Our counselors provide marriage counseling in Stamford, CT

Michael A. Roohr is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who works with individuals as well as couples and families. Michael has experience helping clients with depression, academic difficulties, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood disorders, self-harming behaviors, and adjusting to life-changing events. He completed his Master of Arts (MA) in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of St. Joseph.

Michael recognizes and respects the unique perspectives and backgrounds that each of his clients brings to the therapy room. This respect helps him to co-create long-lasting solutions to problems and to develop strengths that can form the foundation for a healthier future. Making the first step and reaching out for help is often an act of bravery that is to be respected and honored. Michael’s role as a therapist is to create an environment of acceptance, safety, and honesty for his clients where you can collaborate on building a new perspective and developing the tools to create long-lasting change.

My name is Isis Lowhar, LMSW, and I am a social worker and therapist with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's degree in Social Work. My experience includes working in both private practice and community-based programs, supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating a wide range of challenges and life experiences. I have supported individuals experiencing trauma, crisis and high-risk situations, relationship and family concerns, and challenges that come with different stages of life. These experiences have given me a broad perspective and a genuine appreciation for each person's unique story.

My approach is warm, compassionate, calm, encouraging, nonjudgmental, and direct. I utilize CBT, DBT, trauma-informed approaches, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and elements of Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT). I'm especially passionate about anxiety and self-esteem. I also integrate Christian faith-based practices if desired.

My goal is for you to leave therapy feeling supported, encouraged, empowered, and hopeful. You do not have to figure it all out alone. You deserve a space where your experiences are met with compassion and without judgment. I am honored to walk alongside you as you work toward healing and growth. When you're ready, I encourage you to schedule an appointment.

Janine Hitchens Parker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has more than 24 years of experience working to help teens, adults, and seniors who are suffering from low self-esteem, depression, loss, addiction, illness, anxiety, and difficult life transitions. 

She completed her Master's degree at the Hunter College Graduate School of Social Work in New York City. After moving to Connecticut, Janine earned her Social Worker's license. She also completed her SIFI certification as a Field Instructor. Janine's clinical approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based practices, existential therapy, and more.

Janine has helped many clients deal with concerns or conditions related to all types of situations or experiences; she knows how to help. She feels it has been her privilege to help people make sense of difficult circumstances, and find a way forward that works for each person. Through individualized care, Janine will assist you in setting and achieving the goals you have in mind. 

Betsy Ibsen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 40 years of working in both the mental health and addiction fields. She has treated adolescents and adults in outpatient, inpatient, and long-term residential settings. Betsy has studied how the effects of early childhood trauma have caused both physical and emotional effects on adults. What has impressed her the most over the years is that the human mind is creative, complex, and, above all, flexible. With appropriate treatment and life changes, people can heal, move forward, relearn old skills, develop new ones, rebuild support systems, or discover a network unique to their specific needs. Therapeutic tools and strategies will depend on where the client is on their life journey. She has two tenets of her philosophy that focus her work with clients: "Life is not fair," and "There is never enough time."

Betsy completed her master's degree in Social Work at Boston University and lived in Boston for 20 years before relocating to Connecticut and the greater Hartford area. She also worked as a kindergarten teacher in Italy for a year, spent two summers camping in the Soviet Union, and embraces multiculturalism as a way to connect with, recognize, and respect the strengths and needs of people with differing customs and beliefs. Treatment is only as good as the relationship developed with the client.

Life doesn’t much resemble a Hallmark movie with things falling into perfect place at the end of two hours. It’s messier and more random, and at times unpleasantly chaotic. Recognizing that you need some sense of order, safety, and calmness is the first step. Asking for help is the second. Betsy can offer you the space to start this personal journey, to process what is and isn't working for you and why, what belongs to someone else, and what needs to be given away. Who doesn’t want to feel better?

Christine B. Walker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for working with individuals and families. She has extensive experience in the healthcare field, including inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment. She works from a systemic perspective, with solution-focused and motivational interviewing techniques.

With an undergraduate degree in Education and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of personal challenges, from mild mood disorders and relationship concerns to severe mental health issues.

Christine offers an accepting, non-judgmental perspective in her work with her clients and seeks to work collaboratively to build hope for her clients going forward.