Blue Hill, ME Local Support & Community Resources

Stephen Benson approaches psychotherapy with a keen interest in how thoughts, feelings, actions, and relationships interact interdependently. When his therapeutic work goes well, he and his clients experience mutual emotional movement and joy, discovering new ways to feel fulfilled and learn from their experiences. He adapts his therapeutic style to accommodate each client relationship, utilizing a talk therapy approach that occasionally incorporates elements of art, play, and writing. Stephen encourages clients to explore fresh pathways for resolution and realization in their lives. He is particularly attentive to how individuals respond to challenges and is steadfast in ensuring that his practices are comfortable, meaningful, and effective. With a foundation in psychodynamic relational psychotherapy, informed by mindfulness practice, non-directive play therapy, structural family therapy, cognitive behavioral skills building, and insights from contemporary neuroscience, his sessions may involve dialogues, drawing, or games, all while assessing clients' needs and obstacles while keeping a focus on the goals that clients communicate the meaning and value of. With two decades of experience working with children, teens, adults, seniors, families, couples, and parents, Stephen fosters understanding, change, and the identification of simple, practical steps to recovery through dialogue and an encouraging connection. His emphasis on connection, creativity, and harmony serves as a cornerstone for effective recovery.

Holly Khiel is a compassionate and insightful counselor, dedicated to helping adults and elders navigate life's challenges. Her clients often find themselves in a cycle of repetitive issues, feeling dismayed and frustrated as they struggle with the burdens of depression, anxiety, and disconnection in their relationships. Many attempt to numb their pain through various distractions, only to feel a sense of hopelessness. Holly understands the deep yearning for joy and creativity that exists within her clients, even when it feels elusive. She believes that accessing and processing core pain is crucial for healing, as unaddressed grief and trauma can constrict one's emotional well-being. With her expertise in Experiential Therapy, Trauma-Focused techniques, and Humanistic approaches, Holly empowers her clients to confront their pain, fostering adaptive emotions that guide them towards alignment in life. By providing supportive coaching through this transformative healing journey, she assists her clients in making lasting and positive changes, helping them rediscover the vibrant life they seek.

Pandora Lee Maclean-Hoover is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist with a license in clinical social work (LICSW, LCSW). She understands that clients often desire tangible results and can feel overwhelmed when seeking personal change. Acknowledging that sometimes the task of transformation is too large for one individual, she adopts a collaborative approach, creating a supportive team environment to facilitate growth and rebuilding. Her results-oriented therapy is designed to help clients achieve their goals, with remarkable breakthroughs noted during her Accelerated 3-Day Events held in the picturesque setting of Down East Maine. This immersive experience is particularly beneficial for couples. Pandora recognizes that traditional weekly 60-minute sessions may not always be effective, and instead offers innovative GREEN2TEE events for those ready to make significant shifts. Her therapeutic style is characterized by curiosity and creativity, allowing clients to explore their issues without judgment. With an optimistic outlook, she empowers clients to realize their options, helping them learn to think differently about themselves and their challenges. At the Think-diff Institute, every individual is valued and supported. She is excited to guide clients on their journey of self-discovery and transformation.