Our therapists provide couples therapy in West Hartford, CT

My name is Karlene Chisholm. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of Connecticut. I have had the honor and privilege of working with individuals, families, and couples—both young and old—for the past 27 years. I have experience working with children and teens (ages 6–19), young adults, couples, and older adults. I have worked with a range of concerns, including ADHD, ODD, grief and loss, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and marital issues.

When working with clients, the first step toward successful treatment is creating a safe environment where they can fully engage in the therapeutic process. Once that engagement is established, we can work together to develop treatment goals, encourage behavioral change, and implement appropriate therapeutic approaches.

As a therapist, I believe that my clients already possess the tools they need within themselves to heal and grow. My job is to help facilitate that change and support them throughout the process.

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.

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 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.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 35 years of experience providing therapy to adults seeking support with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social or performance anxiety. I offer a direct yet compassionate approach that helps you explore your thoughts, challenge unhelpful patterns, and gain clarity. I also have extensive experience in life coaching for clients who feel stuck and want practical, meaningful steps forward.

I earned my Master of Social Work from Florida State University. My approach integrates cognitive behavioral treatment, humanistic and experiential principles, and education about how nutrition, exercise, and emerging research in psychiatric genetics can support overall wellness. I also explore alternatives to medication when appropriate.

I take a solution-focused approach and help clients recognize and shift thinking patterns that contribute to emotional distress. Change can be difficult, but with awareness and support, it becomes possible. My goal is to offer a space where you feel validated, encouraged, and equipped to pursue meaningful growth.

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.

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.

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.

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 12 years of experience providing care across outpatient, intensive outpatient, in-home, and telehealth settings. I support children, adolescents, adults, parents, families, and older adults. My background includes crisis work and treating concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, mood disorders, family conflict, autism spectrum differences, grief, addiction, and life transitions.

I earned my master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Southern Connecticut State University. My experience includes community and clinical work supporting individuals with trauma, PTSD, OCD, and conduct disorders. I use cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, play-based, creative, and therapeutic-gaming approaches.

I aim to offer a culturally sensitive, collaborative environment where you feel valued and supported. Together, we will identify your strengths, develop effective coping skills, and explore new perspectives that bring clarity and relief. My goal is to help you move toward meaningful growth and create lasting change in your daily life.