Humanistic Therapy Therapists in Connecticut

My name is Rick Amaral, ACSW, LCSW. Let me begin by fully introducing myself and sharing with you my years of experience as a clinician, manager and director. I have been working with children, teens and adult in many different formats (i.e. individual, family work, group work) for over 30 years in both private practice, as well as with local community mental health agencies. I am also an Adjunct Professor at the local area colleges for the past 20+ years, teaching both psychology and sociology courses (both graduate and undergraduate level courses). In our sessions, I would like to utilize a strengths-based approach that works alongside you to identify areas that you would like to work on. Acknowledging that all cars come with rearview mirrors, I would like to spend some time hearing from you about past life events and journey that you think have contributed to your development (both positively and otherwise). My preferred way of assisting you is to focus on a Life Narrative format. Such narratives allow for many chapters, some written, many left to be written. When warranted, I will provide psycho-educational information on topics of interest (i.e. diagnosis, skill building, coping skills, mindfulness, etc..) and will share with you both local and community supports that you could draw upon after our time together has come to a close.

Daniel T. Sciarra, PhD, LCMHC, NCC, is Professor Emeritus of Counselor Education and Director of Counseling programs at Hofstra University. Fluently bilingual in Spanish, he maintained a clinical practice with children, adolescents, and families Dr. Sciarra is the author of five books, Multiculturalism in Counseling (Peacock, 1999), School Counseling: Foundations and Contemporary Issues (Brook/Cole, 2004), and Children and Adolescents with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (Allyn & Bacon, 2010), Teaching Difficult Students: Interventions That Work (Norton 2016), and Working with Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: A Guide for K-12 Teachers and Service Providers (Vernon, 2022). Sciarra, D. T., Seirup, H.J., & Ulatowski, E. (2010). High School Predictors of College Persistence. Sciarra, D.T., & Weber, G. (in press). Working with diverse cultures: Exploring sociocultural influences and realities in ATOD treatment. In P. Stevens & R.L. Smith (Eds.), Substance abuse counseling: Theory and practice. Boston, MA: Pearson. A former bilingual school counselor with the New York City Board of Education, Sciarra holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Fordham University, a master’s degree in counseling from Boston College, and a bachelor’s degree in English education from Fairfield University. He is a licensed psychologist, licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), and a national certified counselor (NCC). His research interests include multicultural counseling, racial identity development, and the role of the school counselor in the promotion of academic achievement and educational attainment among students of color. From 2001 to 2007, Dan was Chair of the Department of Counseling, Research, Special Education, and Rehabilitation during which time he oversaw numerous initial appointments, reappointments, tenure, and promotion processes. PLEASE NOTE: I am a psychologist and not a psychiatrist. I do not prescribe medication.

I am licensed in Connecticut with 10 years of professional experience. I am an Army Veteran and have dedicated my career to helping to support all walks of life on their personal journeys of development and growth. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.