Hello, I'm John Manzoni-DArpino. I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and I've been practicing for six years since graduating from Bridgewater State University. If you're struggling with anxiety, stress, or depression, I'm here to offer my support with understanding and skill. I'm really dedicated to helping you find helpful ways to avoid burnout and connect with your full potential. My therapeutic approach is integrative, meaning I use a variety of well-researched methods to create a personalized and effective therapy experience that's all about you and your unique journey.
Our first meeting is a paramount first step, and I want it to feel both comfortable and helpful for you. We'll start by introducing ourselves and connecting on a personal level. Then, I'll be here to really listen as you share what's been happening and the specific challenges you're facing right now. To help me understand things in context, we'll also talk a little about your personal history. But this first session is also about looking forward with hope. Together, we'll start to create a personalized plan, outlining what you want to achieve and some initial steps we can take in our future sessions to help you move towards those goals with more clarity and a sense of optimism.
Because I've had the opportunity to connect with folks in a lot of different and sometimes really intense settings – like emergency rooms and even within prison systems – I've learned some really effective and reliable ways to help you. I've become pretty good at quickly understanding what's at the heart of what you're going through, and together, we can create a plan that's specifically designed for you and your unique challenges. You won't get a cookie-cutter approach here; it's all about figuring out what works best for you.
I find it really rewarding to connect with young to mid-career professionals who bring a positive and hopeful energy to therapy. They often have a strong desire to grow and improve their lives but might be feeling a bit lost on the practical steps to get there. Concerns about their careers, persistent anxiety, and that "what do I do now?" feeling are pretty common. In our work, I aim to be a supportive partner, offering a clear framework of helpful, evidence-based techniques to help you build the practical skills you need to achieve your goals. I also feel deeply privileged to work with survivors of trauma who are ready to understand and work through the effects of what they've been through. And I have so much appreciation for the unique perspectives and wisdom that older adults share as they reflect on their life journeys; it's an honor to provide a space for them to feel seen and understood.
Over the past six years, I've had the privilege of working with folks in a lot of different and sometimes profoundly challenging situations. This includes getting to know people in private practice, offering support within intensive mental health units in correctional facilities, meeting families where they're at for in-home therapy, working with kids in therapeutic foster care, and helping people through immediate crises in the emergency department. All of this experience has given me a really well-rounded understanding of the different struggles people face. Because of this, I use an approach that brings together different ideas and strategies. I really believe that when we're facing tough times, having a variety of tools and ways of looking at things can be super helpful. It means I can really tailor our work together to what you specifically need and the unique things you're going through, drawing on what I've learned from all those different experiences to help you make meaningful and lasting changes.
Let's take a look together at how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected – they really do influence each other! We'll explore how these three areas contribute to what's happening in your life right now. What's so encouraging about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is that it helps you feel empowered: by learning to notice and shift those thinking habits, emotional responses, or behaviors that aren't helpful, you can actually create positive changes that affect everything. It's a really hopeful way to gain better control over your emotions, learn great coping skills, and move towards a life that feels more positive and fulfilling.
It's so common during big life changes to start thinking about some of the really fundamental things, isn't it? Like the freedom we have, the weight of our choices, our awareness that life is finite, and what we find meaningful. These ideas can feel really present during times of transition and uncertainty. In our therapy sessions, I like to gently bring in some of the perspectives from existential therapy to help us explore these questions as they come up for you. It's all about understanding what it means to be human on a deeper level. My hope is to help you feel more able to face challenges with clarity, make choices that truly resonate with your values, and embrace your responsibilities. Together, we'll work towards you navigating these transitions with a stronger sense of self and a clearer understanding of what brings meaning to your life.
I really believe that inside you is a powerful drive to grow, heal, and become everything you're meant to be. In Rogerian therapy, I trust deeply in your own ability to find your way and heal. My role is to be completely present with you, offering a steady and reliable space filled with support, real understanding, and total acceptance. In this safe and welcoming atmosphere, you'll feel free to explore your thoughts and feelings without holding back, allowing you to connect with your own inner strengths and move authentically towards greater self-acceptance, well-being, and a life that feels truly fulfilling for you.
Let's take a good look at all the different parts of your inner world, and how your past experiences – the ones you remember and maybe even the ones you don't – are still influencing your thoughts, feelings, relationships, and actions today. This kind of deep exploration is all about helping you get a really good and clear picture of yourself, going beyond just the surface stuff to understand the bigger picture. And while we're doing this deep work, it often leads to real and lasting improvements in how you're feeling and what you're experiencing, making life feel a whole lot better.