FOUNDER, THERAPIST, CONSULTANT

Alana is a psychodynamic therapist who prides herself on being authentic, warm and easy to talk to while holding her clients accountable and encouraging their growth and change when necessary. Alana specializes in anxiety, trauma, grief, perinatal mental health and stage of life transitions. She is a certified Emotional Freedom Technique practitioner. As a result of practicing for many years in integrated medical/mental health settings, Alana has a penchant for collaborative treatment and frequently coordinates care with medical and psychiatric providers which expedites her clients’ progress.

Alana leads the Advanced Clinical Fellowship program for our LMSW therapists and also offers consultation and supervision to outside organizations and clinicians.

THERAPIST, CHESHIRE OFFICE

Debra is primarily a couples and family therapist who also provides individual psychotherapy to select clients who benefit from her direct style. Debra believes in guiding her clients while acknowledging that each client is the expert on their own life experiences. Debra utilizes a transparent and straightforward communication style while simultaneously accessing compassion and curiosity. Debra focuses on creating an emotionally safe space for clients so that they can increase awareness and mindfulness. Debra has worked alongside her clients for several years and enjoys assisting couples and families to increase their connection, emotional wellbeing and love and care for each other. 

Debra utilizes Emotionally Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems models in a manner that is relatable to her clients.

CLINICAL INTERN, CHESHIRE OFFICE

Karina brings a passion for working with women, children, families, and communities to her role as a clinical social work intern. She has partnered with community-based organizations in New York City to design and lead programs that empower youth, strengthen families, and build connections within neighborhoods. Her work with immigrant women has included advocacy, fundraising, connecting families to essential resources, supporting educational goals, and developing initiatives that meet the needs of both parents and children. She has also been involved in outreach and support efforts for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

Karina takes a collaborative, whole-family approach, believing that lasting growth happens when every member of a support system is engaged. She draws on Social-Emotional Learning, trauma-informed care, and empowerment-focused frameworks to help clients build skills, strengthen relationships, and navigate life changes. Her style is holistic and strength-based, honoring each client’s unique experiences and cultural background.

With warmth, compassion, and a deep respect for her clients’ stories, Karina strives to create a safe, inclusive space where children, caregivers, and individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered.

THERAPIST, CHESHIRE OFFICE

Todd has over eight years of experience working in the human services sector in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. He has worked with populations ranging in age from adolescents to seniors presenting with a wide variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive behaviors, anger management, substance use, gender identity, sexuality, academic and career concerns, acute mental health crises, and those navigating life’s transitions.

With specialized training in psychoanalytic counseling from the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis, Todd approaches his work with clients from a place of compassionate exploration. He strives to foster a space where clients feel free to say anything, can get curious about themselves, and can discover what gets in the way of living the life they desire.

THERAPIST, WATERFORD OFFICE

Laurie has more than 25 years of experience as a clinical social worker. She believes that creating a safe space, practicing compassionate listening, and honoring everyone as an individual are the key ingredients for change, growth, and healing.

Her approach is varied, and includes elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, and CBT. Because she has worked in medical settings such as primary care , and dialysis units, she understands and values the complex interactions between mind and body and the challenges that go with it.

Laurie is particularly interested in helping others with transitions of all kinds. Restoring hope is crucial.

Laurie is currently training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, a treatment for trauma.

TELEHEALTH THERAPIST; CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

Monica has years of experience working with individuals looking to improve their functioning and capacity to find their own path to belonging. Monica believes in "Whole Person" (mind and body) Integrated Care and frequently coordinates care with medical providers, community support system providers and psychiatric providers as needed. Monica works with individuals across the lifespan with various backgrounds around depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, etc. Monica utilizes multiple evidenced based therapeutic techniques (e.g. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) when working with clients. She is currently working toward certification in Problem Solving Therapy.

THERAPIST, CHESHIRE OFFICE

Jennifer brings to our practice over 10 years of experience working with adults in a wide variety of settings. Her areas of focus include anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions and adjustments, and relationship and dating challenges.

Jennifer’s experience working with individuals and families throughout various stages of the life cycle provides her with a broad spectrum of knowledge and a unique skill set. In addition to her therapeutic background, Jennifer also has extensive knowledge of the health care system and community resources as well. Jennifer strongly believes in the benefits of psychotherapy and feels that every person deserves a safe space to work through life’s many difficulties. She utilizes different evidence-based approaches and techniques to meet each individual’s needs.

THERAPIST, CHESHIRE OFFICE

Talia is a calm and warm therapist with past experiences in family permanency, and school-based social work. Most notably, she worked as a middle school social worker in urban and suburban districts. She is passionate about working with adolescent and young adult populations. She believes it’s challenging to be an emerging adult given the complexities of the world and strives to create a supportive environment in which clients can come to understand themselves and their values. She hopes to create a compassionate and safe environment, where clients can feel heard and seen. Once trust is established, she begins to offer insights into where change may be beneficial. Her specific areas of interest include anxiety, life transitions, self esteem, complex family dynamics, understanding pubescence, pregnancy and postpartum, and women's hormonal health.  She believes there are multiple pathways to growth, and will encourage clients to follow their intuition to guide the way in healing. She references diverse modalities in treatment, though also has an appreciation and reverence for alternative modalities as a complement to traditional modalities.

THERAPIST, CHESHIRE OFFICE

Rachel is a warm, open, queer, LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist who has over a decade of experience accompanying people of all ages through the challenges, hardships and joys that life brings.

Rachel believes that therapy can help us all gain a different perspective on our lives and strives to help her clients live into and love all parts of who they are. She has a trauma-informed background and uses a variety of methods including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Creative Arts, and empowerment counseling to connect with each client and their individual story. 

Rachel is also an ordained Presbyterian Church (USA) pastor who has worked for the past 12+ years with folks from age 3 to age 94. Her education, training, and practice as a pastor informs who she is, giving her insight into issues around religious trauma, community, ritual, and the sacred. Rachel will call upon this training and experience at the discretion of the client--she is prepared to integrate spirituality into treatment at the request of clients who may find it helpful. 

CLINICAL INTERN, CHESHIRE OFFICE

Tanya brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood development, parent-child interactions, and school-age child and adolescent counseling to our practice. Tanya's former career as the owner of an in-home childcare center gives her a unique perspective on her young clients: she recognizes that each child’s developmental stage informs the complexity of their behaviors and capabilities. 

Tanya’s positive outlook and passion for helping her clients reach their goals comes through in every interaction with her. Child and adult clients alike benefit from her supportive listening skills, compassion and authentic care. Tanya utilizes Social-Emotional Learning, Emotional Regulation Techniques, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (including TF-CBT) in her work with clients across all ages. Tanya empowers her clients through a holistic and strength-based approach.  Her areas of clinical interest with adults include those experiencing anxiety, struggling with unhelpful thought processes, and navigating new life stages including parenthood.

Tanya co-facilitates our prenatal, postpartum and parenting groups.