Therapists in Westbrook, ME

We all experience challenges during our everyday lives. Sometimes these challenges can seem overwhelming and discouraging. I work with people who want to make changes in their lives to help themselves overcome these difficult experiences. These changes can often be difficult to contemplate, yet alone act on. I strive to create a supportive environment for my clients where they can explore their concerns and the emotions that arise.

My philosophy is to "keep it simple". Because those who are in need of counseling are often so overwhelmed, I feel it is important to keep the therapeutic process streamlined and noncomplicated. I have an eclectic approach to therapy and create a unique treatment plan to address each of your identified needs and goals in a simplified yet supportive and flexible manner that feels manageable.

Tired of having the same arguments over and over? Wondering why you seem to be stuck in cycles with your partner, friends, colleagues or yourself? How often do you find yourself wondering, "what happened to that sweet loving person I fell in love with? How did Godzilla end up in my bed? Or worse yet, is that Medusa staring back at me in the mirror"? OK then.....welcome. I'm Joni Altshuler and after 30yrs in practice, I continue to be inspired and often awe struck by the people who walk thru my door.

Thank you for your interest in my therapy/counseling practice. It is often a very difficult decision to finally decide to go to therapy. What can be even more daunting is to find a therapist that is a good fit for you. My approach is easy going and interactive which I have found most clients appreciate. I specialize in working with adults, couples, families and teens. I am co founder of Greater Portland DBT which is a consortium of DBT therapists offering Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to adults and teens.

I view Psychotherapy as collaborative effort where the client and therapist work together to find resolution to issues. It is an active process whether we're doing individual or couples' therapy. Although issues often feel quite daunting initially, they become manageable and ultimately resolved in a timely fashion. After over 35 years of experience, I believe that most, if not all presenting problems can be helped.

I recognize there are times we can get focused on regrets of the past. Or we're consumed with the chaos of anticipating the future. We can be overwhelmed by anxiety, sadness, or experiences of loss and grief...sometimes leading to isolation, being "stuck", or unhealthy relationships with substances, behaviors, or people. What drives me as a therapist is when I see a client taking action that makes their mind an ally, rather than a detractor, in their life.

I believe that every individual has the inherent capability to make changes to better their lives. My goal is to foster relationships that best support client strengths, tailoring therapy that fits the indivdual(s). In my practice, I employ behavioral therapy, person centered therapy, and mindfulness work. I work with adults, couples and families who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, low self esteem, and spirituality concerns, and those who are in the midst of separation/divorce, or having parenting issues or communication challenges within family and/or peer relationships.

Is your life turning out the way you planned? Are your personal relationships fulfilling? Are you finding the right job for you? Do people get who you really are? Too often we lose track of the way we exist each day. Depression over past mistakes or anxiety about what might happen in the future prevent us from being who we want to be in the present. The goal of existential counseling is to help you develop a better relationship with your "self" first, and then to improve your relationships with others. To help you gain more confidence in the decisions you make daily and to worry less about how others will judge you in the future.

Are you looking to feel happier in your life? I believe that seeing a therapist can make positive change happen. We can work together to explore difficult situations and identify solutions. I have over 25 years of experience helping people improve the quality of their lives. Frequently, mental health, trauma and/or addiction can impact our self-esteem, relationships, work and family. I am interested in how people feel, think and behave. If something in your life is not working for you, let's figure it out. You deserve to feel joy.

I am a LCSW providing evidence-based, systems-oriented counseling. I have an excellent record assisting people in maintaining positive changes. As a therapist, I am more directive than passive in style, and quickly work to assess goals, and create an individualized treatment plan to address barriers. Treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (including TF-CBT, ACT, and Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy), MATCH, CollaborativePS, Solution-Focused Therapy, Parenting Support, Anxiety Treatment, Motivational Interviewing, Art and Narrative Therapy.

***PLEASE NOTE: I am unable to accept new clients at this time***It's such a blessing for me as a clinician to spend each day living out my passion of helping others through my work and witnessing the journey to emotional growth and wellness. I provide a safe, supportive, judgement-free environment, allowing you space to express your wants and needs freely. Life presents us with many challenges which can create barriers to health, happiness and satisfaction. Together we can work to break down these barriers to assist you in achieving the life you want, but more importantly, deserve.

As an intensively trained DBT, CBT, and TF-CBT clinician I offer a mindful, balanced perspective while supporting the skill building process. My specialty is supporting people who have experienced trauma (in whatever form that has taken for you) to balance their lives. For 20 years I've been working with children, adolescents, adults, elders, first responders, and helping professionals through individual and family counseling formats.

Please note: I am currently at capacity and will not be accepting new clients at this time. As a trained CBT, Certified DBT and Certified EMDR therapist, my goal is to provide you with a safe and nonjudgmental environment where you can gain awareness into your past and present struggles. I specialize in helping clients process a variety of traumatic and difficult experiences that cause people to feel stuck in their daily life. Together we can work on developing your inner strengths, resolving current conflicts and help you reach new insights about your life.

In more than 25 years as a psychologist, I've cultivated a profound respect for the ways people reshape their lives despite daunting problems. I see my role as helping you understand how a particular problem is working, noticing moments you are living more according to your own designs, and solidifying these changes. Couples are a particular interest of mine. I meet with couples trying to decide if they are a good fit for a committed relationship; couples who want to undo habits of conflict that diminish connection; and long-term couples who find they've drifted into parallel lives. I am keeping a waiting list for clients.

"Superman's not brave. You can't be brave if your indestructible, its everyday people like you and me that are brave knowing we could easily be defeated but still continue to move forward"-unknown. It is a huge gift to be able to witness someone who had little hope become that person they always dreamed of! To give just one person the gift of hope; that is priceless. I have found that most people "in recovery", they are strong amazing people! You've overcome so much already, use those assets for your recovery instead of active addiction.

If you want someone who is knowledgeable and understanding, but willing to meet you where you are at, with your particular situations whether it be relationship issues, substance abuse, depression, anxiety or other mental health related issues, please give me a call. I work with couples, individuals, who are looking for solutions for their unique situations. I have many years experience working in the field and I am confident if you reach out to me, then I will be able to guide and assist you in your personal goals and unique situations.

I believe every person big & small can work through emotional & behavioral challenges to live their best life. I'm motivated to assist people with processing their challenges, and problem solving & skill building to achieve recovery from mental health challenges & increase one's overall emotional capabilities.

Welcome! I enjoy working with children, adults, couples and families. A main focus of my practice is grief counseling. I am certified in thanatology and have a special interest in providing support to individuals and families after traumatic loss. I also have extensive experience working with those who are seeking help for depression and anxiety or who would like to improve their capacity to cope with stress, relationships, and life transitions.

I am not accepting new clients at this time. There is a way through. You don’t have to keep running from the present, sitting in the past or fixating on the future. You can be here now. Our work together can help orient the change process so that it is aligned with your values. I have been working with women, couples and families for the past decade. I bring authenticity, integrity and passion to the therapeutic relationship. It is possible to move from trauma, attachment wounds, addiction, disordered eating and anxiety towards resiliency, compassion, connection, hope and healing.