Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Fairfield, CT

You may be feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in patterns that no longer feel aligned with who you are. Many of my clients are insightful, sensitive, and capable, yet struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment wounds, ADHD, or relationship challenges. You may be used to caring for others, masking your needs, or pushing through instead of feeling supported. You’re looking for therapy that feels safe, real, and validating — not judgmental or distant — and you want to better understand yourself, your emotions, and your relationships.

I offer relational, trauma-informed therapy grounded in attachment-based and emotionally focused approaches. I work collaboratively to help clients understand emotional and relational patterns, regulate their nervous systems, and build self-trust and healthier connections. My practice is affirming of neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ identities.

Therapy doesn’t have to feel cold or clinical. I offer a supportive, honest, and affirming space where you don’t have to mask or explain yourself. Whether you’re navigating trauma, relationships, identity, or emotional overwhelm, you deserve therapy that feels human, safe, and respectful of who you are.

Hi, I’m Ashley, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families. My professional experience includes residential treatment, in-home services, community-based programs, and school settings. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of emotional, behavioral, and relational concerns.

My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, grief, anger, emotional dysregulation, relationship concerns, parenting challenges (including parents struggling with managing ADHD & ASD (autism) Child development), self-esteem, and major life transitions. I also enjoy helping clients better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and break patterns that may no longer be serving them.

I believe therapy should be a place where you feel comfortable being your authentic self and supported as you work toward meaningful change.

Hello! Starting therapy can feel daunting, but my goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported right from the start. I believe each person’s journey is unique, so I tailor our work to meet you exactly where you are. Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or are unsure yet we’ll use approaches that fit you—not a “one-size-fits-all” plan. Sometimes this means using proven, structured methods; other times, we may explore creative tools that offer new ways to process and heal.

You're the one people call when things fall apart. You're good at it — steady, competent, the person who knows what to do. And somewhere along the way you stopped having anywhere to put your own stuff.

So you can run the meeting, hold the crisis, answer the phone at 2 a.m. — and still not be able to make yourself open the mail. Competence and collapse live together far more often than anyone admits out loud.

I work with adults carrying that particular load: substance use and recovery, emotions that arrive at full volume with no dimmer switch, thoughts of self-harm or not wanting to be here, and the specific erosion that comes from caring for other people for a living. Helpers, clinicians, parents, first responders — people whose exhaustion doesn't have an obvious place to go. I work with teenagers too, often the ones in families like these.

My style is direct, warm, and collaborative. I'm not going to nod quietly for fifty minutes. We'll find what's actually driving things, build skills you can use on a Tuesday afternoon when it counts, and I'll tell you honestly what I'm seeing. You set the pace. I'll bring the structure.

Welcome to Stem Wellness! My name is Stella Stempel, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Psychologist. In over 10 years of private practice, I worked with individuals, couples, and families. My approach is consistent, incremental change coupled with healthy thoughts that leads to a more satisfying life. Changing the way we act affects the way we feel and the way we view ourselves. When working with me, you are guided towards intentional living and healthy thought processes.

With 20 years of experience, I am a licensed therapist here to support you through life's ups and downs. I provide individual therapy in a safe and nonjudgmental environment, using evidence-based practices attuned to your specific needs. I believe that therapy will help you navigate current challenges -- as well as provide insight and skills that will continue to benefit you in the future, long after our sessions end.

I am an LCSW with over 20 years of experience. I have worked as a school social worker and then as a forensic interviewer for most of my career, while also maintaining a small private practice throughout. I work mostly with teens and adults experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, trauma, life transitions (college, marriage, parenting, divorce, moving, etc). I practice a nonjudgmental, empathetic approach. I can be helpful with practical solutions and strategies. I aim for you to feel heard and hopeful after every session.