your future. Many of my clients start therapy between the ages of 18 and 40, reporting anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and frustration with work and school. At such times, a psychotherapist who understands what you are going through can help you to regain your balance and to experience increased satisfaction and meaning in your life.

My 25+ years of experience includes working with survivors of trauma and violence; intimate partner violence; depression; anxiety and panic; stress management; individuals with histories in foster care; infertility; and parenting- particularly single parenting. The foundation of my practice are trauma-informed and psychodynamic approaches, and I have pursued additional training in solution-focused techniques, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy.