"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly... What is essential is invisible to the eye." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
The Therapists of New Directions
Juel Reid, LMFT, CSAT, CMAT
Juel Reid is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 20 years of experience working with families and young adults dealing with depression, substance abuse, and trauma.
Ms. Reid's experience includes individual, family, and couples counseling, structured group therapy programs, student counseling in a university setting, and providing comprehensive career guidance to college students. She has also served to provide a comprehensive therapy regime for parents of juvenile parolees, and acted to assist parents in advocating for their children in the legal system.
Juel Reid provides therapeutic intervention services to young children, adolescents, and adults using an integrative systems approach to individual, family and group modalities. Appreciating diversity, she has devoted significant study to understanding how best to incorporate individual worldviews into effective treatment strategies. However, her greatest therapeutic strength lies in her ability to create an emotionally safe environment in which personal insight and growth can occur. Her experience and background also provide her with exceptional teaching skills, and the ability to generate creativity and enthusiasm among clients and students.
Education:
- Master of Arts, Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Connecticut
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Western Connecticut State University
Licenses/Certifications:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) - Connecticut
- Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT)
- Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist (CMAT)
Professional Memberships:
Jennifer Brennan-Sousa, LPC, PhD
Dr. Jennifer Brennan-Sousa is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years experience working with adults, families, adolescents, and children.
Dr. Brennan-Sousa is a trained EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reponse) therapist. Jennifer has worked with those who have trauma as a result of accidents and war. Also, Jennifer has treated phobias, fears, anger, marital infidelities, and bereavement issues with EMDR.
Dr. Brennan-Sousa currently serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Clinical Psychology Department at Western Connecticut State University and The University of Bridgeport. Her other activities include presenting behavioral and health-related research at national conferences.
Using an eclectic treatment approach, Dr. Brennan-Sousa works with those struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, stress, crisis intervention, family and relationship conflicts, and anger management through individual and group interventions. Also, Dr. Brennan-Sousa works with issues related to trauma, bi-polar disorder, eating disorders, and impulse-control disorders in adolescents, adults, and children.
Dr. Brennan-Sousa also volunteers weekly at Pegasus Therapeutic Riding in Brewster, NY. This facility supports and conducts horse back riding lessons for autistic and developmentally disabled children.
Jennifer views the therapeutic process as the ability to grow and change through one's willingness to seek a more positive existence. Therapeutic change is not a 'one size fits all' philosophy and Jennifer will work with each client individually according to their own needs and goals.
Education:
- Doctorate of Philosophy in General Psychology, Capella University
- Masters of Science with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling, Nova Southeastern University
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Central Florida
Licenses/Certifications:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Connecticut and Florida
- EMDR trained counselor
Professional Memberships:
Jeanne Bielawa, MA, LPC, M.S. ED
Jeanne Bielawa is an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor who works with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, trauma, anger management, and difficult life transitions.
Jeanne personally invests in her clients and provides them with the highest quality therapy that is focused on lasting positive change. Whether you are looking for short-term therapy to help you through a challenging situation, or if you are just ready to move in a new direction in your life, she will provide practical skills to help you both right now and in the future.
Jeanne's therapy is tailored to meet the specific needs of her clients. Through the use of proven techniques and a relationship built on trust and mutual respect, Jeanne's clients discover balance and can achieve new levels of satisfaction in their lives. Her vision is to help you find your truth, power, hope and strength so you can fully realize the life you deserve.
Flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, is available.
Education:
- Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Fairfield University
- Masters of Science in Education, Western Connecticut State University
- Bachelor of Arts in Education, Hofstra University
Licenses/Certifications:
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Professional Teaching Certificate: Pre-K through Grade 6
Professional Memberships:
Jackie Dudas, MS, NCC, LPC
Jackie Dudas is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 8 years of experience working with a variety of clientele in the area including children, adolescents, and their families.
Jackie has worked with individuals dealing with issues such as anxiety and stress, depression, divorce, anger management control, self esteem, and relationship/family struggles. She utilizes an integrative approach in her work and applies different strategies and techniques from various therapeutic modalities.
Jackie values the therapeutic relationship. She feels that building a trusting relationship is the most important part of the counseling process. Jackie works with each of her clients based on their individual needs. She believes in the effectiveness of empowerment- that each client has the power within him or herself to work on and resolve their personal obstacles.
Education:
- LPC Graduate Courses, Western Connecticut State University
- Masters of Science in Community Counseling, University of Bridgeport
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Central Connecticut State University
Licenses/Certifications:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Connecticut
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Professional Memberships:
Rachel Coombs, M.S., NCC, LPC
Rachel is a National Certified Counselor with 3 years experience working with adults, children and families.
Rachel implements an integrated approach to counseling, involving Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused and Reality Therapy. She believes in recognizing and utilizing the strengths of an individual or family and incorporating those qualities into the therapeutic process for healing, empowerment and goal achievement.
Education:
- Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling, Western Connecticut State University
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, SUNY New Paltz
Licenses/Certifications:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Connecticut
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Professional Memberships:
Waleska Narvaez, LMSW
Waleska provides individual and group therapy in English and Spanish. Her varied clinical experience includes working in Intensive Outpatient treatment with adults who have been diagnosed with both mental health and substance use disorders, as well as members of the LGBTQ community. Waleska has provided in home treatment with families affected by Intimate Partner Violence and has been employed by several reputable mental health agencies prior to developing her own private practice.
Waleska provee todos sus servicios también en Español.
Education:
- Masters in Social Work, Fordham University School of Social Work
Licenses/Certifications:
- Bilingual Licensed Master Social Worker (LCSW)
Susan Janerico, LPCA
Susan has extensive experience with the adoption process and related issues, educational advocacy, the juvenile justice system, children and adolescent mental health, individual and family trauma, and substance use disorders. Susan has developed and facilitated Intensive Outpatient treatment for Adolescents and developed therapeutic relationships with family members to ensure continuity of care. Susan sees individuals of all ages, but has a special place in her heart for teens. She treats a wide variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and relationship stress. In addition to counseling, Susan has acted as a volunteer youth minister for over 15 years, and is passionate about social justice, community service and faith-based mentoring.
Education:
- Masters in Art of Counseling, Crown College
- Bachelor of Arts in English, Assumption College
Licenses/Certifications:
- Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA)
Professional Memberships: