Therapists serving clients in Bridgeport, CT

REVIEWS: <>“Kindness is Ron Hughes!” is the inscription on a silver letter opener presented to me at the completion of a therapy group I facilitated many years ago. <> “You’re different than most of the staff here—you take time to listen, and it shows that you really care,” a patient’s mother told me shortly after my first hospital internship in the 1960’s. <>In 2007 a hard working employee facing unfair termination until my intervention on her behalf, presented me with a lovely green crystal frog in a silk lined box. Inside the cover of the box is this touching little poem: "Thank you--you could have let the moment pass, or looked the other way; Instead, you took the time to care-- I thank you every day!" The green frog reflected her newly found (green) assertiveness and Kermit the frog's song: "It isn't easy being green." <>One evening In the 1980's a former patient I hadn't seen for about a year, appeared in my waiting room, and to my great surprise, presented me with a personally embroidered plaque that today hangs in my living room. Beneath an embroidered rainbow it reads: "The soul would have no rainbow, had the eye no tear." This--a year after nearing suicide in response to suffering relentless homophobic harrassment in a professional workplace. The personal inscription on the back reads, simply, "Thank you for leading me to the rainbow." <>At the time of my retirement from Adolescent/Pediatric Psychotherapy (2011), there were many handmade cards from the children and among them one from a 12 year old observant boy: "You were the best therapist we've ever had, and you were good to all the other staff here, too! I really wish you weren't going." As the saying goes: "Through the eyes of babes..." EXPERIENCE: Both clients and colleagues have described my counseling style as sensitive, patient, gentle, compassionate, and kindly honest when confrontation is indicated. After over 40 years in the Healthcare profession, I retired as a Clinical Administrator and a Behavioral Health/Employee Assistance Director in a major healthcare system and, also, as a private practioner in individual and family psychotherapy and hypnotherapy. Within hospital Multi-Disciplinary-Teams (MDTs) I worked with clinical staff, clients, and patients experiencing anything from workplace challenges, to relationship issues, to depression and anxiety, to severely dibilitating psychiatric illnesses that required intensive inpatient treatment and/or psychotropic medications. FORMAL EDUCATION: Undergraduate: Holy Cross Monastery (OHC--Spiritual and Liturgical Studies); Eastern Connecticut State University; University of Hartford and Hartt College of Music; Southern Connecticut State University for undergraduate degree; Hypnology and Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy Specialist certifications with National Guild of Hypnosis and Hypnodyne Foundation in Boston and New York; Graduate studies at Fordham University earning a Master's of Social Work degree, entering the postgraduate doctoral program before accepting an administrative position in a major healthcare system. PSYCHIATRIC/SUBSTANCE TREATMENT AFFILIATIONS: Began psychiatric affiliation in the State Department of Mental Health (DMH) at two inpatient pediatric, adult, and geriatric facilities and was Director of Aftercare Services and clinician for Intensive Care Services for a (CADAC) alcohol and drug treatment hospital. Clinical Administrator for a Yale private "for-profit" psychiatric hospital for 7 years. While in private practice, part-time, for over 30 years, provided clinical and administrative services full-time to both State and private hospitals from the 1960's until 2011--last four years specializing in pediatric and adolescent psychotherapy for a major healthcare system. Served 15 years as Director of another major healthcare system's Social Wellness Support Services and directed Employee Assistance services for 3,000+ healthcare managers and employees, and was Program Administrator for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Services (DHI). Supervised Crisis and Emergency Department Psychiatric Services and Inpatient Psychiatric Social Services. WHY AM I COUNSELING AGAIN AFTER RETIRING? In recent years, I learned of a nearby 9th grade boy who took his own precious life--believing he had no where to turn following torment from family and peers who condemned him after courageously "coming out" to them--after a long lonely private struggle. Then, one of my first private practice clients (1970s) contacted me about having discovered THIS (BetterHelp) online counseling platform and urged me to adjust my busy retirement and consider resuming counseling through this platform —especially for PRIDE COUNSELING for LGBT persons. Since I still retain my clinical license in the state of Connecticut, and since you can take the counselor out of the counseling arena but can’t take the counseling out of the counselor, here I am! Fortunately, “older” can mean “wiser”—that is, wiser in so many ways, thank goodness, than I used to be. Having made wrong decisions along with right decisions, hopefully I've achieved the "Noblity" about which the late Wayne Dyer, PhD wrote: "Nobility isn't being better than others--it's being better than you used to be." An anonymous (as far as I know) wise person once wrote: The secret of success is in two words...Right Decisions. How does one make the right decisions...Experience. How to get experience is also two words...Wrong Decisions. OTHER INFLUENCES: E.E. Cummings wrote, “It takes courage to grow up and be who you really are.” I believe it also takes courage to reach out and overcome the fear of being judged. You may be assured that I leave the judging to others. My “approach”, if you will, draws from a combination of years of training and experience--and even errors. If I were pressed to specify preferred clinical approaches, I would likely favor Cognitive Behavioral and Humanistic modalities, while not excluding a multitude of other effective influences and likely that which recognizes where YOU are, and meets you there to help you move forward to a place you hope to be. Everyone deserves to find happiness. A tiny wooden plaque in my home office reads, “Happiness is an inside job!” Sometimes being able to discover the meaning of that requires outside help. There are, and have been, so many gifted life educators--I feel personally fortunate to have learned from some of these gifted scholars and over the years have continued to share with others what I've learned about growing and improving productive thinking, behavior, and personal humility. I find it exciting to share with others what I've learned and exciting to continue to learn. One such gifted life educator from whom I learned said, "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change!" If you're believing you're "stuck" and feeling you're simply the result of someone else's or others' treatment of you, you've yet to learn the wonder of accessing strength from your own inner guidance system. Sometimes without the right help, we may not know inner strengths even exist. Another wise person said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” When I was in High School and College I knew two young people who contemplated suicide--one eventually carried it out. I was aware of the surrounding impact it had on so many people, myself included. The other was able to obtain effective enough help to restore self-esteem and tell others about the resulting joy in choosing to live a productive valued life. One friend who had concealed suicidal intent, did commit suicide when a Senior in college. Such a beautiful person--dearly loved by friends and family, admired by most people, and so gifted in personality and intelligence. Could someONE's helping wisdom have averted the thoughts that led to these tragedies? How tragic that the choices were not to reach out for help. I suspect these losses have been significant influences in my desire and eventual decision to invest myself in my efforts to "lead to the rainbow". It is my hope to, if not lead, point to, or help you discover a rainbow of your own. SCHEDULE OF APPOINTMENTS: In order to reserve slots for those who request "standing appointments", I arrange appointments according to mutual availability that we discuss during our sessions. Unfortunately, I have limited availability for sessions. My current schedule only allows me to schedule on TUESDAY --mornings, afternoons, and evenings. I check my messages daily--usually evenings. In order to be as effective as I can, I appreciate your understanding that I need to keep my caseload limited in number. A HOPEFULLY HELPFUL TIP: Sometimes selecting "the right fit" when searching for a counselor or therapist is easy and sometimes it's challenging. Once you do select a counselor, it can be so beneficial to both YOU and your COUNSELOR to have an HONEST and considerate rapport. Please be assured that if you and I work together, it will not only be appreciated, it will be helpful for you to find comfort and safety in not only seeking feedback, but also in YOUR GIVING feedback if or when you need to. If you should ever feel disappointed, frustrated, or in any way bothered by something I say, or something about which you are troubled--please take comfort in knowing that you're not only welcome to give both positive and/or negative feedback at any time, it will be appreciated and useful for me to know. In the event that you want to say such things as, "I don't like what you said", or "I don't understand what you mean," or "I think our sessions are too short/long/at inconvenient times/not helpful, etc." --these things are productive things for you to be able to say. I won't be hurt--I will be informed! While most people don't feel comfortable giving feedback if it seems other than flattering, I hope you will take comfort in knowing it can be helpful to BOTH you and me. If you're able to say you're pleased or displeased, I can be sure I have a pulse on such things as determining my effectiveness or my ineffectiveness. Then, I may be better able to be effective for you. In the event you'd like to discontinue, I'll perhaps learn where I need to improve or possibly not repeat ineffective services going forward with others. I would like YOU to know that sharing your honest views will be received with respect and appreciation, and never be met with disapproval, anger, moralizing, judgment, or defensiveness--whether I agree or disagree. Also, please know that I consider it both an HONOR and PRIVILEGE whenever anyone is able to share with me difficult, embarrassing, honest feelings and information. Most everyone fears being judged. It is not uncommon for people seeking counseling to have feelings of shame. Feelings of shame are commonly the most difficult feelings to share. My purpose here is to lend support along with honest feedback, and if at some point my feedback might be challenging or difficult to hear, I will offer it as compassionately as I possibly can with hope that it will be helpful. That's my promise. When I need to decline to take a referral, it is always relative to the amount of availability I have, or that I believe someone with more expertise will be better able to provide for you. Very happy you've come either to BETTER HELP, or to PRIDE (LGBT) COUNSELING! If, after having read this profile, you're interested in our working together, I welcome you to contact me.

Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC is a clinical therapist licensed in NY, and CT. She has over 10 years of experience working with adults on a variety of issues, specializing in eating disorders, and working with people going through life stressors such as finding your purpose, career changes, and connecting with your intuition. Kate utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities in her work with clients, including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). She also incorporates a mindfulness-based approach and personalizes her work tailored to each of her clients needs and goals. She looks forward to meeting you!

My name is Ashley Pettinato and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Connecticut servicing adolescents and adults. I am a school psychologist by training and the majority of my 7 years of experience has been working with adolescents, as well as their parents and families, on a variety of social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. I have guided individuals through issues related to anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities. I also have training and experience related to career changes, relationship challenges, and family problems. I think of my counseling style as sensitive and inviting. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I believe that everyone has the ability to benefit from counseling whether it's to address a time-limited stressor or an ongoing problem. A goal of mine is helping individuals to see their inner strength, and providing them with strategies and tools to get through the most difficult times. My approach is a combination of psycho-education, cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing techniques. Sessions will be tailored to your individual needs. I look forward to working with you!

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Connecticut with over 20 yrs. experience in areas that include trauma, anxiety, parenting challenges, ADHD, autism, racism, varying levels of depression, grief and loss and emotional/psychological impacts of the pandemic. Specifically, some of my work experiences have been in an outpatient clinic, working with homeless, all school aged children, coordinating a trauma first responders' team, adults and family situations that including grief and loss related challenges. I interact naturally with a friendly and professional style. Honesty and giving my undivided attention in each session is part of who I am as a therapist. Expect that sometimes and sometimes not you may hear what you want to hear in our session. I believe everyone deserves an abundance of respect and not to be judged or treated unfairly. Anyone that wants help, takes the time to seek out help deserves a compassionate, sincere and professionally motivated response. This is something I can do. Utilizing my professional training and experiences couples with my life experiences we can get to the other side with positive outcomes. I have a natural thinking process that's aligned and targets restructuring thought processes that are harmful. I believe people who desire can little by little adjust the thought patterns that are creating the most challenges in their lives to more positive routines of thought. It's essential to take the necessary journey aimed at improving the quality of your life. Take pride in reaching out the right way for support. Share this portion of your journey with me. I offer the best of my personal life and professional experiences to guide us to the other side or to the healthier thought processing. Let's start the conversation and move toward improving whatever thought processes that may be getting in your way or holding you back from where or who you want to be. I'm excited to meet you and look forward to our future conversations. Good job for taking the step to a healthier you! In the meantime, take care and stay safe.

Hi There ! My name is Tanya Edwards. I am a LCSW with over 10 years of clinical experiences. My practice focus areas include issues associated with depression, grief, self image, career challenges, parental caregiving and entering new life stages. I typically employ Cognitive Behavioral, therapy, Rational Emotive therapy, Narrative therapy ,and Acceptance and Commitment therapy. Other forms of helping are also used as needed. There are multiple ways to arrive at your desired outcomes. I am a strengths oriented practitioner. I believe in the power of collaborative partnerships. My approach to helping reflects this mindset. I walk with, not ahead. I endorse a holistic approach to overall well being and I pride myself on being culturally competent. I look forward to working with you!!

I am licensed in Michigan (LPC & LMSW), Connecticut (LPC), Virginia (LPC), Texas (LPC), South Carolina (LPC Telehealth), and Florida (LMHC-Telehealth) with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Connecticut with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut with 20+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with addressing life challenges, stress and anxiety, working through life changes, and improving motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I specialize in effective communication, developing healthy coping skills, understanding how your thoughts/ feelings / emotions affect your behaviors and creating a safe environment for you to freely express yourself without judgement or fear. I use a multifaceted approach based on personal goals and needs, because some days you just need someone to listen, and other days you need to problem solve with clear and measurable goals to work towards. Let's develop a plan that works best to achieve your goals in therapy together. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life, and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey. I generally check messages here a few times per day Mon-Sat and respond as quickly as I can. I do appreciate your patience when it takes a bit longer at times, as I may be tending to other clients or professional/personal responsibilities. Please remember that BetterHelp is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away!

I am licensed in North Carolina with over 10 years of professional work experience. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, my overall mission is to create non-judgement atmosphere in which every person I encounter feels comfortable and safe as we work together to find solutions to reach and maintaining goals that will ensure a productive lifestyle. I approach treatment from a holistic perspective, working from the client’s perspective as well as their strengths. I am compassionate about empowering others to seek their strengths to handle life’s difficulties in a positive way to re-establish a balance of a fulling and meaningful life.

I am licensed in Connecticut with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!