Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Southbury, CT

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 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.

I am a U.S. Navy veteran that came to therapy late in life after a successful career in Tech. I am very analytical but also empathic, compassionate and humorous.

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.

I believe therapy should feel supportive, practical, and empowering. Clients often describe me as warm, direct, and easy to talk to. I work with adults who want to better understand their emotions, patterns, and relationships, and I focus on helping clients build skills they can actually use in daily life. You don’t have to have everything figured out to start—just a willingness to show up.

I come to you with over 20 years of experience working with populations across the life cycle. I have a deep and empathic understanding of challenges and complexities that impact at all stages of life. I specialize in helping adults struggling with anxiety and depression, and experiencing relational issues and difficulties in parenting. I approach each client with an open mind, compassion, and empathy.