I believe everyone has the capacity to change and improve the quality of their life, no matter what has happened. My style of counseling combines working with insight and cognitive therapy, which explores past events in light of how the choices we now make affect well - being. I also utilize an awareness approach, whereby, getting in touch and releasing the feelings in the body helps to create a new sense of relief and empowerment.

It has been my privilege to work with people to assist them in finding their own inner strengths and their path to wellness as they overcome the challenges we all can face in our lives. The answers to the blocks we all experience are found within, and though we struggle to identify them, implement those answers, and find clarity, as a team the journey can be much easier. I join with my clients to forge the way with joy, and hope while maintaining a safe, grounded space from which to work. Compassion, acceptance, and patience hold the client in his or her truth, and form the basis of a strong and effective therapeutic relationship, and this relationship is the essential element for the trust that is needed to address difficult issues and make changes that can lead to a fuller and more rewarding life. One of the tools that I have used with great success in working with my clients is EMDR. EMDR is a relatively new psychotherapeutic treatment tool, which I am pleased to offer to my clients. Developed just a couple of decades ago. Now practiced all over the world it offers rapid results with a variety of issues that clients frequently bring to the therapeutic process. EMDR is stated to be the foremost treatment tool in major trauma such as combat, or child abuse, but is also used effectively for lifelong challenges that may be based on "minor" traumas that have left negative self beliefs behind such as "I am worthless" or "I don't deserve..." that can affect and limit any aspect of an individual's life. The EMDR technique, which is simple, safe and yields rapid results, involves bilateral stimulation of the left and right brain hemispheres via either eye movements fro

Seeking out psychotherapy is an investment in yourself so that you can reach your dreams and overcome emotional hurdles like depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, relationship problems, and addictions. I have experience helping hundreds of people jump over these types of hurdles and get more of what they want from life. I do this by creating a safe and confidential space where we can explore and understand what's getting in the way. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults, as well as group work and families. I specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of people who have substance use and process addictions, depression, anxiety, as well as individuals that have experienced various forms of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, and war-related trauma. I utilize mindfulness and acceptance strategies in conjunction with cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral techniques. I am further certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and most enjoy working with clients to transform painful emotions and experiences into opportunities for healing and growth. Schedule an appointment online or call today.

Candace is a licensed clinician with over 15 years of clinical experience with a diverse population of adults - conducting individual, family, couples, and group psychotherapy using both long and short-term modalities (e.g., psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, empowerment); and conducting neuropsychological and psychological evaluations. She has worked in various mental health research, teaching, and clinical settings, including McLean and Massachusetts General Hospitals, and the Smith College School for Social Work. Most of her experience is with women struggling with interpersonal and confidence issues, often resulting from childhood abuse or early relationship ruptures. She specializes in individual psychotherapy with a focus on psychodynamic and empowerment approaches for anxiety, depression, interpersonal difficulties, and trauma history.

Welcome! At this time I am doing phone therapy and some video therapy only. As your therapist, I will listen to you with care, interest, empathy, presence and compassion. I will support your emotional healing in a way that respects who you are. I will support your personal strengths, and help you engage them as fully as possible. I agree with Rogers, who believes that when a person experiences unconditional acceptance and empathic understanding from someone who is genuine and real, healing and growth occur. My style is generated from various humanistic psychotherapies with an interest in the mind/body/spirit interrelation, combined with a grounding in classical theories. Gestalt and IFS Therapy both view us as composed of a complex combination of personality components. Many difficulties arise from unresolved conflicts among these. A satisfying, productive life requires these components be mutually aware of and cooperating with each other. These therapies are powerful tools for this kind of integration. I passionately believe, to best serve others, therapists must responsibly examine their own internal world with intention of constantly improving honesty, integrity, presence, compassion, and commitment to the clients best interests. Since I believe in the importance of a good match between therapist and client, I offer a free consultation.”

Northampton Sex Therapy Associates, LLC (NSTA) is the only group private practice in New England dedicated exclusively to providing sex therapy, relationship therapy, and sexuality counseling to individuals, couples, and people in poly and non-monogamous relationships. Like most other forms of psychotherapy practice, sex therapy is exclusively talk therapy. This means meeting regularly with a therapist to talk about how to overcome whatever problem you have presented. During these meetings, sex therapists share their knowledge of human sexuality and expertise in working with sexual functioning and relationship challenges. Our clinical approach is grounded in research and evidence, rather than smoke and mirrors or vague, general promises. We provide clinical approaches and solutions that actually work, based on research and clinical experience. Over the course of a person's lifetime, multiple factors can add up and lead to difficulties with sex. Stress, trauma, illness, the side effects of medications, depression, and lack of self-esteem often negatively impact a person’s sexual functioning and desire. It is not uncommon for couples and individuals to experience sex-related challenges at some point in their lives. Everyone, and every body, deserves to experience satisfying, exciting, loving, and fulfilling sexual relationships and sexual contact. Sex therapy can often help. Most clients come to us with trauma, shame and guilt about the ways in which they are sexual and embodied. NSTA therapists understand the ways in which trauma—and the resulting fear and anxiety—impacts sexual functioning, and inhibits healthy sexual behavior. We help clients overcome sexual difficulties by using trauma-­informed clinical practices. Anxiety and shame are at the root of most sexual dysfunctions. These are typically emotions and feelings that trap human beings in rigid and fearful ways of expressing, or not expressing, themselves. These emotions and feelings have a powerful impact, particularly on how we manifest ourselves in sexual ways, sometimes to the point of retreating and hiding our bodies and sexuality, and occasionally to places of sexual compulsivity and over-expression. Regardless of the ways in which clients experience challenges with sex, we are in a unique position to help them navigate the often complex pathway toward feeling at home in their bodies and in their sexuality.

I applaud your courage in reaching out and seeking therapy. Whether this is your first time or you've been in therapy before, whatever life-challenge you are facing, it would be my privilege to help. I welcome you to the comfort of my office, a nurturing, confidential space....a safe haven where you can give voice to your deepest needs and concerns, where expression of *all* feelings are gently encouraged, and truly heard. In an atmosphere of warmth and unconditional acceptance, I will value, respect and listen deeply to you as we work together to ease your pain. We will look beyond your symptoms to identify and understand the root causes of your distress, freeing you to heal, grow and create the full, meaningful life that you envision and deserve. Issues frequently addressed include: grieving past or recent loss, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, self-criticism, teen issues, gay and lesbian concerns, job and school-related issues, assertiveness, creative blocks, and family conflict. In our time together I will help you develop increased awareness of your thoughts, feelings, needs and patterns of behavior as you explore your inner world, access your strengths and gain the freedom to be yourself - to deeply know, value and appreciate who you truly are, not who you think you should be, or others expect you to be. Honoring the uniqueness of each person, I celebrate diversity and welcome clients from all sexual orientations, ethnic and racial backgrounds and religious/spiritual beliefs. No matter how long you you have struggled or how difficult your situation, we can work together to transform your pain into empowerment, inner peace, and hope. Please feel free to contact me to discuss your particular concerns or schedule an appointment. You don't have to struggle alone.

Creative Now Therapy is a somatic, depth-oriented, and spiritually grounded practice led by Cris Maria Fort Garcés, a clinically trained and mystically tuned psychotherapist. The practice specializes in art therapy, Gestalt-inspired therapy, shadow work, astrology consultations, and tarot card readings. Sessions empower clients to work through stress, trauma, and life transitions while strengthening resilience and mind-body awareness.

Play Therapy & Mindfulness Parent Therapy “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation". Plato Play is the child's language and play therapy is the path to understanding. We all seek to be understood. As a parent, do you find yourself reacting to versus understanding why or how your child's behavior and developmental needs may contribute? Play therapy and parenting mindfully turns even the most difficult moments with your child into an opportunity to highlight the message behind the action. The "therapeutic powers of play" provide children the opportunity experience healing as they explore and process their world in an environment that makes sense to them. Parents learn to attune to their child providing true understanding, support and connection. Children and parents have the power to "pause" and chose their response. Mindful parenting allows you to be in the "moment" with your child. Think of the times as a child, when you felt invisible, neglected, worthless, experienced betrayal or violence. Play therapy offers your child a natural safe place to explore experiences, feelings, develop self understanding and coping skills. I work closely with parents to provide a meaningful connection to meet everyone's needs.ime, how often we say there is never enough time. What message are we sending our children? Being a mindful or conscious parent means not only being present with your child but asking for support when you need it. Just ask, I will advocate for and support your child at Special Education Meetings, review Individualized Education Plans, communicate with teachers, doctors and other professionals in your child's life.

There are times in our lives when we don't know what is wrong; just that something is. We wonder if we are "crazy" and are scared to be judged if we ask for help. The truth is that very sane people struggle when the difficulties in their lives outpace their coping skills. I've been a therapist for 18 years and believe strongly that healing comes through connection with others. As we increase our knowledge, we become healthier and more resilient when approaching future problems. It is an honor to work alongside people as they discover hidden strengths and resources.

With more than 30 years of clinical experience, my clients (adults, couples and groups) tell me they most appreciate my patience, insight and good humor. I believe deeply in my clients' abilities to find their truth when met with skill and honesty offered without judgment. Many come people come to me with trauma-based issues. It is essential for fear and frustration to be addressed in ways that are both effective and tolerable. I often use EMDR as well as EFT - Meridian Tapping and Mindfulness Practices to help clients move through painful memories and/or negative, limiting self-beliefs which get in the way of high performance and joyful living. I do not practice "cookie cutter" therapy - each client is unique in his or her needs. The first thing I do with each person is listen. Then, together, we work out a plan that will meet your needs in the safest, most respectful and efficient way possible.

At the foundation of my approach, I conceptualizes all individuals and their interactions with others (relationships) within the Systems framework. More simply, one cannot understand the dynamic of our struggles without exploring the familial, social, and cultural contexts. My work is based in Solution-Focused Therapy. This encourages dialogue to explore client's strengths, resources, and past successes. My collaborative approach fosters a sense of agency in clients, creating a co-constructed dialogue to explore and create realistic attainable therapeutic goals. This approach further emphasizes that clients best understand their unique circumstances. Therefore the role of therapist is to support a co-constructed dialogue around necessary changes in perceptions, thoughts, and behaviors. Lastly, I bring to the environment a compassionate and gentle stance, providing my clients with a warm and safe environment allowing more opportunity for clients to deeply explore their history and present struggles.