Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Fairfield, CT covered by Aetna

I want you to know that when you come into therapy with me, you don’t have to pretend, minimize, or hold everything together. You get to show up exactly as you are — overwhelmed, hopeful, exhausted, confused, motivated, or anything in between. We take it from there together.

My favorite part of this work has always been sitting with people one‐on‐one. That’s where real connection and real healing happen. I genuinely enjoy getting to know who you are, what you’ve been carrying, and what you’re hoping might feel different.

My style is warm, steady, and honest. I listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and help you understand the experiences and patterns that are shaping your life. I’m also practical — I like to offer tools and strategies you can actually use in your day‐to‐day life, not just in the therapy room.

I work with people dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, major transitions, and substance use concerns. But most importantly, I work with people who feel stuck or weighed down and aren’t sure how to move forward. Everyone deserves a space where they can breathe and be supported.

Something I tell clients often is this: I don’t want you to just feel better — I want you to be well. Feeling better can be temporary. Being well means building insight, healing, and lasting change.

My goal is simple: to help you feel safe, understood, and supported as you find your footing and move toward what’s healthier and more meaningful for you.

Hi, I am Susan. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in psychiatry, caring for adults with a wide range of mental health needs. I earned my BSN from Skidmore College, my MSN from Fairfield University, and I also completed training in Behavioral Sleep Medicine and adult sleep disorders at the University of Pennsylvania. Over the years, I have supported adults living with mood disorders, bipolar disorder, OCD, and ADHD, and I have also worked closely with parents and caregivers of children and adult children with special needs.

There was a time when I felt trapped by anxiety, depression, and overwhelm. I spent years feeling like I was constantly reacting to the world around me—easily overwhelmed, shutting down, and unsure how to move forward. I was living in a hypervigiliant state - always on edge, feeling unsafe in relationships and in my aloneness. This was also followed with depressive states followed by shame and guilt. Working with a Practitioner in Somatic Experiencing has transformed my emotional well being by helping my brain and body recognize safety and reducing my sensitivity to unpleasant sensations and arousal. I now feel more in control, I welcome unpleasant bodily sensations when they show up, and feel more safe in my body.

I graduated from Fordham University in 2009 and began applying my new skills in trauma- and addiction-focused positions across clinics and hospitals in NYC. I continued working in crisis response services upon moving to Rochester, NY and in 2020 I became interested in sex therapy and integrative sex and couples therapy. I studied to obtain my Certification in Sex Therapy from the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists. My work focuses on a number of sexual health and mental health issues, including desire discrepancies, physical concerns that limit one's ability to enjoy preferred sexual activities, erotic recovery after infidelity and/or trauma, establishment of monogamy agreements, kink-affirming care and assistance to co-create polyamorous relationship agreements.

I regularly work with individuals facing a variety of life's diverse challenges including anxiety/ panic, family-of-origin concerns, depression, maternal mental health, transition to parenthood, trauma, grief/ loss, sexual issues, and career related concerns. I also have a specialization in sex and relationship therapy.

My clients are often seeking a combination of clarity, coping skills, and in general -- more ease and happiness in their daily life. I also have a unique specialization in "relationship therapy for one" where we unpack what might be keeping you stuck or unhappy when it comes to your overall relationship health/ satisfaction.

I have been a licensed therapist for over a decade and received my training at state of the art educational institutes including Syracuse University and other hospital and outpatient centers across NY and Manhattan. I have also sought out ongoing participation in professional clinical consultation groups with some of the most influential therapists and thought leaders of our time. These varied and diverse professional training experiences enable me to provide the best possible care to each client I serve. In addition, I also provide training and mentorship for new therapists looking to specialize in sex and relationship health.

Ellen Lehman is a therapist in private practice specializing in individual, couple, and family psychotherapy. I am a graduate of Tufts University and a Masters Degree from Fordham University. I am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist from IADEP and have trained at The Ackerman Institute For The Family. I specialize in difficult life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationships, and achieving balance in ones life.

I’m Michele Ellis, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about helping individuals improve their mental health and overall well-being. With over a decade of experience, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the social, emotional, and psychological challenges people face. My approach is warm, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs—meeting you exactly where you are in your journey. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back, build on your strengths, and create a path toward meaningful, lasting change.