Addiction is a treatable, chronic disease. Genetics, brain chemistry, environmental factors, and life experiences all play a role in the disease, and past trauma is often at the root of many addictions. For many who struggle with addiction, it can be helpful to know that risk factors and levels vary by person, but like any chronic condition, focusing on the cause and the symptoms in treatment offer the best chance for recovery.
Begin Your Search for a Mental Health Professional Who Specializes in Addiction
I believe in the potential of human beings to grow, change, experience, seek and find meaning in their lives. I believe in existential, humanistic and person-centered perspectives where respect and dignity of, and for individuals are paramount to their therapeutic process. Growth and change are processes that occur as a result of a combination of one's life experiences; however, our daily life...
Hello! My name is Dr. Amanda S. Hanko and I am a clinical psychologist in Branford, Connecticut. I work with older adolescents, adults and older adults. While I enjoy working with people on a variety of topics, I specialize in trauma and anxiety as well as depression and mood related difficulties. I thoroughly enjoy helping people find peace and balance in their life when everything around us...
We work with a wide range of mental health conditions including ADHD, anxiety, autism, OCD, ODD, anger management, learning disabilities, depression, emotional/affect regulatory issues, panic, trauma, PTSD, sleep, sensory processing issues, TBI/Concussions, cognitive fog, among others. We also work with peak performance in athletic and professional contexts. We are increasingly working with...
It is often quite difficult to be honest with ourselves and with the world around us, particularly as it relates to our experiences of pain and suffering. As a result, patterns of relating with self and others often reinforce even deeper feelings of loneliness, isolation, fear, and anxiety. The various factors that may be driving this cycle include experiences of trauma, strained relationships,...
Life can throw numerous curve balls, and sometimes we need to expand our support system to persevere and carry on. Reaching out to meet with a counselor is not a sign of weakness, but rather shows bravery and a willingness for growth and change. When an individual makes the decision to enter counseling, it can be an intimidating choice during an already difficult time. It’s not always easy to b...
I specialize in walking with individual's who are struggling with pornography addiction or other forms of unwanted sexual behavior. I also walk with individuals who have experienced the horrors of sexual, physical, emotional or spiritual abuse and the stress that often follows. And I have a heart for journeying with individual's who are grieving and those who are struggling with questions of...
Do you have difficult relationships? Do you put everyone's needs before your own? Do you wonder why do don't get as good as you give? Do you suffer from overwhelm? Do you experience a lack of motivation? Do you ruminate over the little things? Do you have trouble sleeping because you can't stop your thoughts? Do you feel frequently tired? If you have answered "yes" to any or all of these...
Humans goal is normality. We want, desire, and need to feel normal. Yet, simultaneously we desire to be unique, special, and individualistic. I believe it is necessary to think of humans as puzzle pieces in order to fulfill both. While the pieces share the same geographical space as well as have the same manufacturer, they are unique and serve varying purposes. Do you belong at the top but are...
I have found that many of the emotional and relational struggles that individuals face are a result of having undergone painful experiences, and having learned ways of coping or relating that become unhelpful and even self-defeating in later stages of life. Through the work of psychotherapy, one has an opportunity to explore, gain self-knowledge and awareness, shift patterns, and discover, or...
Stonebriar Counseling Associates is a diverse group of private mental health therapists who provide counseling services for children, teens, adults, families, and all forms of relationship counseling such as marriage, divorce, couples, and premarital. We offer a comforting, supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic environment to work on difficult issues and mental health symptoms. Our focus is to...
Are you dealing with a life transition? As a transition specialist I can think of no other time when so many of us were jolted into a transition and a new way of life! I specialize in working with individuals and families that are going through a transition in their life. These transitions could include; divorce, job loss, getting back into the work force, becoming a teenager, becoming an adult...
You may be struggling with relationship issues, sex/porn addiction, a break up, being the partner of a sex addict, emotional distress, low self esteem, anxiety, depression & other feelings that are effecting your life. You may not even know what really brings you to find a therapist, just a feeling of being stuck or that life is missing meaning or purpose. I provide a space to explore your...
Welcome! Are you struggling with your food, weight or body image? Are your relationships strained? I believe that transformation is possible. Even the toughest problems can be improved as we explore challenges in the context of a safe, therapeutic relationship. I believe that in order to make and sustain meaningful changes, we need a non-judgmental environment where one feels understood. My goa...
I work with couples and individuals using a mindfulness based, here-and-now, approach that invites all aspects of you into therapy. I welcome individuals of all ages asking “What do I want to do with my life?”. In my work with couples, I help partners build deeper connections, foster better communication, and work towards a more fulfilling relationship. Whether you are in the midst of a new...
