Psychodynamic Therapists in Simsbury, CT

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. ~ ~

Out on Maternity Leave returning October 7th- Not Accepting New Clients- I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker fully trained in EMDR specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety and trauma. I provide individual therapeutic treatment to adults experiencing personal challenges impacting their relationships, self-efficacy and overall daily functioning. My approach is collaborative, integrative and strength-based, incorporating a variety of treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) and psychodynamic therapy.

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.

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.

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.

With over 30 years clinical experience and training at Harvard, Princeton and University of Chicago, I treat individuals and families, ranging in age from pre-teens to adults. I help clients achieve relief from emotional distress, enhance self-esteem, and restore the quality of their relationships and work/academic functioning. Clients seek my assistance on such problems as anxiety, depression, existential issues, life transitions, trauma, cognitive/learning disorders, behavior problems, as well as sexual dysfunction and addictions.

Making the first therapy appointment takes an enormous amount of strength. As a holistic therapist, my objective is to empower and support you. My mission is to provide a warm and collaborative atmosphere, in which you can openly explore and identify a deep understanding, acceptance and respect for yourself. Together, we can work towards breaking unhealthy patterns, harnessing trapped courage and embracing your most authentic self. Eunoia, meaning “beautiful thinking; a well mind” is the basis of my practice, as I am passionate about guiding you towards optimal wellness.

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.

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.

Welcome! I have openings for in-office and telehealth options for residents of MA, RI and CT. You want to make a change in your life? I am here for you. It takes courage to look for help and I am glad that you are here. Everyone needs help in life now and then. You can click on the website link to view availability and to schedule your appointment. I believe every challenge that we encounter is an opportunity for growth and creativity.

I believe that we are all innately resilient and adaptable, and that we all have the ability to grow and make positive changes in our lives. With 25+ years experience, my goal as a therapist is to help you live up to your potential and achieve your individual goals. I will listen to you in a safe, warm, and nonjudgmental way, and explore with you which areas in your life are working, and which areas need to change. I will offer you direction and support, empathy and hope, always with the goal of helping you achieve a happier, healthier lifestyle.

What is a “mindful parent,” exactly? A mindful parent is the one that asks: how do I know that what I am doing is preparing my child mentally and emotionally for an increasingly complex future? How do I optimize the relationship I have with them right now to better ensure they become an adult that is empowered not entitled, self-reliant and compassionate, curious, and competent in a world of increasing artifice? Those are great questions and, luckily, we have the answers. Developmental research has identified ways you can enhance the parent-child relationship to prepare your child for a more secure, autonomous adulthood.

Life doesn’t always go as planned and we often need help and guidance navigating turbulent waters or unexpected bumps in the road. I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working with children, adolescents, and young adults since 1994. Having spent 25 years as a school counselor in Connecticut, I work with all genders, sexualities, races, and beliefs. I have experience working with many different presentations of anxiety and depression and have a particular interest and expertise in working with people with ADHD and the accompanying issues of executive functioning, anxiety, and depression.

I offer remote tele-health and video therapy sessions to anyone seeking mental health support. I earned my MA in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hartford following earning a BA in Psychology, minoring in Women's Studies, from Uconn. I served at York Correctional Maximum Security Prison as a Post Graduate Clinical Intern. I worked as an IICAPS clinician following graduation. I am now working as an Outpatient Clinician serving clients of varying ages and clinical needs. I take the trust my clients offer very seriously and I only take a limited amount of clients ensuring I can give the best care possible.

Life is a journey with its peaks and valleys. Along the way, we all need help and guidance. I can help you in taking your first step on a way to a better life. I am an experienced therapist who through motivational interviewing, evidence base practices, and a person centered approach will help you maximize your true potential, regain your self empowerment, and achieve your goals. I am able to provide brief or long term treatment including assessment, counseling, and pharmacotherapy monitoring. I have a strong relationship with various referral resources pertaining to other levels of care, psychiatric services, case management, and vocational training.

As a Psychologist, for 20 years I have enjoyed working with adults, adolescents, couples and families. Over the years I have learned that the single most important aspect to productive therapy is having a trusting, empathic connection with your therapist. Additionally, it is important that your therapist is highly skilled, appropriately trained and experienced. Finding the right therapist is very important, therefore I always encourage people to investigate several options in order to find that supportive, genuine and safe connection that is right for them. Given that belief, I would be happy to be interviewed by you.

Do you find that you are being towed along in life instead of being the driver? Feeling tired of not being in control of the direction for which your life takes? Not sure of what or how it should be different but you know the way you are living now is NOT IT?! Shari can help guide you along your inner journey to finding a new direction in your life that speaks to your inner truth of what path is right for you. Together, you will work on this journey in a safe and supportive environment through integrating counseling with healing energy in releasing any blockages or challenges that interfere with living your joyful life.

Are you stressed? Overwhelmed? Feel like you are barely holding things together and worried that everything is about to fall apart? Are you tired of pretending that everything is alright when that couldn’t be further from the truth? Are you struggling with feelings of anxiety and sadness but don't really understand why? Frequently trauma shows up as anxiety. Negative experiences you went through months, years, or decades ago plays a role in how you think, feel and react today. If this sounds like you, let's talk.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides individual psychotherapy to adults and adolescents. I use a cognitive behavioral and strengths based approach that tailors treatment to the unique needs and goals of each person. Change is not something that happens overnight and seeking help is the first step on the journey of healing and recovery. People deserve the right fit when it comes to the therapist/client relationship and I emphasize this as the cornerstone of a positive treatment experience. I am committed to providing a comfortable treatment environment that is nonjudgmental, empathic and focused on treating the whole person.