Our Staff

Cari Chapderlane-Cox, LICSW

Counseling Style

Cari is dedicated to increasing the functioning, self-determination, and stability of youth, adults, and families struggling with disabilities and complex mental health needs.

• A solid background working with children and young adults but has also worked with individuals of all ages.
• A history of and passion for working with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the families supporting them.
• Committed to therapeutic practice that fosters diversity and inclusion.
• Worked closely to advocate for LGBTQ rights and has comprehensive knowledge regarding the clinical needs of LGBTQ individuals.

She is committed to fostering strong therapeutic relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and honesty. She will work collaboratively with you to identify your goals, assisting in finding ways in which you can improve your current situation and live the life you deserve. Change is difficult and can be challenging and uncomfortable at times. If you are ready to take that step she will offer you the skills to support and empower you.

Experience

Cari has worked in school social work, community mental health outreach, and mild/intensive therapeutic programming. She has assisted individuals experiencing a wide range of behavioral health symptoms, including but not limited to, processing through severe and complex behaviors related to trauma to dealing with adjustment issues related to life stage transitions.

Specialties

Cari has built strong clinical skills in working with individuals experiencing many different mental health needs varying from mild to chronic. Some of these include:

• Children/Family Therapy
• Anxiety
• ADHD / ADD
• Adolescents
• Eating Disorders
• Autism
• Depression
• Trauma and Stress
• Addiction
• Anger Management;
• Work Issues
• Grief / Loss

Sara Swartz Weinberg, MA, LMHC

Sara is a licensed mental health counselor with over 20 years experience in community and hospital-based therapeutic settings. She offers a holistic and compassionate approach to therapy that focuses on helping people live richer, more meaningful and joyful lives.  She helps her clients explore the challenges that keep them feeling stuck while working at their own pace. Sara believes that the wisdom of change is in the doing and can provide practical strategies to improve overall health.  As a certified yoga instructor, Sara incorporates mindfulness and body-based modalities into her practice.

She has worked with people of all ages and backgrounds who are struggling with a variety of challenges including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Substance Use
• Life transitions
• Relationship stressors
• Grief and loss

She is experienced in a number of different treatment approaches including:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Mindfulness-based Self Compassion
• Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Therapy

Vanessa Adams, M. Ed, CAGS, LMHC

Vanessa Adams is an independently licensed mental health counselor with over 20 years of experience in psychotherapy, life/wellness coaching, education and career counseling She has worked in the school system at pre-schools and for grades 7 -12 in a clinical role as well as a teaching role, has been a community college professor and worked at several career centers. Vanessa has worked in private practice, telehealth and in both out-patient clinics and in-patient settings providing psychotherapy and psych education to all ages.

Counseling Style

As a counselor Vanessa believes that the connection between a therapist and client is crucial to the therapeutic relationship, and in developing a comfortable, trusting and mutually respectful atmosphere. She strives to create a “Safe and Sacred Space” for her clients to be able to open up, be their authentic self, explore life’s ebbs and flows, ask questions, learn, grow, heal and thrive. Vanessa’s approach is warm, calm, empathic, encouraging, conversational, strength based, client centered, supportive, and non-judgmental.

Vanessa believes that taking part in therapy shows courage, and a willingness to make positive changes for your growth and wellbeing. She feels It is an honor to work with you and be present with you. Vanessa will walk beside you on your journey, encourage and support you in taking the steps needed to reach the goals you set for yourself.

Vanessa’s approach to counseling draws upon a vast variety of psychotherapy approaches including Client Centered Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Insight-Oriented Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution Focused and Strength Based Therapy, Evidence Based Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

She also provides Spiritual and Christian Counseling, Mindfulness for Self-Compassion, Inner Child Work, Forgiveness Work, Life/Balance/Wellness and Career Coaching. The result is an eclectic and holistic approach that is individualized for each client and designed to help each client reach their own personal goals.

Vanessa is trained and experienced in a wide range of treatment areas including:

Areas of Specialization

• Anxiety
• Stress Reduction
• Panic Disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• ADD/ADHD
• Learning Disabilities
• Depression
• Mood Dysregulation
• Grief/Bereavement/Loss
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Trauma/Dissociation
• Adjustment Disorders
• Dual Diagnosis
• Self Esteem/Self Worth
• Relationship Challenges
• Life Transitions
• Mindfulness/Being Present Centered
• Meditation/Grounding Techniques
• Breathe Work
• Spirituality
• Life/Balance/Lifestyle Coaching
• Health & Wellness Coaching
• Career Counseling
• Executive Functioning/Organizational Skills
• Living Your Best Life

Vanessa works with: Adult Individuals (age 18 and up).

Lindsay Thompson, LMHC

Lindsay believes in a person-centered approach that sees the input of individual the individual being supported as a vital part of the therapeutic process. It is important that the client’s wants and desires are at the forefront of the goals are set and, eventually achieved. Lindsay utilized various solution-oriented techniques such as Mindfulness and Meditation, Psychoanalysis, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

She has years of experience working in various treatment settings including in-patient hospitals, residential facilities, emergency rooms, homeless shelters, and counseling centers. During her tenure at these therapeutic programs she has treated and addressed several disorders and life altering issues including:

• Mood Disorders such as bipolar, depression, anxiety, and panic disorders
• Phobias
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Anger management
• Self-injurious Behavior
• Personality Disorders
• Self Esteem Issues
• Attachment Issues
• Scholastic and Vocational Issues
• Grieving and Bereavement

Throughout her career, Lindsay has always been a passionate advocate for the people she supports working hard to enhance their self-image and help the realize their potential of having an impact in the world around them.

Courtney Mackey, LMHC

Counseling Style

Courtney is an enthusiastic and passionate mental health professional hoping to make a positive difference in the lives of her clients. She strives to create a comfortable and client-focused environment to enable therapeutic success. As a Springfield College graduate and fitness instructor, Courtney believes that mental health and physical health are intertwined, and she strongly believes in the healing properties of positivity, self-empowerment and laughter. Courtney uses many modalities to reach clinical goals with clients and is always striving to add to her repertoire of therapeutic approaches. Courtney would love to chat with you about your mental health goals and how to achieve them in a way that is right for you.

Experience

Courtney has experience working in a variety of settings ranging from the inpatient psychiatric setting to a less restrictive therapeutic academic environment. Having worked with both adults and children, she can facilitate therapeutic sessions for individuals of all ages as well as families or couples.

Specialties

Courtney has developed strong clinical skills that are effective working with a variety of mental health needs including, but not limited to:

• ADHD
•  Anger Management
•  Anxiety
•  ASD
•  Depression/Mood Disorders
•  Eating Disorders
•  Family Dynamics/Conflict
•  Grief / Loss
•  Illness
•  Life Challenges
•  OCD
•  Peer/Coworker Conflict
•  PTSD/Trauma
•  Stress Reduction
•  Substance Use
•  Transitions

Sarah Presson, LICSW

Sarah is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who is dedicated to providing trauma-informed, compassionate care to those she works with. Sarah is committed to meeting people where they are, and being present for them in times of stress and need. She brings a warm, relational approach, and will work collaboratively with people to provide them support with a sound clinical ear and mind to enhance their wellbeing. She provides an open and affirming space for all to feel welcomed.  It can feel difficult to ask for support. Sarah brings realness, a sense of humor, and an authentic compassion as she works together with folks to help them identify and remember their inherent strengths.  Sarah walks with folks as they make their journey to improving the quality of their mental health, and empowers them to make the changes they are striving for!

Sarah has extensive experience working as a clinician, and has been in the field for nearly two decades. She has worked in community mental health settings providing support to local communities and families. Sarah has also worked as a Social Worker in multiple levels of care, both in outpatient, inpatient and crisis settings.

Sarah has strong clinical skills in working with individuals experiencing a wide variety of different mental health needs for folks ranging from adolescence to older adulthood including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• LGBTQ+
• Self Esteem
• Grief and Loss
• Relational Stress
• Life Transitions
• Mood Disorders

Nate Damon, Life Coach

Coaching Style

“With clarity comes hope, and with hope comes the ability to move forward.”

For Nate, coaching is an on-going and intentional conversation that empowers a person to more fully live out their unique calling.

Nate has seen firsthand how coaching conversations help people get unstuck as they begin to make better choices, which lead to better results. From helping you design a more effective morning routine, to helping you take the next steps toward your desired career, or helping you resolve an ongoing relational conflict, coaching can help you to move forward and get the results you really want.

The role of the coach is to ask you questions to facilitate your learning. Coaching is always client-centered. Nate can help you break down your long-term goals into achievable steps and will walk alongside you as you begin to implement your action plans and work to achieve your desired results.

Set goals. Make progress. Live more fully alive.

Experience

Nate has fifteen years of experience in walking alongside people to encourage them in their personal growth.

Nate lives in Amherst, where he and his wife raise their four young kids and dream together about what part they could play as a family in making the world a better place for everyone.

Specialties

Nate has experience working with men and women in the following areas:

• College age and young adults
• Parents with young children
• Relationships
• Career planning
• Spirituality

Nikki Stafford, MA in Counseling

Nikki is a professional counselor who seeks to help others enhance their lives by intentionally working towards their self-defined goals and values. She works to help each person feel comfortable and accepted, identify and build on current strengths, and is flexible to individualize her clinical skills in order to help each person find  movement towards the life they want to live.

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma/ PTSD
• Substance Use Disorders/ Addictions
• Anger
• Christian Counseling
• People feeling “stuck”

Nikki has worked in a variety of human services settings including community mental health clinics, substance use treatment centers, mental health residential homes and outpatient therapy settings. She is also trained and skills in several empirically proven treatments including:

• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (explores clients’ thoughts and behaviors that have been contributing to client’s identified problems and works to effectively integrate new, healthier practices to reach goals)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (a form of therapy that teaches concrete skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness)
• Solution-Focused Therapy (a goal-oriented form of therapy that works to quickly build solutions for a client’s life)
• Internal Family Systems (a more creative form of therapy that works to explore and understand the different parts of a person that have developed through client’s experiences with the ultimate goal of feeling more in control of thoughts and behaviors and being a compassionate, kind, confidant person).

Rachel Lynch, LMHC

Counseling Style

Rachel is a counselor who uses curiosity, humor, mindfulness, and creativity to get to know her clients and help them better understand themselves. She recognizes the complexity of every individual and seeks to foster compassion for each part of their being. She knows how challenging it can be for her clients to constantly navigate the expectations of family, friends, work, and members of their community. Rachel has a passion for supporting individuals in building a lifestyle that honors their authentic identity. She partners with her clients to establish personal goals and utilize individual strengths to overcome obstacles.

Specialties

Rachel specializes in working with individuals struggling with:

• Life transitions
• Anxiety
• Body image
• Trauma
• Relationships
• Self esteem

Experience

Rachel has experience using the following modalities:

• Expressive Arts Therapies
• Mindfulness
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Strengths-Based Therapy
• Internal Family Systems
• Trauma-Informed Therapy

Sesooter Ikpah, LMHC

Counseling Style

Sesooter believes in being your biggest supporter. His counseling style is collaborative in nature and draws on the unique problem-solving that results from two people earnestly working together. He believes everyone has the strength in them to succeed- sometimes we just need a little help learning how to access it!

Overall, he views therapy as a holistic tool for collaborative problem-solving and empowerment. This means his sessions will most likely start with identifying your strengths and your needs. He will always create a safe, nonjudgmental space for hard topics to be explored. Life isn’t always easy, and you should always have the chance to talk with someone who honestly cares!

Sesooter’s holistic take on therapy means you won’t just sit and talk the whole time. He believes in paying attention to the mind-body connection, and acknowledging he work of spiritual and cultural factors that could be playing into both your problem and the solution.

Experience

Sesooter’s experience spans across various settings including hospitals, residential treatment facilities, community-based outpatient clinics and athletic teams.  His strengths-based, integrative approach blends several theoretical frameworks.  Some of these include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (identifying a negative thought or behavior and replacing it with a positive one)

• dialectical behavioral therapy (managing painful emotions and navigating relationships, especially helpful for people looking for help with mood disorders, self-harm, or addiction)
• motivational interviewing (getting to the root of it all and finding a motivation that works for you and makes you want to change your behavior)
• solution-focused therapy (collaborative problem solving aimed at giving you an applicable solution)
• reality therapy (focusing on present issues and how we can change our thoughts and behavior)

Specialties

Sesooter has established positive outcomes in areas such as career counseling, racial identity, sports performance, and stress management. He is also experiences serving the children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of difficulties including:

• ADHD
• addiction
• adjustment disorders
• depression
• anxiety
• bipolar disorder
• conduct disorders
• chronic pain
• insomnia
• trauma
• mood dysregulation
• co-occurring disorders.

Shanti Sponder, ATR, LMHC

Shanti is an experienced counselor and art therapist who views therapy as a collaborative, judgement-free integrative process leading to personal growth. She understands it can be difficult for a client to just sit down, open up and talk about their feelings and uses various techniques to help the client feel more comfortable. She approaches therapy by meeting each unique client where they are and tailors her style to support their therapeutic process.

Art therapy is a form of self-expression that can help facilitate the therapeutic practice through the use of various art materials and art-based interventions. The client does not need to be an “artist” to engage in this form of therapy because art therapy is about the clients’ relationship with the process of art making and the meaning of their artwork rather than the esthetic of the art piece. It can be used as the primary form of treatment unless the client prefers a more traditional talk therapy approach. Both verbal and non-verbal expression can help the client express themselves creatively. Using your personal imagery to express yourself and process your narrative can allow you to resolve issues in a creative way.  Shanti also understands that not everyone wants to use art therapy when entering the therapeutic space and can work with the client using techniques such as CBT, narrative therapy and person-centered psychotherapy.

Working with Shanti will allow you to establish goals, problem solve, develop coping skills, learn to advocate for yourself and work on getting you to a place where you’re able to feel empowered and independent. Her style of therapy is flexible, and she believes the client is an integral part of developing the course of treatment.

Experience

Shanti has worked in a variety of settings such as a residential hospital, disability day service for adults and at a community-based outreach agency serving ages three through the lifespan.  She uses numerous approaches to help tailor the therapeutic process to each client such as:

• Art Therapy (Utilizing art-making to help facilitate the therapeutic process).
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Identifying negative thoughts/behaviors and replacing them with positive ones).
• Narrative therapy
• Play Therapy (For children and adolescents)
• Strength Based
• Mindfulness
• Family Therapy

Specialties 

Shanti has helped individuals struggling with

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• PTSD
• Relationships
• Life Transitions
• Anger
• Trauma
• OCD
• ADHD
• Grief and Loss
• ODD
• Mood Disorders
• Addictions

Yvette Cooper, LMHC

Counseling Style

Yvette believes in creating a safe, comfortable space for individuals to come and receive counseling. The best therapy takes place when clients are comfortable and at ease in a nonjudgmental, confidential environment. It is here that people can process their thoughts, feelings, and emotions with the least amount of resistance.

By focusing on establishing trust and rapport, Yvette can empower clients to create the change they wish to see in their lives and grow down the path of their choosing. She does this through a calming approach that helps client’s build manageable goals for themselves.

Flexibility is also big part of Yvette’s counseling style. She believes each person has their own specific needs in the therapeutic process and will meet you where you’re at.

Every individual already has the tools within to lead their most authentic and meaningful life, sometimes we just need a trusted person to help us find those tools!

Experience

Yvette has over ten years of experience in the mental health field, including working with individuals, couples and families. She works with all ages ranging from children, adolescents, adults and the elderly

Although she uses many tools to help her clients meet their goals, her favorite approaches are:

• Trauma-informed approach (analyzing how trauma influences parts of ourselves and world)
• Strength-based
• Mindfulness
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Identifying negative thoughts and behavior and replacing them with positive ones)
• Play and Art therapies (for children)

Specialties

Yvette has built strong clinical skills in working with individuals experiencing many different mental health needs varying from mild to chronic. Some of these include:

• PTSD/Trauma
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Burnout
• Illness
• Grief and Loss
• Mood Disorders
• Relationship and Family Conflict
• Life changes
• Transitions
• Addictions

Natalie Brady, M.Ed., LICSW

Natalie Brady is an independently licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience as both an educator and counselor. She is skilled at providing therapy and psycho education to children and adults ranging in age from 11 to 85. She is also trained and experienced in types of treatment and modalities including:

• Individual therapy
• Couples Counseling
• Family Therapy
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy
• Dialectic Behavior Therapy
• Art Therapy

Natalie uses a client-centered perspective and a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches depending on an individual's strengths, needs and expectations. She also has extensive experiences providing supports and treat to people with

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic Disorders
• Intellectual disabilities
• Autism Spectrum
• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
• Trauma (PTSD)
• Personality Disorders
• Substance Abuse
• Anger Management
• Grief Counseling

Benjamin Paul Ocasio, PhD, LCSW

Ben has over 20 years’ experience as a counselor, clinician, professor, and executive overseeing mental health and human resources programs. He has worked in a variety of settings including private practice, outpatient clinics, telehealth/telemedicine, churches and other clinical settings.  Ben specializes in treating comorbid disorders with a focus on facilitating personal and interpersonal functioning. His practice encompasses a broad range of culturally-sensitive treatment modalities that help clients improve their well-being, reduce distress and maladjustment, resolve crises, and improve their ability to function better.

Ben uses a variety of evidence-based treatment methods depending on the needs of the individual, strengths and expectations.  His practice serves clients of all ages and cultural backgrounds in both individual and group settings. He believes in developing a strong therapeutic relationship before treating the client’s life stressors, helping them find a balanced approach to overcoming stress, anxiety, and depressive moods with special attention to a client’s needs and strengths.

He also has extensive expertise and experience in treating comorbid disorders including:

• Anxiety, Depression & Mood Disorders
• Addiction (Alcohol, Cocaine & Opioid Use Disorders)
• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Antisocial & Personality Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder & Borderline Disorder
• Dual Diagnosis
• Family Conflict, Divorce & Relationship Issues
• Dissociative Identity & Impulse Control Disorders
• Men’s Issues
• Obsessive-Compulsive and Hoarding Disorders
• Racial Identity & Self-esteem Issues
• Self-Harming & Suicidal Ideation
• Schizophrenia & Psychosis
• Sexual Abuse & Sexual Addiction
• Spirituality
• Trauma & PTSD
• Thinking & Cognitive Disorders

Treatment Preferences

• Art and Music Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
• Compassion Focused Therapy
• Christian Counseling
• Dialectical (DBT)
• Emotional Focused
• Family & Marital Therapy
• Interpersonal Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Multicultural
• Psychodynamic
• Strength-Based
• Structural Family
• Trauma Focused

Rosemary Sheola, LMHC

Counseling Style

As a counselor, Rosemary believes in unconditional positive regard, empathy, and encouragement. Her approach has been described as “relational, warm, and nurturing.”

She understands that this is your journey and you must be the one to take those steps and reach your goals. She is honored to be a part of it and will walk beside you every step of the way- encouraging, supporting, and giving advice where her expertise allows it.

Rosemary’s counseling approach is also more holistic in nature. She believes that true growth and healing comes from incorporating the whole individual. This means in a counseling session you can expect to explore and work on the mind, body, and psyche. (As much as you are comfortable doing of course, Rosemary will always create a safe place where you feel cared for and understood.)

Experience

Rosemary has over 16 years of experience as a Crisis Clinician and has worked with all ages from young children to the elderly.

She has studied and worked with the following modalities and interventions:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT- identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with positive ones)
• Crisis Intervention (often requires restoring equilibrium when in a state of severe unrest)
• Motivational Interviewing (focusing on your strengths, passions, and potentials as an individual)
• Mindfulness
• Dreamwork (Exploring the emotions behind your dreams; not typical dream-interpretation, which assigns a direct meaning to dreams. Dreamwork is focused more on the general state of your dreams and why that might exist.)
• Play Therapy (one of the most renowned forms of therapy for younger children)

Specialties

Rosemary has a long history of helping others with:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma and PTSD
• Substance Abuse and Addiction
• Single Parenting
• Relationship Challenges
• Mood Dysregulation
• Bereavement and Grief
• Self Esteem Issues
• Stress Reduction
• Career Counseling

Sarah Norrichs, LMHC

Counseling Style

Sarah believes the foundation of any strong therapeutic relationship is trust. She works with every client to build a mutually trusting relationship over the course of therapy.

She also believes that every person is unique and should receive a unique counseling process. She is thoughtful and adaptable in developing a customized therapeutic approach to fit your needs.

Over the past ten years, Sarah has worked to identify the most effective therapies that work to uncover the roots of dysfunction all while guiding clients towards healing.

In all the settings she’s worked in, Sarah has witnessed again and again people suffering from the burdens of the past, and how those negative, past events affect their present. Since her very first internship, Sarah has been developing her abilities to interrupt the patterns that lead to suffering.

One of the ways she’s learned to do this is to promote overall well-being and healthy growth in a counseling session, not just treat the symptoms of mental illness.

Experience

Sarah has worked in numerous settings in her time as a clinician: schools for youth with severe behavioral problems, a residential eating disorder program, a community agency for homeless youth, inpatient settings, outpatient settings, and at a community crisis site.

Sarah also has first-hand experience as a member of the LGBTQ community and is sensitive to the needs of transgender, genderqueer, and questioning individuals.

Sarah has many tools to offer to people who are working to get unstuck including:

• EMDR (Addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD & attachment trauma, OCD, difficulty in relationships, and compulsive behaviors)
• Art Therapy (For visual thinkers and developing increased self-insight)
• Mindfulness (Treating general mental well-being, impulsivity or compulsive behaviors)
• Shame resilience and self-compassion practices (especially for people who struggle with self-worth, low self-esteem, self-harming behaviors, self-sabotage)
• Executive Function Coaching (Great for ADHD, ASD, Complex trauma, improving your ability to achieve goals, improving ‘adulting’)
• Positive Neuroplasticity (Structuring increases in the brain's capacity for positive emotions, developing mental habits for increased happiness and serenity)
• Motivational Interviewing (Treating substance abuse, compulsive behaviors, resolving ambivalence about making changes, relapse prevention)
• Numerous other tools for promoting healing and new growth.

Specialties

You might find Sarah especially helpful if you are looking for counseling for:

• LGBTQI Counseling
• Autism
• ADHD
• Substance Abuse/Addiction
• Self-Harm
• Suicidal Ideation
• Trauma
• OCD
• Relationships
• Overcoming financial difficulties

Dave Zellmer, LICSW

Counseling Style

Dave is a counselor who will meet you where you’re at and walk with you every step of the way. He believes counseling should be based around a relationship between counselor and client. Dave makes sure you always feel safe and heard in his space, so you can receive the best care possible and see the fastest results.

In a counseling session with Dave, the therapeutic process is a journey where you will work together with him to collaboratively to achieve your goals. Often, this is achieved through exploring your innate strengths and your potential to heal and grow into the person you want to become.

In his work with clients, Dave recognizes that each client’s strengths, needs, and goals are unique. He will tailor his therapeutic approach accordingly to best support you individually.

In a nonjudgmental, empathetic space, clients can explore issues while acknowledging and affirming all of their intersecting identities. Afterall, we are multi-sided and many layers deep. While what you are receiving counseling for is important, there are many other aspects of you that should be explored and used to reach new heights!

Experience

Dave has many years working with individuals and families to help manage ongoing mental health needs. While he will meet your needs in the way that best helps you, he has a wide range of interventions that he has found works well.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with positive ones)
• Mindfulness
• Talk Therapy
• Encouraging clients to make their own way and supporting the steps counselor/client decide are the best way to get there.

Specialties

You might find Dave especially helpful if you are looking for counseling for any of the following:

• Anxiety,
• Depression,
• Bipolar and
• PTSD
• Relationship issues
• LGBTQIA
• Grief, death and loss
• School issues

Sarah Hoxie, LICSW

Counseling Style

Sarah believes that all individuals and families have an innate drive towards health and happiness. She has dedicated her work as a therapist to help focus this drive and guide people on their journey toward a fulfilling life.

She believes this can be accomplished by providing a safe and supportive place for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, learn new skills or strategies, and make sense of their experiences.

As a graduate of the Smith College School for Social Work in 2003, she understands people as a combination of their internal experiences, history, environment, behaviors, and current situation. All of these are important in the counseling session, and she will help you use them as you draw closer to your goals.

Experience

Sarah is a licensed independent clinician social worker with over 18 years of experience in the mental health field working with children, teens, adults, and families.

She has experience working in hospitals, crisis teams, and in the community as part of community mental health centers as well as in police stations, schools, and individual homes.

She has training in:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing(EMDR, great for depression and anxiety)
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT- identifying negative thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with positive ones.)
• Family Systems
• Narrative Therapy (Separating yourself from the problem and using your innate skills and strengths to problem solve and create the story you want to live.)
• Play Therapy (A renowned therapy for young children)
• Psychodynamic Therapy (Exploring the connections between your external and internal worlds and working through any negative thoughts/feelings/behaviors that occur.)
• Crisis Intervention

Specialties

She has helped people struggling with:

• LGBTQI
• Identify (Race and ethnicity, religious, disability, etc.)
• Life transitions
• Relationships
• Family counseling
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Anger
• Motivation
• Self-Esteem
• Addiction/Substance Abuse
• Trauma

John Boisseau, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Completing his Masters Degree in Nursing in 2007 and his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2010 John maintains  a board certified nurse practitioner license in mental health. Beginning his career in healthcare in 1988 John has a variety of experience that informs his current practice. His experiences include working with clients experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges and developmental disabilities. His areas of expertise include:

• Depressive disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Attention deficit disorder and other learning disorders
• Bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders
• Developmental disabilities
• Cognitive and organic brain disorders
• Psychopharmacology

John practices mental health with a strong belief in a collaborative approach with his clients and other clinicians working together to make sure the treatment is patient-centered, infused with mutual respect, promoting dignity and personal choice.

Greg Handel, Ph.D.

Counseling Style

“[A]t some point in our lives, we all need support from others … .”

Greg takes a grounded approach to counseling that is client centered. He believes each person is unique and wants to walk beside them as they set and obtain life goals. Everyone can achieve a sense of confidence and increased self-efficacy, and Greg is excited to walk down that path with you!

Greg is also an ordained minister who believes in treating the whole person, acknowledging that any individual is more than the sum of their parts. However, he respects each individual’s beliefs and sees having a complete understanding of an individual’s point of view as a necessary part of counseling.

He also believes that we all, at some point in our lives, experience periods of emotional suffering and brokenness. Therefore, at some point in our lives, we all need support from others. Greg often pulls from his own life experiences to identify with each individual and guide them through the healing process.

Experience

Greg has more than 35 years of experience providing positive life supports for individuals, couples and families. He has worked in several different environments including inpatient and outpatient mental health centers, rehabilitation facilities, congregate residential settings and in private practice.

Specialties

Greg has vast experience working with men and women in the following areas:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Grief
• Family and Parenting stress
• Couples’ issues
• Life adjustments
• Functioning with disabilities