Our therapists provide couples therapy in West Hartford, CT

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. 

Cristina Perera is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) that has been working in private practice for over 15 years, working with an eclectic range of adults and seniors, from trauma survivors of 911 and the Sandy Hook shootings, to everyday families looking for support and expert care. She specializes in treating abuse, trauma, depression, family conflict, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and more. 

She earned her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Connecticut State University and has been a Keynote Speaker on behalf of The National Collation for Domestic Violence. Her many years of work with individuals with disabilities have also given her a strong knowledge of helping people on the autism spectrum. 

Work together with Cristina to empower yourself to take on new situations and relationships with confidence and newfound understanding. With her help, you can work to achieve your goals and improve your emotional wellbeing, one session at a time. Cristina believes that everyone has individual needs and preferences in therapy, and she works to accommodate as needed.

I strongly believe in a person’s ability to be able to overcome difficult situations that may arise in their lives. That ability comes from self-motivation and guidance using a unified approach by problem solving, gaining insight, and implementing strategies to alleviate symptoms. My name is Courtney and I have 15 years of experience. I hold a Master's of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from UAlbany. Prior to obtaining my Master's degree, I attended UCONN to double major in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies. I am currently licensed as an LPC in the state of Connecticut. I have experience providing group, individual, and family therapy in the community, inpatient hospital, outpatient facility, group home, and residential settings. I have been able to serve diverse populations and have varied experience with people of differing ages, race, religion, sexual orientation, and diagnoses. I am passionate about working with individuals struggling with parenting and behavioral needs of their children, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, and substance abuse. I typically use CBT, mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution focused techniques to assist in mitigating the struggles people are experiencing. Most importantly I use a collaborative approach as the client is the expert of their lives and my role is to help provide guidance and feedback rather than to dictate and force opinions. I look forward to meeting you and being a help to you in anyway that I can.

Jewell Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience supporting individuals through emotional, behavioral, and crisis-related challenges. She has worked extensively with clients experiencing severe mental health concerns, guiding them with compassion, clarity, and skill. Jewell’s collaborative, person-centered approach has consistently helped her build strong therapeutic relationships while promoting safety, resilience, and emotional well-being across diverse populations.

Jewell earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Mercy College. She incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and rational emotive behavioral therapy to support healing from trauma and help clients navigate emotional symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and create lasting change.

Jewell is passionate about helping clients feel seen, safe, and empowered in their healing process. She provides a warm and supportive environment for growth, focusing on building trust and developing tailored strategies to meet each individual’s needs. Her goal is to walk alongside clients as they move forward with clarity, confidence, and hope.

Daniel Garel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 6 years of experience in the mental health field. He strives for excellence in helping adolescents, teens, adults, couples, and families address their challenges and identify/pursue their life worth living. Daniel specializes in mental health disorders, trauma, substance use disorders, behavioral issues, relationship issues, major life transitions, and stress management.

Daniel completed his Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fairfield University. He started his career working with adolescents in a long-term residential facility through his undergraduate career, which sparked his pursuit to work with families and couples. He then began working with clients with substance use and mental health disorders throughout his graduate school profession, where he developed his skills in supporting his clients and their goals. Daniel uses multiple treatment models, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, structural family therapy, Bowenian family therapy, and strategic family therapy.

Everyone has their limits and everyone gets to a point in their life where they hit a wall or feel like they cannot overcome an obstacle. Daniel provides a judgment-free zone where you can feel comfortable and safe to talk about anything. He will join you as a co-explorer on your life's journey and assist with helping you make the path clearer by gaining new perspectives and techniques that suit your needs. If you are ready to put in the work, schedule an appointment with him today he will be ready and excited to work with you!