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I believe that healing starts with being truly seen, so I work to build a space where you can explore who you are without pressure...
I believe that healing starts with being truly seen, so I work to build a space where you can explore who you are without pressure or judgment.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 2 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges. I help clients navigate stress, relationships, and personal growth by creating a warm, collaborative space where they feel seen and supported. My approach is tailored to each person’s unique needs, focusing on building strengths, developing coping skills, and fostering resilience and lasting change.
I earned my Master’s in Counselor Education from Radford University. I use a person-centered and strengths-based approach that combines empathy, support, and practical strategies to help clients overcome barriers and build self-awareness.
It takes courage to begin therapy, and I believe everyone deserves a space to feel heard, understood, and empowered. In our work together, you can expect guidance, authenticity, and a safe space to grow at your own pace.
I'm here to be a guiding light along your journey toward better mental health and wellness....
I'm here to be a guiding light along your journey toward better mental health and wellness.
Bernadette Hernandez is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut with over 10 years of experience. Throughout her career, Bernadette has worked with individuals across all age groups, including children and adolescents, addressing a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, peer relationship issues, mood disturbances, and stress management issues. Her extensive background enables her to connect with each client on a deeper level, providing tailored support and guidance based on their individual challenges. Bernadette is currently focusing on working with adults who are struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and stress management.
Bernadette received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University. She utilizes a blend of cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, relational, strength-based, and mindfulness-based techniques to help clients navigate their concerns and improve their mental health.
Bernadette creates a safe therapeutic space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported while navigating life’s challenges. Her approach is warm, compassionate, and client-centered, encouraging open communication, collaboration, and active participation in a safe and supportive environment. She is committed to helping clients work through their difficulties and looks forward to partnering with you to address your needs and goals.
My core foundation as a clinical social worker is built on cultural competency, trauma-informed care, and resiliency factors....
My core foundation as a clinical social worker is built on cultural competency, trauma-informed care, and resiliency factors.
Elia Vecchitto is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience, most of which have been spent serving in a community-based anti-poverty agency. She has experience working with diverse multicultural populations. Elia specializes in areas of depression, anxiety, panic, anger, trauma, substance use, healing from incarceration, chronic illness, and overall life stressors. Elia also has experience working with individuals living with and affected by HIV.
Elia earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. She uses a variety of treatment approaches that are unique to each person, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy/radical acceptance, mindfulness, psychotherapy, and solution-focused therapy.
Elia strongly believes in helping people grow and find their way. Most importantly, she wants to help unlock the strengths often weighed down by pain, self-doubt, and life stressors. Elia invites you to begin the journey of healing to feel more in control and achieve success in meeting your life's goals and expectations.
As an immigrant, I know that culture plays a significant role in shaping personal experiences, which enriches my therapeutic under...
As an immigrant, I know that culture plays a significant role in shaping personal experiences, which enriches my therapeutic understanding.
Justyna Ferenc is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 7 years of experience in the mental health field. Justyna has worked diligently with clients facing challenges with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and substance use. She is enthusiastic about helping others on their personal journey of healing and growth. Justyna completed her Master’s in Marital and Family Therapy at Fairfield University. After graduating, she became a counselor at an intensive residential program where she worked with clients struggling with a myriad of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use.
Justyna's approach to therapy is tailored uniquely to each individual. She uses various evidence-based approaches such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, Bowenian family therapy, strategic family therapy, and structural family therapy.
Life is like a puzzle — when all the pieces are in front of you, it’s hard to see a clear picture. With Justyna's help, you will gain a better understanding and view of the way forward through collaboratively putting the pieces together.
As an immigrant from Jamaica, I understand how culture plays a role in all aspects of life, especially when seeking mental health ...
As an immigrant from Jamaica, I understand how culture plays a role in all aspects of life, especially when seeking mental health care.
Tavia Briscoe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 9 years of dedicated clinical experience specializing in crisis intervention and supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Throughout her career, she has provided compassionate, solution-focused counseling that empowers clients to navigate stress, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Tavia strives to create a warm and collaborative environment where every client feels heard, valued, and equipped with practical tools to promote personal growth and lasting emotional well-being.
Tavia earned her Master’s in Social Work from Springfield College. She supports individuals and families as they navigate life’s complexities, using evidence-based practices to promote healing and resilience. Tavia is dedicated to helping her clients embrace positive change and thrive.
Tavia believes in creating a warm, collaborative environment where clients feel safe, heard, and supported. Her holistic style emphasizes practical strategies to reduce stress, build confidence, and improve relationships. Tavia takes pride in guiding her clients toward lasting growth, self-discovery, and an enhanced sense of well-being in their daily lives.
I have been in the field of mental health for over 40 years, working in a wide array of settings with individuals, couples, famili...
I have been in the field of mental health for over 40 years, working in a wide array of settings with individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Clevetta Gilliam, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, brings 40 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges, including relationship struggles, loss, stress, and trauma. She is dedicated to creating a supportive, trusting therapeutic space where clients can explore their concerns and move toward more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Clevetta empowers preteens through seniors to discover resilience and embrace positive change, encouraging growth both personally and within their relationships.
Clevetta earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. She integrates psychodynamic and family systems perspectives with cognitive-behavioral strategies, incorporating holistic stress management approaches such as mindfulness, diet, and exercise to help clients build healthier coping skills.
Clevetta is passionate about serving Black, Brown, and Caucasian adolescents, survivors of domestic violence, and those healing from sexual assault. She is committed to advancing research on generational trauma and strives to provide care that fosters empowerment, healing, and hope for every client she serves.
I understand how uncertainties and unexpected life events can leave you feeling....
I understand how uncertainties and unexpected life events can leave you feeling.
Crystal Thomas is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than 5 years of professional experience helping teens, adults, and seniors who are struggling to cope with anxiety, anger, past traumas, unprocessed grief, betrayal, rejection, resentment, depression, and more.
Crystal obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health with a certification in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Crystal helps clients manage their emotions and identify how particular thought patterns can lead to challenging behaviors and emotional distress. She'll meet you where you are at, emotionally and academically.
Crystal will offer her support and guidance as you begin to gain a new understanding of your life story and the courage to identify the purpose behind your pain. Life can have significance even in the unhappiest of circumstances and the inspiration for a better tomorrow often comes from discovering that meaning.
As a trauma-informed therapist, I'm here to help you increase your quality of life in an authentic, manageable way....
As a trauma-informed therapist, I'm here to help you increase your quality of life in an authentic, manageable way.
Patricia Taglialavore is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over ten years of experience. She works with adults and couples ages 18 and over. Patricia treats relationship issues, complex trauma, childhood trauma, stress, life transition issues, and mild anxiety.
Patricia earned her Master's degree in Rehabilitative Mental Health Counseling, and in sessions she uses a trauma-informed approach. She sees therapy sessions as a collaboration between herself and clients.
If you feel that Patricia could be a good fit for you as you work toward your mental health goals, she would love to meet with you and begin sessions as a team. Schedule with Patricia today!
Joseph Seele is a Licensed Professional Counselor with thirty years experience. Joe has a comprehensive understanding of mental he...
Joseph Seele is a Licensed Professional Counselor with thirty years experience. Joe has a comprehensive understanding of mental health and substance abuse systems of care. HE received his BA from ECSU and received his MS in community mental health, specializing in clinical psychology with adults, from Trinity College of Vermont. Joseph is a Cognitive Behavioral based therapist. It is Joe's firm belief that through the use of best practice models and solution focused approaches, positive outcomes will be achieved. Strengths based perspectives allow for all talents and skills of the individual to be part of the solution. Joe's a firm believer that the key to success is a strong therapeutic relationship. He utilizes a holistic approach in developing strategies that best address client needs.
Having experienced traumatic life changes, I’ve come to understand that within every crisis lies an opportunity to discover your s...
Having experienced traumatic life changes, I’ve come to understand that within every crisis lies an opportunity to discover your strengths and create a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Elina Flit is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in providing diagnostic assessments and counseling to adult clients with diverse concerns including substance use, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, emotional regulation, career, interpersonal challenges, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Elina completed her Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern Connecticut State University and is a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She is fluent in English and Russian.
Elina seeks to build an accepting and caring relationship with you. She will collaborate with you on ways to enhance your strengths and apply them toward creating positive and meaningful changes in your life. Elina will create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs, utilizing strength-based, person-centered, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, and dialectical behavioral approaches to therapy.
I believe in goodness of people and I'm aware that life has the ability to change that....
I believe in goodness of people and I'm aware that life has the ability to change that.
Eshe Hamilton is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) who specializes in working with school-aged children, adolescents, and adults experiencing difficulties such as stress, anxiety, trauma, behavior issues, and inter-relational conflicts. Eshe completed her Master of Science (MS) in Counseling and Human Service at Post University.
Eshe offers an unbiased and integrative counseling approach that is supportive in helping you feel secure and empowered to create changes in your current circumstances and generate feelings of happiness. Understanding that challenges and difficulties present for us all, Eshe’s goal is to help you become inspired to create positive change and confidence in the ability to make those changes.
Hello, hello! I am excited to support you in developing the quality of life you hope for yourself using my knowledge and lived exp...
Hello, hello! I am excited to support you in developing the quality of life you hope for yourself using my knowledge and lived experiences to guide you to those goals.
Ian Friedrich is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 7 years of experience in various mental health settings. He is passionate about providing effective and competent care to support his clients in achieving their personal and clinical goals. He specializes in working with clients who struggle with traits of borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and concerns regarding sexuality and gender expression. Ian obtained his Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut.
Ian has been intensively trained in foundational DBT, DBT prolonged exposure, and DBT for couples and families. Additionally, he is passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community and using his lived experiences as a queer person to help those who also identify with the community.
Ian meets all of his clients with compassion and his genuine self to help them navigate the challenges that life presents. Ian is positive that he can guide his clients toward healthy change. He is here to support anyone looking to make positive changes for themselves, no matter what happened in their past. He is excited to start working with new clients.
As a person-centered, compassionate, and active listener, I strive to empower clients to progress toward solutions that work for t...
As a person-centered, compassionate, and active listener, I strive to empower clients to progress toward solutions that work for their unique challenges. The counseling relationship is key to the success of treatment.
Janet Scanlon is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 5 years of experience working with diverse populations on adjustment disorders, anxiety/depression, grief, mood/personality disorders, and parenting challenges. Janet's life experience and skills make her uniquely qualified to support clients on their wellness journey.
Janet earned a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Fairfield University. She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, in which clients adjust negative thought patterns to alter behaviors. She utilizes a person-centered philosophy and specializes in a wellness-based approach, including self-care, sleep hygiene, exercise, and meditation.
Janet truly believes in the importance of supporting others in meeting their goals. She aspires to help others identify their strengths in order to overcome life's challenges. She looks forward to hearing from you. Please contact Janet today for an appointment.
As a woman of color and ally, I understand the importance of being heard and understood, especially during the difficult times we ...
As a woman of color and ally, I understand the importance of being heard and understood, especially during the difficult times we are facing in our society today.
Jewell Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience supporting individuals through emotional, behavioral, and crisis-related challenges. She has worked extensively with clients experiencing severe mental health concerns, guiding them with compassion, clarity, and skill. Jewell’s collaborative, person-centered approach has consistently helped her build strong therapeutic relationships while promoting safety, resilience, and emotional well-being across diverse populations.
Jewell earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Mercy College. She incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and rational emotive behavioral therapy to support healing from trauma and help clients navigate emotional symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and create lasting change.
Jewell is passionate about helping clients feel seen, safe, and empowered in their healing process. She provides a warm and supportive environment for growth, focusing on building trust and developing tailored strategies to meet each individual’s needs. Her goal is to walk alongside clients as they move forward with clarity, confidence, and hope.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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At Thriveworks, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) primarily concentrates on assisting individuals in emotion regulation, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and acquiring effective coping strategies for managing stress and emotional difficulties.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) targets your personal challenges. You may work with your DBT therapist to maintain diary cards to monitor progress, emphasizing validation and support in the therapeutic relationship. DBT follows a stage-based approach, prioritizing crisis reduction initially and life satisfaction.
DBT was initially developed to address the needs of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, its versatile approach has enabled its application to a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, and anger issues.
The 4 pillars of DBT are mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have distinct purposes and aren’t inherently superior or inferior to one another. DBT is most effective for managing emotional regulation, personality disorders, and interpersonal challenges, while EMDR is specifically tailored for individuals with trauma-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with therapists at Thriveworks in , CT is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The duration of a standard DBT program is typically around 24 weeks, which is roughly six months. The actual number of sessions will vary depending on the issues you wish to address.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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