Our Clinical Team

Chantell Paris,

LCSW-Executive Director

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned my Master’s Degree from Fordham University. My career began in 2004 at Ability Beyond Disability supporting adults and children with physical and intellectual disabilities in all aspects of daily living. I went on to work for the State of CT: DDS West Region providing therapeutic support in residential and vocational settings while working part time for a private practice providing individual and group psychotherapy for adults and children. In 2017, I began working as a full time social worker for the Department of Children and Families where I performed a variety of highly skilled case work services for children and their families. Currently, I am working as a high school social worker with youth who have a variety of needs such as anxiety, depression, truancy, ADHD, conduct disorder, emotional disturbances, etc.. I am passionate about helping others make positive changes in their lives and I look forward to working with you!

Emily Kelly,

LPC

Life can send you on a whirlwind of emotions and struggles that feel out of your control. Seeking therapy can be nerve wracking and difficult. I help people take back control of their lives. I have experience working with adults and teenagers struggling with Addiction, Anxiety, PTSD and Depression. I have worked with children in foster care as well as those dealing with anger issues and anxiety. I also have experience working within the LGBTQ and kink community. I have worked in a number of settings and with different populations including: in-home therapy, private practice and a methadone maintenance clinic. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral and Motivational Interviewing, with a person-centered, Rogerian approach, to aid in improving communication, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships.I look forward to getting to know you and exploring your life experiences and goals. I want to work together to help you gain a better understanding and build healthier coping skills.

Becky Dreyer,

LCSW

Reaching out for help can be challenging but it can also be the first step towards a better life. I believe in taking a holistic approach to well-being for long lasting change. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience providing counseling to children, adolescents, families, couples, and adults. I work with individuals with life transitions, grief, divorce, relationship issues, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.

Most recently I have been working in a hospital outpatient setting providing individual and family therapy via teletherapy and phone calls. I have also seen clients in school, community, and office settings and worked directly with child protection, domestic violence services, and services for individuals with traumatic brain injuries. I utilize techniques from motivational interviewing, mindfulness, strengths-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectic behavioral therapy to help people to improve emotion regulation, distress tolerance, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Together we can work towards achieving your goals for personal growth. I look forward to hearing from you!

Eric Brysgel,

LCSW

Eric Brysgel, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received his Master’s Degree in Social Work from Smith College. Eric completed his graduate level internship and psychiatric training at Yale Psychiatric Institute. Eric received his License in Clinical Social Work through clinical supervision at the Institute of Living. Eric has worked with children, adolescents, young adults in inpatient, partial hospital program, outpatient, mobile crisis and community act team psychiatric settings. Eric was involved with the formation and program development of the Schizophrenia Rehabilitation Center at the Institute of Living which was one of the first programs to emphasize the importance of early detection and intervention in psychiatry. Eric worked as the primary child and adolescent psychiatric clinician at the Institute of Living. Eric worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Young Adult Services program during the past fourteen years. Eric has worked full time as a program supervisor at Creative Potential in Montville, Connecticut as a contractor with the Department of Children and Families and Beacon Health Options. Eric has spent the past twenty-eight years working in psychiatric social work. Eric continues to collaborate with several community systems and programs in order to provide the highest level of care to his clients. Eric believes that the best clinical care occurs when clients work with their entire support system. Eric has been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, ego psychology, object relations and self psychology.

Shauna Figueroa,

LCSW

We all have life experience, some more difficult than others. What is troubling you? What would you like to change? Is now the best time to address your concerns? I am sure these are a few questions you have asked yourself at one time or another, I assure you, you are NOT alone! If you are looking for a nonjudgmental, compassionate, and solution focused therapist look no further. For over 15 years, I have worked with individuals, couples and family’s addressing some of life’s most challenging circumstances.

My use of diverse and interactive clinical and therapeutic approaches have proven to be most effective in addressing issues including depression, substance use, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, grief, parenting and coping skills. Client centered approaches allows me to efficiently utilize my training in Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. I can assure you therapeutic support in which you will feel affirmed, empowered and prepared to face life’s challenges. I am passionate about being a person who listens on purpose! It would be an honor to help you heal, grow and gain insight while sharing your story.

Soya Kirven,

LPC

Imagine having a judgement-free, empathetic space of your own where you can share, explore, and make sense of those most challenging issues in your life. Being able to manage life’s many twists and turns and unexpected obstacles can be tough. You don’t have to struggle in silence. Depression, Anxiety, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and trauma are all very real experiences and emotions. Therapy can help you make sense of what you’re feeling. Let’s work together to bridge some gaps and help you get to a healthier, more functioning self. You deserve it!

I am skilled in supporting individuals with concerns such as Depression, Anxiety, self-esteem, and trauma. My clinical approach is integrative however, grounded in CBT. In addition, I utilize Person-Centered, Existential, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Building the therapeutic relationship in a judgment free space is key in achieving insight and growth.

I believe in a strength-based approach for therapy. I am here to offer support and guidance. As you lead the way, together we will work towards your therapeutic goals. Therapy offers a place where different thoughts, ideas and strategies can be shared. If one way doesn’t work, let’s try another. You can do it! The end result is what matters!

Francine Holmes,

LCSW

To seek out therapy is a brave first step toward healing and self discovery, that acknowledgement is reflected in my use of evidence-based interventions and supportive counseling as a licensed clinical therapist. Much of my work with individuals or families contending with anxiety, trauma, depression, difficult transitions, loss or other mental health disorders is to initially assist in addressing the immediate concerns, as they gradually become more attuned with themselves and others. My approach is an open and relational one, which takes places in an environment that is safe, collaborative and most of all devoid of judgement. My role ultimately is to facilitate your therapeutic process in order to reach some level of sustained wellbeing.

Dina Skempris,

LMSW

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker that earned my degree from the University of Saint Joseph in May
2022. I’ve been working in the social service industry for the last 8 years in a variety of roles and have
experience working with diverse individuals in acute care, home health and community-based settings. I
have experience working with individuals and families throughout various stages of the life cycle. Most
recently, I’ve been working in home health agency providing supportive counseling to older adults and
their families as they navigate health changes, role transitions and adjustments to daily functioning.
My areas of focus include depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, loss and adjustment, caregiver
burnout, and chronic illnesses. I specialize in working with older adults while they navigate the
transitions and adjustments common with this stage of life. I use a strength-based approach and pull
from Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior therapy to tailor
a treatment that fits you and your needs.
I believe it takes compassion, respect, trust and understanding for progress to be made in a therapeutic
relationship. We’ll work together to help you develop skills and tools to utilize while navigating life’s
challenges. By working together we’ll be able to support your journey and help you achieve your goals.

Chantell Paris,

LCSW-Executive Director

Emily Kelly,

LPC

Becky Dreyer,

LCSW

Eric Brysgel,

LCSW

Shauna Figueroa,

LCSW

Soya Kirven,

LPC

Links

Translate

Counselling

Resources

Address

Get In Touch