Stratford, CT Local Support & Community Resources

Cynthia Melendez is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist who understands that many people face daily stressors affecting their day-to-day functioning. These stressors, which can arise from work, school, or family and relationship issues, can be overwhelming. By collaborating in psychotherapy, her clients are empowered to develop tools for coping and progressing towards their personal goals. With eight years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and entire family systems, Cynthia is adept in addressing trauma, including domestic violence, human trafficking, childhood trauma, and grief. Employing a strength-based approach, she provides a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can safely explore and navigate their past and present experiences that contribute to everyday stress. Her therapeutic practices are informed by frameworks such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Recognizing that there's no one-size-fits-all method, Cynthia is committed to meeting each client where they are to facilitate their journey towards achieving their individual goals.

Christopher Albino is a Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to supporting preteens, teens, and adults through life's challenges. He believes that therapy can take on many forms and emphasizes the importance of creating a unique space for individuals and families to identify and achieve their personal goals. Christopher prioritizes providing clients with a safe environment to explore their experiences, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. With a person-centered approach, he meets clients where they are, facilitating growth and healing. He employs a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), to address issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and peer relationships. Although we cannot control the challenges we face, Christopher empowers clients to choose their responses and rise above these obstacles. He is eager to begin this transformative journey alongside those he works with.

Jill Badyrka is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, who operates from a Holistic and Strength-Based Foundation, deeply attuned to the effects of environmental factors on emotional and physical well-being. She recognizes that emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects are intricately interconnected in each individual, forming a complex tapestry that reflects their current state. Understanding the influence of external systems—such as family, work, school, and community—on her clients, Jill believes in the individual's innate power to heal and achieve Wellness and Peace across all dimensions of life. Her therapeutic practice is anchored in a heart-centered space, employing a Humanistic approach grounded in hope and faith for self-healing. Jill specializes in areas including Trauma, Grief and Loss, Anxiety, Parent-Child Relationships, Divorce, Anger Management, Life Coaching, Self-Esteem, and Inner Peace. She provides her services to individuals, couples, and families, and is passionate about guiding clients through various therapeutic modalities. With a humanistic and collaborative style, Jill empowers her clients to embrace their uniqueness and develop the skills needed to continue their journey toward wellness.