“The sun himself is weak when he first rises, and gathers strength and courage as the day gets on”
– Charles Dickens
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Psychotherapist
Paulette Spagnolo
Understanding your experiences, emotions and your story is the gateway to change. I believe people can change, even when they struggle to believe that they can. I strive to help clients learn new skills, or enhance those they are already using, in order to improve all areas of their lives. Imagine how differently you might feel if you could overcome the obstacles that keep you feeling stuck in your life and relationships. Patterns that no longer work for you can be reshaped and built upon to make the most of who you are and want to become.
Clients have described me as warm, passionate, compassionate, friendly and down-to-earth. I challenge and motivate the people I work with to achieve their goals. As a psychotherapist, I feel privileged to work with people as they explore the challenges that bring them to treatment. I understand that it takes courage and vulnerability to take the first steps to contact a clinician and come to therapy. It is important to me that you feel comfortable during our work and that our collaboration is a good match for you. A positive therapeutic relationship creates the opportunity for insight and growth. Coming to my office you will experience a calm, supportive environment. With compassion and acceptance I treat adults struggling with a range of issues affecting psychosocial and emotional functioning.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s degree in clinical social work from Hunter College School of Social Work, and I am a Certified Hypnotherapist. I have been in private practice since 2016. My clinical focus is PTSD and developmental trauma. I am certified in, and can offer effective healing through, the use of EMDR, a method which helps you to erase painful intrusive memories of past events and move towards peace and growth. But in my practice I also blend in other psychotherapy approaches: mindfulness, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnosis, for example. I have found that these methodologies are also effective in many clinical situations other than PTSD and developmental trauma, and I believe they are helpful for anyone trying to live more fully, in a more engaged and peaceful way. I therefore gear my practice to respond to anyone who wants to explore new pathways to a freer life.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Psychotherapist
Anna O'Donnell
Although it can be difficult to take the leap into mental health treatment, I believe it is an essential component of our overall well-being. The current stress and uncertainty of day to day life make it even more vital. I strongly believe all individuals are capable of personal growth, overcoming struggles, and bettering their lives. I believe each client is unique which requires an individualized approach to therapy.
Clients have described my approach as warm, relatable, friendly, and down to earth. I challenge and motivate my clients to achieve their goals. I believe in a holistic approach to treatment and utilize techniques including EMDR, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, and a strengths based approach.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s degree from Fordham University. I am a certified sex therapist through Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. I have completed EMDR therapy training and am pending certification. I am a Certified Hypnotherapist with The National Guild of Hypnotists.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Jaclyn Vitkovsky
With a compassionate approach and a commitment to patient-centered care, Jaclyn Vitkovsky is a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offering comprehensive mental health and behavioral health services to adult clients ages 18+. Drawing on her extensive experience in psychiatry, Jaclyn specializes in helping individuals navigate conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, and mood disorders through a blend of evidence-based treatment and personalized support. Jaclyn’s practice emphasizes medication management and holistic care, integrating therapeutic interventions, and lifestyle guidance to support each client’s unique journey towards wellness.
Jaclyn’s work is inspired by a desire to help people. Her ability to listen with empathy and without judgment creates an environment in which people feel comfortable exploring paths to a better, fuller life, supported by her encouragement and expertise. Committed to ongoing learning and advocacy, Jaclyn is passionate about breaking down the stigma and ensuring access to high-quality mental health care. Whether through in-person sessions or telemedicine, she is here to provide trusted care and support for lasting change.
Jaclyn is board certified by the American Nurse’s Credentialing Center. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Sacred Heart University and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Saint Joseph.
Licensed Master Social Worker | Psychotherapist
Isabel Cortez
Taking the first step to seek out therapy is both nerve-wracking and empowering, all in one. Through the help of a mental health professional you have the power to change your life for the better by overcoming the things that make it most difficult for you to be the best version of yourself.
My clinical focus is working with children and young adults between the ages of 6 and 22, adapting my approach to the individual client’s needs. My passion for this population has been evident since the start of my career. While pursuing my degree I gained experience in a preschool setting, as well as a special education school where I worked with students and families to develop healthy skills. These included emotional regulation, problem solving, communication skills, social skills, and relaxation techniques. Being able to express feelings, whether through art, play, or traditional verbal communication, is an important aspect of a child’s development that I look forward to teaching each client I work with.
I also enjoy working with adults who would benefit from EMDR therapy. I have completed training in EMDR therapy and am currently pursuing full certification. I was drawn to EMDR after I experienced it myself. I found it helped me to understand, grow, and heal from my own intrusive memories much faster than conventional therapy. I am excited to facilitate others in experiencing what the life changing process of EMDR has to offer.
I am a licensed social worker with a master’s degree in social work from Sacred Heart University. I am currently working towards certification as a licensed clinical social worker. Important modalities with which I have considerable experience include mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation training, communication skills and more. I have worked with clients in skilled nursing homes, as well as rest homes, where I was able to provide a safe space for clients to share their life experiences and worries as they transition and adapt to the next stage of their life.
Clients have described me as easy to talk to, compassionate, supportive and friendly. I work with clients to empower them to make positive changes, while also supporting the choices they have made along their journey to a full life.
Licensed Master Social Worker | Psychotherapist
Cassondra Dennis
Cassondra is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Connecticut. She received her Master’s Degree from Grambling State University in 2018 and has over 12 years of experience working in the social work field, where she worked as a supervisor and mental health therapist. She has spent most of her career working in an outpatient mental health rehabilitation agency and is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the individuals she provides services to. Cassondra believes that authenticity and empathy is at the center of creating safe spaces for healing, hope, and change.
Cassondra has experience working with children, young adults, adults, and families; using an eclectic approach, tailored to the unique needs of those she serves. She has worked in a variety of settings with diverse clients; and has a passion for working with moms. She is experienced in cognitive behavior therapy, crisis intervention, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic therapy, integrated therapy, and other modalities that helps to cope with trauma, anxiety, significant life changes, depression, and chronic mental illnesses.
When not working, Cassondra enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and nature. In addition to this, Cassondra is an avid advocate for the underprivileged and under-served, and she also promotes self-care for moms through her Graced Moms platform at gracedmoms.com where she has created a safe space for moms to navigate motherhood with confidence and prioritize mental wellness.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Psychotherapist
Rachel Dennert
I believe that every individual has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life. I am here to help clients through their unique journeys with acceptance and compassion. Our sessions together will focus on where you are now, where you would like to go, and how to get there. I help clients to identify their obstacles and build upon their strengths with skill building and cognitive restructuring.
I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and trauma. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and DBT skills to customize therapeutic techniques that fit clients’ goals, preferences and needs.
I hold a first master’s degree in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University and a second master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Sacred Heart University. I also am an active registered yoga teacher.
Occupational Therapist Birth to Three
Jennifer Sechrist
Being a parent can be such an incredibly rewarding part of our lives. My passion is supporting parents as they navigate through the different stages of their young child’s life. Together, we can identify your goals and find strategies that best fit your child and your parenting values.
I have worked as a licensed and registered occupational therapist with parents of children ages birth through three years old for the past 25 years. I use evidence-based best practice and a coaching style of interaction. My focus includes working on feeding challenges, difficulties with sleep, motor skills, sensory processing, attention and play skills, and parent self-care. Parents have described me as warm, patient, knowledgeable, a good listener, and a good teacher.
My aim is to empower you with the confidence and the skills you need to meet your parenting goals. I invite you to join my baby groups, where you can have fun learning new skills while meeting and socializing with other parents in your community. I am also available for individual sessions at our office space in Torrington, at your home, or via telehealth through a HIPPA approved platform. I am eager and excited to learn about your child and your family and to support you with your parenting goals.
Licensed Master Social Worker
Latasha Ross
Latasha works with children, youths and adults who are coping with stress, poor self-esteem, sexual trauma, relationship and peer-to-peer conflicts, and women’s or parenting issues. She uses a variety of methodologies in her work, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, resilience counseling, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and compassion-focused therapy. In all her work her goal is to provide a safe space where clients can be honest and transparent while healing their minds and hearts.
Clients describe Latasha as calm, compassionate, non-judgmental and open. Her cultural sensitivity, focus on clients’ strengths, and confidence in their capacity for hard work allow her to adapt her approach to the individual needs of each client. She works collaboratively with clients so that they can develop, in their own ways, resilience and courage, and she supports clients as they address unhelpful thoughts or behaviors so that they can find new ways to navigate life’s transitions with confidence.
Latasha Ross is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut, with a focus on dual diagnostic conditions and clinical conditions within families. She has ten years of experience in a variety of residential and outpatient settings and has also worked with services offering support for justice-involved clients.
