Our therapists provide life coaching in Norwalk, CT

Stephanie Villegas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience specializing in anxiety, depression, and life transitions. She works best with adults, young adolescents, and young professionals struggling with overwhelm, self-doubt, or emotional exhaustion. Her clients often seek relief from persistent worry, low mood, or the weight of perfectionism while wanting to regain balance, set healthy boundaries, and reconnect with their sense of purpose. Together, Stephanie and her clients create a collaborative space to process challenges, develop coping tools, and cultivate a more fulfilling life.

Stephanie earned a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. Grounded in evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, she helps clients build resilience while fostering self-compassion. Her background includes working with diverse populations, giving her a deep understanding of systemic barriers.

Stephanie understands how everyday life can feel overwhelming. She creates a warm, non-judgmental space to help you untangle difficult emotions, quiet self-doubt, and rediscover your strength. Whether you're facing life transitions or persistent worry, she'll work with you to build coping skills and meaningful change. Your healing journey starts here.

Mark Blanchard is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with 1 year of experience supporting clients through a variety of mental health challenges. He works with individuals across diverse backgrounds and diagnoses. Mark’s goal is to provide compassionate, individualized care that empowers clients to establish meaningful goals and make measurable progress. He is committed to fostering a safe, respectful therapeutic environment where clients feel heard and supported in their healing journey.

Mark holds a Master’s in Counseling and Human Services from Post University. He utilizes a person-centered, strengths-based approach to care, focusing on therapeutic strategies that align with each client’s unique needs. Mark believes in meeting clients where they are and guiding them toward growth at their own pace.

Clients describe Mark as warm, supportive, and genuinely invested in their well-being. He is an active listener who creates a space for clients to explore concerns openly. With a calm and caring presence, Mark is dedicated to helping clients work through challenges and uncover their resilience.

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.

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.

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 strongly believe in a person’s ability to be able to overcome difficult situations that may arise in their lives. That ability comes from self-motivation and guidance using a unified approach by problem solving, gaining insight, and implementing strategies to alleviate symptoms. My name is Courtney and I have 15 years of experience. I hold a Master's of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from UAlbany. Prior to obtaining my Master's degree, I attended UCONN to double major in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies. I am currently licensed as an LPC in the state of Connecticut. I have experience providing group, individual, and family therapy in the community, inpatient hospital, outpatient facility, group home, and residential settings. I have been able to serve diverse populations and have varied experience with people of differing ages, race, religion, sexual orientation, and diagnoses. I am passionate about working with individuals struggling with parenting and behavioral needs of their children, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, and substance abuse. I typically use CBT, mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution focused techniques to assist in mitigating the struggles people are experiencing. Most importantly I use a collaborative approach as the client is the expert of their lives and my role is to help provide guidance and feedback rather than to dictate and force opinions. I look forward to meeting you and being a help to you in anyway that I can.

Betsy Ibsen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 40 years of working in both the mental health and addiction fields. She has treated adolescents and adults in outpatient, inpatient, and long-term residential settings. Betsy has studied how the effects of early childhood trauma have caused both physical and emotional effects on adults. What has impressed her the most over the years is that the human mind is creative, complex, and, above all, flexible. With appropriate treatment and life changes, people can heal, move forward, relearn old skills, develop new ones, rebuild support systems, or discover a network unique to their specific needs. Therapeutic tools and strategies will depend on where the client is on their life journey. She has two tenets of her philosophy that focus her work with clients: "Life is not fair," and "There is never enough time."

Betsy completed her master's degree in Social Work at Boston University and lived in Boston for 20 years before relocating to Connecticut and the greater Hartford area. She also worked as a kindergarten teacher in Italy for a year, spent two summers camping in the Soviet Union, and embraces multiculturalism as a way to connect with, recognize, and respect the strengths and needs of people with differing customs and beliefs. Treatment is only as good as the relationship developed with the client.

Life doesn’t much resemble a Hallmark movie with things falling into perfect place at the end of two hours. It’s messier and more random, and at times unpleasantly chaotic. Recognizing that you need some sense of order, safety, and calmness is the first step. Asking for help is the second. Betsy can offer you the space to start this personal journey, to process what is and isn't working for you and why, what belongs to someone else, and what needs to be given away. Who doesn’t want to feel better?

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.

Ismaila Musah is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, behavioral issues, family issues, anger management, and trauma. He has extensive experience working with children as well as experience working with adolescents, adults, and families in different settings such as outpatient, community setting, and residential. 

Ismaila believes in creating an open, safe, and judgment-free environment with clients and is multiculturally competent as well. His therapeutic approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, solution-focused, and also an eclectic approach based on the needs of his clients.

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.

Marie Courtemanche is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience in mental health and addiction counseling. She specializes in working with individuals struggling with mental health concerns, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions. Throughout her career, Marie has facilitated both individual and group therapy sessions, offering support in areas such as emotional resilience, relationship challenges, parenting, and recovery from trauma. Her expertise extends to psychoeducational groups, including parent education and substance use recovery programs. She is a 200 Hour YTT Certified Yoga Instructor and a student of therapeutic horticulture at North Carolina State University online.

Marie has a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Post University. She uses a client-centered, evidence-based approach, incorporating techniques from rational emotive behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and solution-focused goal setting. Her style is grounded in building trust and tailoring interventions to meet needs, strengths, and goals.

Marie takes the time to know each individual, opening up the opportunity for mind-body-spirit interventions like deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, art, music, and gardening. If you're curious about therapy or you are ready to get started, reach out to Marie to begin your journey toward self-reflection, hope, and healing.

Janine Hitchens Parker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has more than 24 years of experience working to help teens, adults, and seniors who are suffering from low self-esteem, depression, loss, addiction, illness, anxiety, and difficult life transitions. 

She completed her Master's degree at the Hunter College Graduate School of Social Work in New York City. After moving to Connecticut, Janine earned her Social Worker's license. She also completed her SIFI certification as a Field Instructor. Janine's clinical approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based practices, existential therapy, and more.

Janine has helped many clients deal with concerns or conditions related to all types of situations or experiences; she knows how to help. She feels it has been her privilege to help people make sense of difficult circumstances, and find a way forward that works for each person. Through individualized care, Janine will assist you in setting and achieving the goals you have in mind. 

Melissa Pagan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Melissa specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, anger, behavioral issues, child therapy, family conflict, parenting, self-esteem, relationship issues, and major life transitions.

Melissa completed her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT. She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Southern CT State University. Melissa utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy (SFT), and much more.

Melissa is confident that she would be able to support you on your unique journey in order to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. Your journey is not a straight line, If you are ready to understand your journey and to work on it, schedule an appointment with Melissa today.

Aide A Perez is a Licensed Practitioner Counselor with experience working with both children and adults. She is passionate about helping people of color to address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Aide specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma.

Aide completed her Master’s Degree at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Aide utilized multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, grounding, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT).

We all go through challenges in life. Aide is confident that she will be able to provide you with support throughout your journey to gain insight, and explore and learn new techniques that will assist you to manage whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

James Fox is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, couples counseling, substance use, and trauma. He believes that everyone has the ability to assess and significantly improve their lives and mental health. However, sometimes it takes an objective third party to help guide you through these changes. It is his job to help you find ways to improve your life situation. While James cannot heal you, he can help you heal yourself and/or find the right support to achieve this goal.  

James completed his Master's of Social Work at the University of Albany. He takes a holistic approach to providing care as all people are different and what works for one may not work for another. You will explore with James what will work for you, and then he will support you in getting it started and help you assess your progress along the way. James does not believe in therapy for life. So he will focus on and assist you in meeting your individual needs, and if you feel it is not working, then he will help you find another therapist who can guide you.

"I am no better or worse than you. We are two equal people trying to make our way through the 'bumps in the road' that life throws at us," says James. "I have found that the majority of issues people are dealing with are due to feeling disempowered, feeling they have no control, and this leads to distortions of the reality of their situation, which can cause mental health issues. Together we will work toward discovering what you can do today to take control and make your tomorrow better."

Becky Hafford is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in treating concerns and conditions related to PTSD, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, and trauma. Her clients have all dealt with major tragedies and struggles. She is also fiercely devoted to her field and her clients.

Becky earned her Master's degree in Social Work from Alabama A&M University. In sessions, she utilizes methods including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), attachment-based therapy (ABT), emotionally-focused therapy (EFT), and reality therapy (RT).

Becky works with her clients at their pace. Becky is open, honest, and sincere. She is a seasoned clinician who has dealt with thousands of clients. She is pleasant and easy to talk to and she has a good sense of humor. If you're ready to begin, schedule an appointment with Becky today.

Ladie is a Licensed Professional Counselor with several years of experience providing therapeutic services to individuals from diverse populations. She specialized in working with clients with co-occurring disorders, SUD, anxiety and depression, and more. Ladie is experienced in providing group and individual therapy to adult populations. She has also worked with children and adolescent populations. Her therapeutic approaches include motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Thus, whatever you may be struggling with, her goal and commitment are to assist you on a journey to wellness and help you live a fulfilling life.

Ladie completed her Master's Certificate in Professional Counseling from Post University and completed her Master's in Forensic Psychology from Walden University. Ladie did her undergrad in Psychology at Hunter College in NYC. Ladie has a significant history working in health care and behavioral health. With her credentials and work experience, she is able to provide and deliver the support her clients are seeking.

Ladie strongly believes in providing a judgment-free zone, where clients can feel free and open to share their experiences. If you are ready to share your experiences and need support to make sense of your emotions, she is ready to listen.

Pamela English is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), licensed in the state of Connecticut. Pamela has 10 years of experience working in the mental health profession. She has provided therapy for children and teens dealing with grief and loss. She has also provided case management and therapeutic services for single adult women living in a homeless shelter. She also provided counseling for older adults in a nursing home.

Pamela has extensive experience with adults and clients in crisis. She has experience working with teens and families. She also has experience as a case manager; she has extensive knowledge of mental health resources and utilizes those connections while working in private practice. Pamela is able to provide multicultural counseling for people with a variety of racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. She has also worked closely with many members of the LGBT community, providing counseling and case management when those services may not otherwise be available to them.    

Pamela completed her Master of Arts (MA) in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care at Fordham University. Because her degree also focused on faith-based counseling, she is able to provide those services to clients when necessary. 

Pamela provides a calming presence for her clients. She maintains a quiet confidence with each client and situation. She is able to draw from a wide range of experiences to provide therapeutic support for each client. She is flexible and versatile when building therapeutic rapport; she provides flexible scheduling. She is very excited to develop and grow her practice with Thriveworks.

Alexis Jelm is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with years of experience. She specializes in supporting clients with attachment needs, family relationship issues, trauma, depression and anxiety. Her passion is rooted in supporting others unfold their personal life stories and identify tools to grow and learn about themselves.

Alexis completed her Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from Springfield College in 2019. After completing her graduate degree she served as a Health Education Volunteer in the Peace Corps for a period of time. This experience affirmed her passion for supporting others, ultimately leading to her return back to the U.S. to begin her career as a therapist in the mental health field. In practice, she utilizes a variation of approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Gottman Level One.

We spend our lives learning who we are and what we want as individuals and families. Many times we need the support of others to gauge our perspective, learn internal and external resources, and work through challenges that arise. Alexis believes strongly in her ability to support you in learning to understand, cope with, and process life’s current challenges, whether it be in your relationship or with individual mental health needs. When you are ready, Alexis is happy to hear from you and book an appointment to get started.

ollettia is a Licensed professional counselor specializing in helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. She has several years’ experience working with individuals, couples, and families with varying diagnoses. Whether you are experiencing chronic feelings of anxiety, unhappiness, or just feeling stuck, Kollettia can help guide you to get your life back on track. She empowers her clients to see their strength and work towards their goals and desires. She offers a safe, confidential space to work collaboratively to process challenging issues.

Kollettia has a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Fordham university. She is able to treat clients with difficulties ranging from transitions, self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, depression, and co-occurring substance misuse through approaches like CBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness.

Mental health impacts your physical health, relationships, work performance, and inner peace. Do not ignore how impactful it can be to get help. Improving your mental health changes your life and the lives of others around you. Kollettia would like to help you create a plan for long term wellbeing.

Lahaysha Mike is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) who has a wealth of knowledge to serve adults with anxiety, depression, anger management, or any other challenging life issues. Lahaysha completed her Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health at Central Connecticut State University. 

Lahaysha will work with you to come up with and execute your goals whether they are building self-esteem, improving communication skills, or helping you change a behavior you don’t like. She provides a safe space where you can work through your challenges through role play, exposure therapy, or figuring out an alternative solution together. Lahaysha likes to help her clients get to the root of their problems by showing them that change isn’t just taking you out of your comfort zone, but also a progressive transformation into the person you build yourself up to be. She is here to help build confidence, a more positive self-talk that you can use even when you are not feeling it that day. 

Lahaysha knows that it can be hard to make that first move towards a newer you, but she’ll be here with you every step of the way, providing you with the tools you will need to make that vision of your future self a reality. 

Tracy Saucier is a Licensed Clinical Therapist with over 11 years of experience. She has been described as a supportive, caring, and compassionate therapist. She specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, coping skills, depression, and major life transitions.

Tracy completed her Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) at Springfield College School of Social Work. Tracy specializes individual therapy working primarily with adults and elderly. Her approach often utilizes a mix of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive approach, and person-centered therapy (PCT).

Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. Therapy is for coping, healing, and growing. You are important, and Tracy is here to help you improve your quality of life.

Sam Boisvert is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 4 years of experience. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families on a wide array of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, attachment issues, family relationships, and parenting challenges. Sam has worked with youth and their families in crisis management and intensive in-home programs.

Sam received her Master of Social Work from Springfield College. She uses a variety of trauma-informed, strengths-based, and solution-focused approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy.

Sam believes in getting to know each individual, their stories, and their strengths while working together to overcome life's challenges and heal from past wounds. She meets clients where they are in their journey to provide support in processing and coping with life's challenges.

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.

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.

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.

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.