Grief counselors and therapists in Southbury, CT

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.

Hi, I’m Nikki — owner of Dragonfly Haven Wellness LCSW PLLC. I’m so glad you’re here.

I’m a licensed clinical social worker with a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University, earned in 2003. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children, teens, adults, and families through life’s challenges in both outpatient and school-based mental health settings.

I believe therapy works best when you feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I draw from a blend of psychodynamic therapy, relational approaches, CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and Encompass co-occurring treatment to help clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful change.

I’ve recently competed a certified integrative mental health provider course to focus more on body-based approaches alongside traditional talk therapy to support healing as a whole-person process.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, you don’t have to do it alone. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable showing up exactly as you are.

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 have extensive experience working with complex trauma, attachment issues, family, and spiritually and religiously-based trauma.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in with my Master's of Education with a Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have been practicing for over 8 years and have worked with crisis stabilization, co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, as well as individual therapy.

My specialty focus includes: attachment related issues, trauma, grief recovery, and anxiety and depression spectrum disorders.

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 an incredibly empathetic therapist who's joy is to provide a safe space to my clients. I utilize a variety of counseling theories in order to provide services. I am engaging and inquisitive and enjoy invoking humor within the sessions when appropriate.

I have been a licensed clinical social worker for over 15 years. My professional focus is on treating individuals between the ages of 13-65 with trauma, eating disorders and mood disorders. I am an EMDRIA approved EMDR consultant and certified in EMDR therapy. I have also experience working with law enforcement officers and family members. My goal is to empower and support clients to achieve their optimum wellbeing.