Find a Therapist in West Hartford, CT

Welcome! Purvi Shah Vanderploeg is a dedicated psychologist with a PhD, on a mission to help individuals lead thriving lives. She partners with clients seeking personal growth and insight into the barriers hindering their health. Whether someone is grappling with depression, anxiety, or coping with chronic pain, Purvi is committed to guiding them towards understanding and acceptance, and ultimately taking action to create a fulfilling life. With over 10 years of experience in both hospital and private practice settings, her expertise lies in health psychology, which integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to enhance understanding of physical and mental health. Purvi supports clients in developing healthier habits, managing illness, addressing mood disorders, and improving relationships, making her a proficient ally in the journey towards wellness and self-improvement.

Dr. Jill Shalan, a licensed psychologist with a PhD, specializes in helping adults and elders (65+) navigate complex issues such as depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. Her approach to psychotherapy is centered on fostering self-understanding and transforming longstanding patterns that no longer serve her clients. By cultivating a collaborative and open-ended therapeutic relationship, Dr. Shalan encourages individuals to explore their inner selves, discover new solutions, and establish healthier patterns, ultimately aiming to achieve emotional balance. Her treatment philosophy is grounded in the Bio-psycho-social Model, recognizing that each person's challenges stem from unique biological, psychological, social, and environmental influences. This understanding allows her to tailor therapeutic approaches, employing a variety of methods including Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamic techniques, among others. Dr. Shalan’s therapeutic style is particularly effective for individuals motivated to make positive changes in their lives and who value an active problem-solving approach. Whether clients are looking for short-term assistance for specific symptoms or long-term support to explore deeper issues, her flexible treatment modalities are designed to meet each individual's unique needs and goals. Moreover, she is dedicated to ensuring that clients receive comprehensive care by facilitating access to any necessary outside resources.

Carol Shilliday is a compassionate psychologist with a PsyD and over 30 years of experience in the field, specializing in psychotherapy for preteens, teens, adults, and elders. She offers a range of therapy modalities, including individual, couples, and group therapy, with particular focus on issues such as ADHD, anxiety, divorce, and relationship challenges. Carol leads specialized psychotherapy groups, including a Grief Group for Widows, Divorce Recovery, and programs for adults dealing with ADHD. Her warm and caring approach creates a safe environment for individuals to explore their concerns, identify areas of feeling stuck, and develop effective coping strategies. With expertise in various therapeutic methods, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), psychodynamic, and attachment-based therapy, Carol employs a goal-focused approach that resonates with her clients. As an IFS consultant, she is dedicated to empowering both individuals and fellow therapists, ensuring a comprehensive support system for those navigating life's complexities. Carol is also skilled in addressing mood disorders, grief, family conflict, and stress related to work and career challenges, making her a versatile ally in the journey towards healing and personal growth.

Sherry Skyler Kelly, a dedicated psychologist with a PhD and MA, passionately supports adults, teens, and children seeking goal-oriented, short-term therapy to navigate significant life changes—ranging from loss to family conflict. Many clients are eager to achieve a sense of happiness and improved functioning. Sherry's adult clientele often face transitions such as shifts in work, marriage, or adjusting to retirement. Similarly, her teen and young adult clients seek assistance in coping with anxiety, depression, college planning stress, and family issues. Specializing in anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders, Sherry employs a blend of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Positive Psychology strategies to empower her clients. As a trained Neuropsychologist, she provides neuropsychological and psycho-educational evaluations to address learning differences, ADD/ADHD, and cognitive decline. Her practice is deeply rooted in fostering positivity and growth, creating a unique and individualized game plan for success tailored to each client's strengths. Sherry's evaluation services not only spotlight cognitive abilities but also offer insights into personality and emotional functioning, paving the way for supportive and effective therapeutic journeys.

Danielle Sondeen, LMFT, MA, is a compassionate Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in providing therapy for children, adolescents, and adults in both individual and family/couple counseling settings. She fosters an open and warm atmosphere where clients can rediscover their strengths and achieve their goals through a collaborative approach to solution building. Danielle is skilled in addressing a wide range of issues, including grief, depression, anxiety, and parenting challenges, as well as navigating the complexities of divorce and co-parenting. She obtained her MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Saint Joseph and holds a Juris Doctorate with a Health Law Certificate from Quinnipiac University. Recently, Danielle has earned a mediation certificate from the Quinnipiac University School of Law Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution and plans to integrate divorce mediation services into her therapeutic offerings at Family Counseling Group of the Farmington Valley, LLC.

Jennifer Spirito is a dedicated licensed clinical social worker who is enthusiastic about guiding adults on their journey to emotional well-being and personal growth. With a focus on delivering individualized, patient-centered treatment, she collaborates closely with clients to design tailored therapeutic strategies that leverage their unique strengths. Jennifer possesses extensive experience working in outpatient mental health settings, where she has developed proficiency in a variety of treatment methodologies. An EMDR Certified Therapist (EMDRIA), she emphasizes trauma and PTSD recovery, anxiety management, and addressing dual diagnosis challenges in her practice. Her welcoming approach and deep understanding of emotional disturbances, self-esteem issues, and mood disorders empower clients to embark on transformative healing journeys.

Dr. Sarah St. Germain is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of disordered eating, depression, and anxiety for both adolescents and adults. She operates an evidence-based practice, utilizing scientifically-backed treatments with extensive training from prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and McLean Hospital. Primarily practicing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), she focuses on transforming thoughts and behavior patterns to enhance mood and overall well-being. Dr. St. Germain emphasizes a collaborative approach, tailoring each treatment to meet the individual’s short and long-term goals. She believes that therapy is a vital partnership between psychologist and client, highlighting the importance of comfort and trust in the therapeutic relationship. While in Massachusetts, she held esteemed positions at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Her academic contributions include published research on self-injurious behaviors, body image, eating disorders, treatment effectiveness, and borderline personality disorder. Currently, she runs a private practice in West Hartford, CT, dedicated to helping her clients navigate their journeys toward improved mental health.

Elliott Strick is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist (MA, LMFT) specializing in trauma and PTSD, particularly focusing on individuals and couples, including the LGBTQ+ community. As an internal family systems (IFS) therapist, he provides a nurturing and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their emotional complexities. Elliott works with those who have endured childhood trauma, as well as individuals raised by alcoholics or emotionally absent parents (ACOA). He is committed to fostering a space where all parts of a person's experience can emerge and be addressed, enabling them to heal from past wounds, release shame, and process unresolved anger or grief. His ideal clients are individuals familiar with or interested in IFS therapy, seeking support through life's challenges such as relationship dynamics, grief from loss, and painful childhood memories. Elliott's personal healing journey inspired him to become a psychotherapist, blending his experience and extensive training, including Levels 1 and 3 of IFS therapy and advanced couple training. He has also completed retreat leadership training at Shalom Mountain Retreat Center, equipping him to guide others on their paths to emotional well-being and joy.

Dr. Janel Swaye MacDermott is a compassionate and dedicated psychologist with a PsyD, specializing in supporting individuals across a diverse age range, from preteens to elders. With a deep understanding of prevalent issues such as obesity, trauma, PTSD, and relationship challenges, she is committed to guiding her clients through their journeys. Dr. MacDermott utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Family Systems, and EMDR, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual or group. Her multifaceted approach addresses not only weight loss but also encompasses areas such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and effective coping skills. With her warm demeanor and holistic perspective, Dr. MacDermott strives to foster resilience and personal growth in every client she encounters.

Bryon Remo is a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's degree in Education and holds the credentials of LMFT. He specializes in working with preteens, teens, and adults, helping clients navigate challenging issues such as depression, marital conflicts, parenting struggles, and anger management. With a focus on fostering positive change, Bryon empowers individuals, couples, and families to actively participate in their therapeutic journey. He believes that marriages should not just survive but thrive, encouraging couples to gain valuable insight into their relationships and adopt a growth-oriented mindset. Bryon’s warm and engaging approach includes using humor to ease discussions on tough topics, promoting accountability, and instilling mindfulness in clients to help them remain focused on their goals outside of the therapy room. Drawing on both his professional expertise and personal experiences as a divorced father of three, he shares relatable challenges and successes with his clients. His diverse therapeutic methods encompass a variety of approaches including Experiential Therapy, Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the Gottman Method, enabling him to effectively address a wide range of issues such as trauma, substance use, and mood disorders, while also providing crucial support to fathers dealing with divorce.

Meet Tricia Tag, a dedicated licensed professional counselor with over seven years of experience in the mental health field. Tricia is known for her caring, down-to-earth, and thoughtful approach, making her especially effective for those looking to better understand themselves and explore deeper meanings in life. She believes in the inherent capacity of individuals to heal and transcends beyond their wildest expectations. While acknowledging that personal transformation can sometimes feel challenging, Tricia also emphasizes that it can be an enjoyable, enlightening, and cathartic journey. Her areas of specialization include addiction, anxiety, and trauma, employing evidence-based practices such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, REBT, reality therapy, existential therapy, and mindfulness in her sessions. Tricia is passionate about helping her clients achieve true liberation from dysfunctional living.

At 144 Therapy, the therapists bring extensive experience working with adults and adolescents facing substance abuse, behavioral, relationship, and mental health challenges. They prioritize the client as the most important individual in the therapeutic relationship, fostering a calm and relaxed atmosphere that encourages comfort and openness. With a strong belief that everyone possesses the potential to reach their goals, the therapists provide the guidance and support needed to navigate life's complexities. The dynamic team at 144 Therapy is known for their relaxed and genuine demeanor, meeting clients where they are in their journey. Each session is dedicated to the client's needs, as they collaboratively work towards accomplishing personal goals. Whether it's addressing mood disorders, trauma, or relationship issues, the therapists employ a range of therapeutic modalities, including Compassion Focused, DBT, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, to ensure effective and compassionate care.

Beverly Thornton is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, dedicated to facilitating fulfilling lives for individuals and couples through her expertise in individual, couples, and sex therapy. Her commitment is to foster deep emotional and physical connections in relationships, guiding clients towards satisfaction and wholeness. Recognizing that no single approach works for everyone, Beverly tailors her therapeutic methods to fit the unique needs of each client, utilizing a diverse spectrum of evidence-based therapies such as Internal Family Systems, Eclectic, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Beverly is also highly trained in Gestalt Therapy and CTI Life Coaching, ensuring a comprehensive support system for her clients. In her practice, individuals often find a safe space where they are heard, understood, and validated. Beverly believes that addressing sexual issues is crucial, as embracing one's sexuality not only empowers individuals but also strengthens the bonds between partners. With a warm, compassionate, and holistic approach, Beverly Thornton offers her clients a pathway to healing and growth.