Live Free                     

Diana Kral, LPC, LADC, EMDR certified

I am a Connecticut Licensed Professional Counselor and Alcohol and Addiction Counselor, who has been trained in counseling children, adolescents, and adults. I earned my Master's Degree in 2008 from Fairfield University and received my B.A. in Counseling and Human Services, from The University of Scranton. Prior to 2014, when I started Live Free Therapy, I had the privilege of working with a diverse population of individuals through an elementary and middle school, an inpatient psychiatric hospital, a methadone clinic, and at an IOP/Outpatient substance use and mental health facility. 

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​​Seeking therapy is a sign of strength, courage, and motivation.  When we are motivated to change, we can begin to improve our quality of life and relationship with others.  My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to unearth old patterns and learn new, healthier coping skills in order to create a better quality of life.  While offering support and guidance, I aim to increase self awareness so clients are able to feel safe working through past issues, current stressors and future worries. 

 

My professional passion is the EMDR approach where I have achieved certification through the EMDR International Association.  The bulk of my work revolves around dealing with the effect of trauma on the development of various psychological, physical and emotional conditions (such as depression and anxiety) in children, adolescents, and adults.  

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Gorana Klaric, LPCA

I have over twenty years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, and adults who are struggling to manage their depression, self-esteem, anxiety, and mood disorders.  My goal is to help individuals regain balance in their lives, deepen their understanding of self and achieve a level of awareness that alleviates helplessness and creates choice and ultimate change. All the resources and healing potential you search for is innate and already exists within, sometimes we just need someone to help assist us in experiencing our fullness.

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I earned My Master's Degree in 2007 from Albertus Magnus College, focusing on psychotherapy and art therapy.  My undergraduate degree, a B.A. in Art History, was obtained from Southern Connecticut State University.  Between 2001 and 2007, I worked at Keystone House as a Program Manager.  Here, I focused on educating and supporting individuals who have mental health issues and who are struggling with succeeding to their fullest potential.  At St. Vincent's Behavioral Health in Westport, CT, I facilitated adolescents and young adults to become more empowered, confident, and independent.  I helped them to establish the healthy tools to be able to go out in the real world and to evoke verbal and nonverbal expression as a means of treatment of emotional and behavioral issues.  Besides art therapy, I utilize many therapeutic approaches in my practice which include DBT, CBT, and solution focused therapy.

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Silke Heun, LPCA

Greetings! Thank you for taking the first step toward improving your well-being.  With a master's degree from Sacred Heart University, I will work to provide you with a safe and nurturing place to express emotions in a judgment-free environment with an open mind where we can develop mindfulness and self-care routines. I  believe that we can make a difference in your mental health in a space where you should feel comfortable and safe within your experiences and be open to new possibilities. 

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I have experience working closely with adolescents, adults, and families. I will provide you with assistance in anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, and/or challenging life conditions. We can work together to find techniques to maintain and build a well-balanced lifestyle. I have a very goal and solution-oriented approach to working with you on finding a therapeutic experience that meets your specific needs. While building a trusting relationship, we will develop strategies to bring you to a positive mindset and ability to utilize the skills developed in session to outside experiences. 

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Lisa Kleckner, LMSW

My commitment to Mental Health Wellness in our community is demonstrated through volunteer work as a Teacher/Co-Facilitator for Mental Health Education in Programs with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as well as providing Support Groups for parents and caregivers in the Child and Adolescent Network (NAMI-CAN) within Fairfield County.  My role as a counselor with Domestic Violence Crisis Center gave me the opportunity to support, advocate and find sustainable services while collaborating with a legal team for victims of domestic violence.

 

I earned a Master’s of Social Work from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Work, with a Clinical/Trauma focused concentration.  I am currently the Senior Residential Counselor/Social Worker and Adolescent Unit Manager at Silver Hill Hospital, New Canaan, CT.  Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Borderline Personality Disorders, Eating Disorders, and/or Substance Abuse Diagnosis are a common client population.  

 

Prior to my current leadership position at Silver Hill Hospital, I co-facilitated the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, worked with adult patients in the Eating Disorder Unit, Men’s and Women’s Substance Abuse-Dual Diagnosis Unit, while providing support for families.  As a Licensed Master Social Worker using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma based-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as other therapeutic approaches, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adult clients in various settings.

 

In a safe and supportive environment, through active and empathetic listening, guidance will be provided.  This guidance comes from a grounded place of clinical theory, compassion, and empowerment. Together in this process of discovery and awareness, clients have the opportunity to address their challenges and concerns with skill building and tools to use daily and in moments of need, so that they can live a fuller, richer and more authentic life. 

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Christopher Blagmon, LPCA

It is a sign of courage, strength, and drive to seek therapy. We can start to enhance our relationships with others and our quality of life when we are driven to make changes. In order to improve clients' quality of life, I want to provide a secure and encouraging atmosphere where clients feel empowered to identify habits and pick up new, healthier coping mechanisms to help deal with traumas.  I strive to raise self awareness while providing support and compassion so that clients can feel comfortable working through previous traumas, present stressors, and future concerns.

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I have training and experience in counseling children, adolescents, and adults as a licensed professional counselor and much knowledge working with those who have substance use issues.  I obtained my bachelors at southern Connecticut State University studying sociology and marketing. I then obtained my Master's degree from Capella University in clinical mental health counseling. Before I obtained employment with Live Free Therapy, I worked with a wide range of people at an IOP substance use and mental health facility.

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Melissa Weaver, LPC

With a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairfield University, I am committed to this community and I am always wanting to support individual's goals and aspirations in any way I can. Working with many populations has increased my skill set. I specialize in working from a cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy approach. My listening skills have been a driving factor leading me into this field and I plan to continue to use those skills with my clients.  I have worked with adolescents and adults in various settings and I have spent periods of time helping those with eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. 

 

I am a strong believer that anyone can change if they have a will and want to do so. My professional goal is to create a supportive, open, and working relationship with individuals, and in turn, help provide them with the skills and the tools needed to bring them to a life they enjoy living. 

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Raina Novelli, LPCA 

In my work as a therapist, I aim to create a safe space that allows you to process past traumas, current challenges, as well as hopes for the future. I enjoy collaboration in the therapy room and believe that you are the expert of yourself and your own experiences. I hope to have the opportunity to walk alongside you in your journey as we, together, cultivate insights and discover how you can best achieve your goals. 

 

I graduated with a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Fordham University. Prior to that, I studied psychology and biology at Florida State. I have experience working with adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, low-self esteem, stress, relationships, and their identity, among other challenges. I strive to bring multicultural awareness to the therapy room and have experience working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. My other professional interests include women’s issues and processing the impact of chronic illness on mental health. 

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Katie Rende, LCSW

I am a Connecticut Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The majority of my career has focused on work with adults and adolescents.  I graduated from Fordham University with my Masters in Social Work in 2012 and received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SUNY Purchase College in 2006.  I am most notably trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing and specialize in working with adults with Co-Occurring Disorders. I have worked extensively with individuals with mental illness in treatment for varied diagnoses including Depression, PTSD, Schizophrenia and Anxiety Disorders. I also possess a background in addiction counseling and have significant experience working with individuals and groups towards recovery. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and have substantial experience working in community health centers. My experience in community work includes supervision of other clinicians, seeing clients on an individual basis for therapy, group therapy work and Intensive Case Management.

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My professional goal is to provide individuals with a supportive and safe environment that will empower them and provide them with the tools necessary to be able to cope with life’s challenges.  I believe that everyone has the ability to change and grow and deserves the opportunity to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.

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Allegra Straus, LMSW

I am Connecticut Licensed Social Worker who has been in practice working with children and families for 20 years. I received a Bachelors degree in Sociology from Northeastern University and a Masters degree in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work. I also work as a Life Coach, having been certified by the International Coaching Federation.

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I have extensive and varied experience working with adolescents and adult individuals as well as families and groups.  My focus and expertise is on supporting clients struggling with depression, anxiety, behavior management, relationships, family dynamics, substance abuse, and their overall functioning within society. I use a variety of clinical approaches and interventions that work to help clients develop self-awareness and insight to barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

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While I have many skills, years of education, training, experience and clinical approaches, my most valuable asset is a unique ability to connect with and engage even the most skeptical and resistant clients in the therapeutic process. This is accomplished by building trust, using a non-judgmental approach, humor when appropriate and creating a venue for clients to feel comfortable exploring their own strengths and possibilities for discovering their best selves.

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Parker Hampson, LPC

I graduated from the University of Hartford Clinical Practices Master’s Program; the emphasis of the program is clinical studies in psychology and evidence based practices.  I have much experience working with adolescents and adults, utilizing many therapeutic approaches such as Rational Emotive Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and the Sanctuary Model for trauma therapy.  Most importantly, I strive to have a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients.  

 

I have worked as a program director in residential programs with adjudicated delinquents, severely abused, and neglected children, and patients suffering with addiction disease. I have also taught at the University of Hartford for eleven years primarily coursework in psychological assessment, and worked in a private practice and in a psychiatric practice.  During that tenure instituted alternative medicine therapies, such as a drum circle, yoga, and mindfulness meditation with a Buddhist monk.  

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I have a special interest in neurocognitive substrates of the disease of addiction while recognizing the need and essential component of a holistic approach to treatment for successful outcomes. I enjoy exercise, attending live jazz concerts, and travel with my family in my free time.

 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:  Interested in joining our team?  Live Free Therapy is currently looking to hire qualified, professional, and empathic therapists.  We are seeking a full time and part time therapist to work as an independent contractor.  If you are interested, send your resume and any questions you may have to livefreetherapyllc@gmail.com.