Therapists in West Hartford, CT

Plan Be Consulting Founder Michael Shelby encourages others to accept when life hasn’t gone according to plan. The first step is recognizing the problem; the second step is creating a “Plan B.” With a combination of empathy and expertise, Plan Be Counseling creates functional, achievable, and lasting solutions to help individuals, couples, and families through some of life’s most challenging problems.

Life has many unexpected twists and turns. Although you are doing okay, you recognize that being just “okay” is not good enough anymore. Maybe you are suffering from some childhood wounds that need to be unpacked. Perhaps, you have experienced a bad break up, a recent divorce, job related stress, or anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Are you a teenager who feels no one understands you, a young adult trying to figure out your next steps in life, a parent in need of some extra support, or a couple at a crossroads in your relationship? Do you want to become the best version of yourself?

I've been practicing as a psychotherapist for over 30 years. I have been clinical director of mental health facilities and on the faculty of Tufts University School of Medicine. I welcome clients 14 years of age and older -- individuals and couples, and offer you a warm personal approach focusing on your specific needs. I don't believe in a "one size fits all" model of practice or that therapy should be "a way of life." Therapy begins with a careful assessment and plan. If what we are doing isn't working for you, we change it.

As an experienced Medical Doctor I believe the strong connection between mind and body requires a holistic approach to healing somebody both mentally and physically. Many times a physical symptom can be a manifestation of a mental condition and the same can be said that a mental condition can be the symptom of a physical issue. I want to bring you my experience treating both mental and physical conditions to help you find a happy balance.

I hope amid the challenges of life, I can make one thing easier- the process of finding the right fit therapist. At Root to Rise Counseling and Wellness, I partner with clients to decrease points of suffering and increase ability to move through life with ease, not just surviving, but thriving. With over 25 years' experience working in therapy private practice, hospitals and clinics, and trauma programs, my work addresses concerns including trauma, abuse, and PTSD, illness and pain, anxiety, religious trauma, transitions, grief, and relational challenges.

Are stress, anxiety, depression, ruminating/obssessive thoughts keeping you from being your true self and living the life you want? Are you dealing with past traumas that continously present themselves in your present-day life? I can help you to break out of dysfunctional unconsious patterns that are keeping you stuck, and work collaboratively with you to start developing steps towards postive, lasting changes. I primarily use a treatment called Accelerated Resolution Therapy which can help facilitate lasting changes in relatively few sessions. (I am a New York and Connecticut-based clinical psychologist)

Creating a therapeutic alliance where individuals are safe to explore the challenges in their lives is the foundation of effective therapy. I offer an authentic, non-judgmental, direct, and empathetic treatment approach that facilitates growth. Together we can explore underlying core belief systems and patterns of thinking that contribute to disruption in our lives, and learn healthier and more effective ways of coping that lead to positive change. I hope to provide the right balance of support and guidance that empowers people to create meaning, practice wellness, and find contentment in their lives.

Is depression or anxiety keeping you from engaging with life as you want to? Are your relationships suffering because of communication issues or mental health problems? Have you tried therapy in the past but stopped because it felt impersonal or formulaic? Dealing with mental health issues affects how you think about yourself, interact with loved ones, and how much effort you can use to chase your goals. If you’re ready to find positive solutions to your mental health and relationship issues, therapy with a person-centered approach may help.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist (LCP) who is collaborative, compassionate, and action-oriented. I have a great deal of experience in providing treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia), Health Anxiety, and Occupational Stress. I am an integrative clinician with training in various cognitive-behavioral therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-based CBT (MB-CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I'm also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR - Certified) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).

Are you a parent navigating the challenges of raising your child? Do you find yourself grappling with uncertainty and the constant demands of parenthood? It's common to experience feelings of guilt, impatience, and the pressure of parental expectations, often leading to overthinking. Despite its challenges, parenthood can be a profoundly transformative journey with the right guidance and support. Allow me to assist you as we navigate these complexities together. I customize my approach to meet the unique needs of your family, providing a compassionate, non-judgmental space for growth and exploration.

The people that I work with often do not understand why they are feeling depressed, anxious, angry, disappointed and so forth, let alone where it stems from or how to change it. I work using multiple therapy models tailored to an individual's needs and personality. We will work collaboratively to uncover the root of distress and develop the tools needed to overcome the challenges that are problematic.

Adults are facing unique challenges as they navigate today’s world. Whether they are trying to manage the stress of changes at work and home, parenting in an ever-changing society, or trying to adjust to identity changes during midlife, people are realizing that support helps. Many people - especially men - have begun discovering that the education and skill-building that comes from therapeutic support is helpful; others are considering therapy for the first time. I've worked as a therapist for over 30 years. Wherever you are in your thinking, I am here to help you decide whether therapy is something you want to explore.

I work with adults of all ages in a highly attuned, caring, and deeply respectful way. I have helped many people overcome painful anxiety, shame, depression, relationship difficulties, job stress, loss, and the challenges of creating a truly meaningful life. As a fully licensed clinical social worker, I offer an effective blend of deep empathy, understanding and considerable training. I enjoy working with adults from all backgrounds and lifestyles, and will tailor my approach to your needs.

Are you struggling to handle life stressors? Do you find yourself constantly caring for others and ignoring your needs? Does anxiety or depression keep you from living the life you want? Does a history of trauma keep you from achieving your goals? Many women struggle with mental health issues and want to find strategies to regulate emotions, improve their self-esteem, and increase independence. You deserve happiness and success.

On your first visit with me you can expect a relaxed, comfortable, and inviting office environment. The environment reflects my personality, and my personality is reflected in my approach to therapy. I am a compassionate, understanding therapist who utilizes a client-centered approach to treatment. I will make sure that the sessions are focused on what you want out to get out of therapy. I will not tell you what to do, however, will gently walk with you and guide you find solutions to your problems and ease your suffering.

Therapy is about what works for you. I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental, and confidential space to explore and shift away from maladaptive thoughts and patterns. I work relationally with individuals to foster self satisfaction, further self understanding and appreciation, and restore the self. A comfortable patient and therapist relationship is key to successful and meaningful therapy. I view the client as the expert on his or her own experience. I aim to create a safe space in order to expand awareness of that experience, integrate aspects that may have been excluded from awareness, and integrate new experience and meanings.

If you have excess stresses, repeated disappointments, or detachment from others, then let's find ways to resolve your difficulties. I have the privilege of serving many individuals with various psychological, emotional, and behavioral concerns. My focus is talk therapy with adults where we collaboratively explore your thoughts, feelings, and actions. We can utilize different methods to treat anxiety and depression, as well as to address issues with closeness, assertiveness, and grief. Oftentimes, relational experiences in the present rekindle our unresolved past developmental traumas or re-enact our maladaptive responses.

If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or stuck in your life, therapy can give you the skills and support needed to make positive, lasting changes. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I have expertise in helping people overcome anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and trauma. I am also passionate about supporting women navigating the complexities of infertility, pregnancy and postpartum, as well as parenting.

It may be a touch melodramatic to say this yet I believe reaching out for therapy is courageous. I so enjoy my work as I am routinely deeply touched by the courage I see from clients in my office every day! Therapy here is a collaborative struggle together. It is also a very personal process as a therapist's greatest gifts usually come from her/his own