Meet Our Providers

Jennifer Kowalski, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Jennifer Kowalski is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Connecticut with over 20 years of experience working in the field of mental health and addiction services. She has received her Master of Arts in Psychology and her Master of Science in Community Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University. She has certificates in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Jennifer’s theoretical orientation is Existential in that she believes that while we cannot control many of the things in life that cause of pain, we are able to control the way we think about them.

Jennifer understands that there are situations that cause unavoidable discomfort, and the goal is not always to be happy. Sometimes the goal is to find a way forward, and therapy is a modality that allows one to navigate their way through a life changing situation. Jennifer believes that we all have a responsibility to make the life we want regardless of our circumstance, and with encouragement and acceptance we can all be empowered to change. Jennifer seeks to work together to focus on your strengths to find opportunities for growth, and when you are ready you will set goals that positively impact your future.

Education

Southern Connecticut State University
Master of Science in Community Mental Health Counseling
Master of Arts in Psychology

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Parenting issues
• Relationship issues
• Work/school issues
• Stress management
• Greif/loss
• Life transitions

Kate Hanselman, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Kate Hanselman is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Science from King’s College London. With over a decade of experience in mental health as a nurse, a first responder in New York, and a health professions educator, she is particularly passionate about working with health care workers, educators, and those in the helping professions. She has a unique familiarity with the challenges particular to these roles. Especially now, with the pandemic increasing stressors and diminishing opportunities for coping, everyone needs and deserves a little extra help.

As a PMHNP, Kate prioritizes a collaborative, creative approach. She offers honed clinical expertise, a dynamic set of tools including medication and therapy, and a firm belief that each person is the expert on their own life. Kate provides thorough, holistic care by using CBT, trauma-informed, solution-focused, and mindful approaches to better understand and target the root causes of distress.

You do not have to struggle alone. Whether you’re looking for support with an ongoing issue, or this is your first time seeking help, Kate will meet you where you are, and together you’ll decide on a plan that fits your needs. It’s okay to need a little extra help! Let’s talk and take a first step towards your health and wellness today.

Education

King’s College London
Master’s in Science

Specialties

• Healthcare workers, educators, helping professionals
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• PTSD
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Depression
• Stress management
• Life transitions
• Grief & Loss

Arthur Gary Stewart, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Gary Stewart is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in CT, who has several decades of experience partnering with adults, adolescents and couples seeking help with anxiety, depression, trauma and related issues. He completed his Master of Social Work degree at Southern Ct. State University in New Haven.

Gary utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, collaborative, strength-based, mindfulness-based approaches to therapy. He believes that the formation of a trusting, caring relationship with you is essential to helping clients meet their life goals.

Education

Southern Ct. State University
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Grief & Loss
• Substance Abuse/Dependence
• Stress & Anger Management
• Child Welfare System Issues

Susan Cutillo, LCSW, LADC

Susan Cutillo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Susan earned her MSW in 1992 and has over 28 years of providing counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Susan believes in “meeting the client where he/she is” and working closely with the client to obtain symptom management, happiness, and life goals. Before joining Thriveworks, Susan worked with children and adolescents in the outpatient setting and worked with adults in both the outpatient and hospital settings. Susan has extensive experience assisting clients with life transitions, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, anger management, low self-esteem, personal growth, trauma, bipolar disorder, women’s issues, and chronic mental illness. Susan has worked with clients of all ages and in all stages of life and has provided counseling in all modalities; individual, group, couple’s and family. 

Susan's specialties include:

• Life transitions
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance abuse
• Anger management
• Low self-esteem
• Trauma
• Bipolar disorder
• Women’s issues
• Chronic mental illness

Shirley Gedney-Rubel, LPC

Shirley Gedney-Rubel is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Connecticut. Shirley has about 10 years of experience assisting adults with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, domestic violence, eating disorders, life transitions, and women’s issues. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Bridgeport.

Shirley utilizes a variety of strategies and techniques in a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. She believes each client will benefit from therapy that is tailored to their individual needs. Some of the techniques she uses include mindfulness-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

Shirley seeks to offer you a warm, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic relationship that will assist you to build upon your strengths, achieve your goals, and live your best life.

Shirley’s Specialties:

• Depression
• Anxiety & OCD
• Eating Disorders
• Trauma & PTSD
• Substance Abuse
• Domestic Violence
• Life Transitions
• Grief & Loss
• Women’s Issues