Find a Therapist in West Hartford, CT

Mindful Moments Mental Health Counseling offers a compassionate and supportive environment for individuals grappling with challenging relationships, emotional fluctuations, and self-identity issues. The skilled team emphasizes being present and equips clients with the necessary skills to navigate life's uncertainties. They aim to identify and build upon each individual's strengths, developing essential tools for managing thoughts and feelings, enabling clients to live authentically. The practice specializes in working with those who have faced various forms of trauma, including physical, emotional, sexual, spiritual, racial, and neglect. With a focus on supporting female and LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals who desire change, the therapist is a multi-racial, licensed professional and certified clinical trauma expert. Understanding that healing is not linear, the practice provides a safe space to process and express emotions effectively. Mindful Moments employs an integrative, trauma-focused approach utilizing various modalities such as DBT, CBT, EMDR, and IFS. Offering individual, couples, and group therapy primarily through telehealth, they also provide equine-assisted and in-person therapy during the Spring and Summer months.

Kumeh Bestman is a licensed Clinical Social Worker affiliated with Zen Wellness Care LLC, bringing a wealth of experience in trauma treatment and forensic psychology. Her expertise lies in women's empowerment, psychosis, thought disorders, severe mental illness, PTSD, self-esteem, mood disorders, anxiety, life transitions, and behavioral issues. As a therapist, Kumeh listens attentively and provides support through a multicultural strength-based lens, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of her clients and help them achieve their goals. Her philosophy centers around solution-focused therapy, employing mindfulness, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral techniques uniquely suited for each individual. Kumeh offers a safe haven of tranquility and empowerment, guiding clients towards new realms of understanding and personal development, ultimately fostering their ability to transcend challenges.

Dr. Jason Gockel, a dedicated psychologist with a Psyd, is committed to transforming the landscape of addiction treatment. He recognizes that traditional programs often fall short by failing to address the unique needs of individuals and the complex underlying issues such as development, trauma, and mental illness. Many treatment approaches mistakenly simplify addiction as the sole problem, neglecting the deeper factors that contribute to relapse. Dr. Gockel understands that individuals are frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and over-medicated, often placed into generic educational groups that lack personalized care. For those who have felt this sense of disconnection in their journey toward recovery, Dr. Gockel offers a path to real change. Utilizing a psychodynamic focus, he delves into the core issues that fuel the cycle of relapse. By fostering insight into defenses like avoidance and repression, Dr. Gockel empowers individuals to dismantle the barriers that leave them feeling trapped in their addiction or mental health challenges.

Bonnie Redderoth, LCSW, is an experienced Clinical Social Worker and therapist who has dedicated over 35 years to helping individuals navigate life's challenges. With a deep understanding of the therapeutic relationship as a cornerstone of healing, Bonnie excels in working with adults and elders, addressing a range of issues including anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles. Her extensive practice experience encompasses various life events, making her particularly adept at supporting those with long-standing interpersonal issues stemming from past experiences. Bonnie specializes in mindfulness-based therapy, compassion-focused approaches, and interpersonal techniques, ensuring that every client feels both patient and comfortable as they embark on their journey toward change. Her empathetic nature and commitment to working alongside individuals at their own pace make her an invaluable resource for those seeking to improve their emotional well-being. In addition to her expertise in anxiety-related issues, Bonnie is also well-versed in aiding those dealing with trauma, grief, and family conflict, allowing her to provide comprehensive support for her clients’ diverse needs.

Jessica Assard-wu is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 25 years of experience, dedicated to providing impactful marital and individual therapy for adolescents, adults, and elders. Recognizing that everyone encounters challenges in their relationships and emotional well-being, she embraces the Systemic (Family) therapy approach, empowering individuals and families to address the root causes of their struggles rather than merely alleviating symptoms like anxiety and depression. Specializing in marital therapy, Jessica navigates complex issues surrounding communication, conflict, and dissatisfaction, ensuring couples can cultivate the relationships they desire. Additionally, she supports individuals through life transitions, mood disorders, and family conflicts, focusing on the interplay of thoughts and feelings that shape relationships and personal growth. With a commitment to fostering lasting change, Jessica collaborates with clients to develop practical strategies that extend beyond temporary solutions, paving the way for healthier relationships and a fulfilling life.

Robin Rittinger, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist, offers a gentle and compassionate therapeutic style tailored to individuals experiencing challenging life transitions or noticing unhelpful patterns in their relationships. With over 15 years of experience, Robin specializes in trauma and PTSD, relationship issues, and life transitions, working with teens, adults, and seniors alike. Her approach integrates somatic therapy and trauma-focused techniques, recognizing how physical experiences impact emotional well-being. Clients can expect to explore their self-beliefs and interpersonal dynamics, moving beyond past events to reshape their current lives positively. Through understanding patterns in movement and posture, clients can uncover and release negative self-beliefs that may have originated in childhood. Robin’s expertise in both individual and relational therapy allows her to create safe spaces for adults, youth, couples, and families seeking growth and healing.

Jenny Alzate is a compassionate and bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She creates a safe and nurturing environment for clients, allowing true healing to take place. With a passion for facilitating holistic health, she integrates mind-body medicine into her clinical practice. Alongside her partner, Nicole Archer LPC, she founded The Enlightenment Counseling Center—a holistic group practice dedicated to fostering healing in the mind, body, and spirit. Jenny believes that breathwork and meditation can be transformative for individuals seeking change. Her extensive experience working with families has made her aware that many maladaptive behaviors stem from early life experiences, often leading individuals to seek change but unsure of how to begin. Specializing in inner child trauma work, she helps clients heal at a root level while guiding them to connect with their present selves. Jenny provides individual counseling primarily for adults, focusing on women's issues such as divorce, domestic violence, parenting challenges, marital discord, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and PTSD. Her sessions can be conducted in both Spanish and English, and she looks forward to connecting with those ready to enhance their mental and emotional well-being.

Juan Faraoni III, a licensed professional counselor, is dedicated to helping others uncover their true potential. He believes that everyone has the ability to better understand their own life through a supportive therapeutic relationship. With a focus on providing a safe and welcoming environment, Juan encourages clients to explore the obstacles holding them back. He intentionally opts out of accepting insurance because he values the individualized, personal nature of therapy; when clients engage with him, they can trust that their sessions are tailored specifically to them. Utilizing modern psychoanalytic techniques, he addresses deeper issues and aims to alleviate symptoms, leading to improved self-understanding and a truly transformative experience. Juan is trained in various therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic, attachment-based, relational, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and serves both individuals and couples. With a solid academic background from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and ongoing clinical training as a doctoral candidate at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis, he holds a Master of Arts degree in counseling. His passion for fostering resilience and self-esteem in adults and elders (65+) positions him as a valuable ally in their journey toward personal growth.

Hollie Barkoff, LCSW, is a clinical social worker and therapist with approximately 25 years of experience, dedicated to helping individuals navigate through feelings of being stuck, sad, or anxious. She understands the challenges that can arise from social or family interactions, difficult moods, and life transitions. In her comfortable and supportive therapeutic environment, Hollie utilizes a strength-based approach, skillfully tailoring her methods to address each individual's unique difficulties. Through a blend of positive support, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as mindfulness techniques, she empowers her clients and works to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Hollie addresses a wide spectrum of issues in her practice, including anxiety, panic, trauma, life transitions, divorce, women's concerns, and pre and post-partum mood changes, along with parenting challenges. Her goal is to help her clients access the path to feeling better, stronger, and more centered.

Lauren Barnhart, LCSW, is dedicated to helping individuals develop healthy coping skills to manage and alleviate distress, anxiety, and depression. She provides support and stability for clients navigating losses and strives to uncover new possibilities during significant life transitions. With a compassionate approach, Lauren assists clients in coping with health challenges, gaining self-awareness, and building confidence. She creates a welcoming space that allows clients to feel at ease after difficult periods of transition, accumulated stress, loss, or trauma. Through her dedication, she offers hope, compassion, and trustworthiness, along with effective tools for expressing and managing emotions. Lauren fosters a safe environment for transitioning through losses and crises and empowers clients to grow and thrive in their lives and relationships. Her expertise includes supporting individuals dealing with concussions, traumatic brain injuries, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, making her an ideal partner in the journey toward emotional well-being.

David Bendor, PsyD, is a skilled psychologist dedicated to helping teenagers, young adults, and adults whose lives have been significantly affected by mental illness and life stressors. In his practice, he focuses on alleviating the most distressing symptoms, enabling individuals to overcome barriers to health, fulfillment, and emotional contentment. David also offers psychoeducation to family members, guiding them in ways they can support their loved one's recovery journey. As a licensed clinical psychologist at the Young Adult Services division of The Institute of Living at Hartford Hospital, he utilizes both psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapy methods in his late-afternoon and early-evening outpatient sessions. Beyond traditional approaches to mood disorders, anxiety, and personality disorders, David places an emphasis on adopting lifestyle changes that enhance psychological well-being, ultimately fostering resilience and emotional growth.

Dr. Noah Bluestone, a dedicated psychologist with a PhD, has adapted his practice to provide exceptional care during these unprecedented times. Recognizing the significant sacrifices everyone is making to combat the effects of COVID-19, he has thoughtfully curated a collection of articles in the resources section of his website that explain the science of stress and pandemics. Dr. Bluestone is committed to sharing empirically supported information as it becomes available to help individuals navigate these challenges. He offers video sessions through a secure HIPAA-compliant platform and has implemented a flexible sliding scale to ensure accessibility for clients of various income levels, with evening appointments available for parents after their children have gone to bed. Specializing in evidence-based cognitive behavioral treatments for adolescents and adults, Dr. Bluestone has substantial experience in addressing anxiety-related issues, depression, insomnia, trauma, adjustment problems, ADHD, substance abuse, and parent-child conflicts. Understanding that many individuals seek psychological support during times of distress, he possesses the character and expertise necessary to facilitate healing and growth. He looks forward to the opportunity to work collaboratively with clients to guide them toward a happier and healthier life.

Jessica Boland is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) who understands that individuals are their own best resources for uncovering strength and understanding their past. She creates a safe and supportive space that enables clients to access their potential in a realistic and meaningful way. Jessica approaches therapy from a systemic perspective, recognizing that life’s most challenging aspects manifest not only on an individual level but also through relationships, interactions, social patterns, and dynamics. With extensive experience in addressing depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, relationship issues, low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, and disordered eating, she is committed to fostering an environment that reflects the unique needs of each individual. Certified in Gestalt therapy and EMDR, Jessica practices from a trauma-informed and strength-focused approach, ensuring that her clients feel both understood and empowered on their journey to healing.