Our Counselors

Jessica Spar, LPC

Life can send you on a whirlwind of emotions and struggles that feel out of your control. Seeking counseling can be nerve wracking and difficult. Jessica helps individuals take back control of their lives. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Certified School Counselor in the State of Connecticut who brings over 20 years of experience counseling children, adolescents, young adults and their families.

Jessica helps individuals with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, as well as trauma and stressor related disorders. Jessica also advocates for children, adolescents, and their family members by accessing appropriate academic supports through the 504 or IEP PPT process. Jessica completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Assumption College

Jessica incorporates evidence-based practices such as Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma Focused Therapy which creates opportunities for client growth while tailoring counseling to meet each individual’s needs. Jessica strives to assist clients in identifying and enhancing their strengths, setting and achieving their goals, and improving their overall well-being. She offers a safe, warm and welcoming environment that promotes healing and growth.

Jessica's specialties:

• Anxiety Disorders
• Depressive Disorders
• Disruptive Behavior Disorders
• Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Certifications:

• Certified School Counselor (068)
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
• Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist Family (CCTS-F)
• Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist Sex Trafficking & Exploitation (CCTS-S)
• Certified Depression & Mood Disorder Treatment Professional (CDMDTP)
• Certified Telemental Health Professional

Joseph Seele, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Joseph Seele is a Licensed Professional Counselor with thirty years experience. Joe has a comprehensive understanding of mental health and substance abuse systems of care. HE received his BA from ECSU and received his MS in community mental health, specializing in clinical psychology with adults, from Trinity College of Vermont. Joseph is a Cognitive Behavioral based therapist. It is Joe's firm belief that through the use of best practice models and solution focused approaches, positive outcomes will be achieved. Strengths based perspectives allow for all talents and skills of the individual to be part of the solution. Joe's a firm believer that the key to success is a strong therapeutic relationship. He utilizes a holistic approach in developing strategies that best address client needs.

Education

Trinity College of Vermont
MS in Community Mental Health

Specialties

• Substance abuse issues
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Couples issues/relationships

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

Hannah Schacht, LCSW

Hannah Schacht, LCSW has a BA in Psychology from Binghamton University, and obtained her Masters in Social Work from Stony Brook University. She began her clinical work at an outpatient clinic with JBFCS in the Bronx in 2016, where she was able to work with adults and teens with anxiety, depression, and  bipolar Disorder. Since 2019, she has been working with The Supportive Care to provide therapy to residents at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Hannah also has experience working with adults and children with Autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Hannah is passionate about providing effective support, working to understand the unique perspective of each individual. She focuses on identifying their strengths that can help achieve their goals.

Hannah's specialties include:

• Autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood Disorders
• Aging
• Traumatic brain injury/acquired disabilities
• Postpartum
• Adolescent counseling