Find a therapist in Rensselaer, NY — covered by insurance

I want you to know that when you come into therapy with me, you don’t have to pretend, minimize, or hold everything together. You get to show up exactly as you are — overwhelmed, hopeful, exhausted, confused, motivated, or anything in between. We take it from there together.

My favorite part of this work has always been sitting with people one‐on‐one. That’s where real connection and real healing happen. I genuinely enjoy getting to know who you are, what you’ve been carrying, and what you’re hoping might feel different.

My style is warm, steady, and honest. I listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and help you understand the experiences and patterns that are shaping your life. I’m also practical — I like to offer tools and strategies you can actually use in your day‐to‐day life, not just in the therapy room.

I work with people dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, major transitions, and substance use concerns. But most importantly, I work with people who feel stuck or weighed down and aren’t sure how to move forward. Everyone deserves a space where they can breathe and be supported.

Something I tell clients often is this: I don’t want you to just feel better — I want you to be well. Feeling better can be temporary. Being well means building insight, healing, and lasting change.

My goal is simple: to help you feel safe, understood, and supported as you find your footing and move toward what’s healthier and more meaningful for you.

My name is Betty G. Garrison, and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, psychodramatist, drama therapist, and play therapist in training. A practitioner of action methods. I am tri-lingual (English, Spanish, and some Italian) and hold advanced degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Theatre Education & Drama Therapy, and Film & Social Reform. My practice is rooted in the integration of expressive arts and psychology, with a strong focus on trauma-informed healing.

I have extensive experience working with women, children, families, and adults in both private practice and clinical settings. My work includes leadership and clinical roles at DreamCatchers' Theatre Psychotherapeutic Healing Institute, South Shore Counseling and Psychological Services, and as a team member and presenter with Tele’Drama International. I am actively involved in professional organizations, including the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP), and regularly present at national and international conferences.

I have been helping people finding solutions to complex problems for more than 20 years. I have a wealth of experience with individuals across the life span and the many challenges we face at various stages of life.

Hi, I’m Jennifer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. I work primarily with women, mothers, preteens, and teens who may be carrying the effects of trauma, grief, family conflict, difficult relationships, anxiety, or depression.

Many of my clients are used to being strong for everyone else while quietly feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or unsure of themselves. You may struggle with overthinking, setting boundaries, trusting your feelings, or breaking patterns that have kept you in survival mode. You deserve a space where you can feel supported, understood, and cared for too.

My therapeutic method is tailored to fit your temperament and individual experience. You may be facing a combination of personal, social, and institutional adversity. Discomfort may be unavoidable, but you are not alone; I can help you transform hardship or tragedy into resilience. My process is effective; it evolves as you do. If you experience negative feelings like inadequacy, grief, or shame, I can help you understand the origin of the discomfort and make changes toward ease. Sometimes, worry can be helpful; other times, anxiety and depression lie to us. Having worked in both economically-strained and prosperous communities, I have seen the impact of trauma and neglect on various people. I also understand being a white male can insulate me against the prejudice and discrimination commonly experienced by people of color, women, and the LGBTQ community; I trust my client’s experiences and take responsibility for my blind spots.

I have dedicated my career to helping children and young adults reach their fullest potential. With over 20 years of hands-on experience across clinical, educational, and neuropsychological settings, I provide compassionate, dignified care grounded in deep expertise. My training was shaped by leading scholars in neuropsychology, educational psychology, and behavior analysis. I trained in a neuropsychology lab at Stony Brook University, became a licensed, board-certified behavior analyst, completed doctoral training at Southern Illinois University under Dr. Barbara Cordoni, and later completed postdoctoral re-specialization in clinical neuropsychology under Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg, specializing in pediatric and complex behavioral cases.

A big reason why I became a therapist is reflected in the quote: "Your vocation is where your deep gladness meets the world's deep need" (Frederick Buechner). I find tremendous joy in helping clients move toward healthier and more meaningful lives.

Is your life stressful and overwhelming? Are you ready to break self-destructive patterns and addictions? If your answer is yes, then help is at hand. Goal Focus Counseling Services (GFPS) incorporates faith along with psychodynamic intervention to give you an effective plan of action. Individualized attention is given to address persistent personal, relationship and work concerns. You and your family can express your feelings privately with someone who is supportive and non-judgmental. Our objective is to focus on goals to maximize your therapeutic experience. With over 20 yers. experience, we now offer video/phone sessions.