As a therapist and co-founder of Newtown Family Therapy and our sister location, Trumbull Family Therapy, I am deeply committed to supporting you on your journey towards personal growth and fulfillment. My passion lies in empowering individuals to explore their emotions, understand their relationship patterns, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. At our practice, we foster a safe and nurturing environment where you can freely explore your innermost thoughts and feelings. Our approach is rooted in the belief that self-awareness is the cornerstone of healing and transformation.

Drawing from psychodynamic therapy principles, I will help you delve into your inner self to uncover underlying dynamics and unresolved conflicts that may be influencing your present experiences and behaviors. My goal is to guide you towards unlocking your inherent resilience and tapping into your potential for growth and fulfillment.
As a compassionate and empathetic therapist, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to my practice. I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University and have dedicated 15 years to serving individuals in the mental health field.

Stacy Ishack, LPCA, graduated from the University of Bridgeport where she received her M.S in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021. She gained experience through her internship at Liberation Program in Stamford, CT where she worked with individuals struggling with addiction. Stacy also interned at LifeBridge Community Services where she provided counseling to diverse populations including individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. After graduating, Stacy went on to work full time for LifeBridge continuing the work she was doing as an intern. She works to create a safe space for individuals to process and work through life’s challenges. Stacy utilizes an eclectic approach to adapt treatment to each individual. She has experience working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, low self esteem, and stress. Stacy is passionate about meeting clients where they are throughout their ages and stages of development and utilizes a collaborative approach to empower the client in their therapy.

Karlie Spader is a recent graduate from the University of Bridgeport, receiving an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During her undergraduate career, she took an animal behavior course which led her to learn about the LGBTQ community and how at times this population struggles with mental health. Her explorations on this topic helped her discover counseling and motivated her to pursue a degree in counseling to learn more about mental health issues and to be a provider to those who need help.

In 2015, Karlie began an internship with True Colors, Inc. located in Hartford, CT. Her time at True Colors introduced her to people of all walks of life. She currently facilitates a LGBTQ youth group in Bridgeport, CT for True Colors on the first Friday of every month.

Karlie gained her clinical experience at the Connecticut Psychiatric and Wellness Center located in Woodbridge, CT. While working on her internship hours, Karlie found her love of working with youth and adolescents.

Karlie’s passion in life is to encourage individuals to discover their worth and what is meaningful to them.

Elena Cela, LPC, is a psychotherapist serving children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. Elena completed her Graduate Counseling degree in 2015 at the University of Bridgeport and is currently working on acquiring her doctorates in Counseling Psychology. Elena has experience treating concerns related to trauma, anxiety, depression, body image, interpersonal issues, grief, self-esteem, behavioral issues, and more.

Elena gained experience by working at LifeBridge Community Services for the last five years where she has gotten the opportunity to work with diverse populations. Last year Elena received training at the University of Hartford Counseling and Psychology Services where she worked with college students who presented with various mental health concerns. During the summer she completed training at Empowered Wellness Camp where she worked one on one with clients and ran CBT and body image groups. Elena is currently completing training at Wesleyan University where she continues to work with client’s individually and in group settings.

Elena utilizes of client-centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-focused therapy, but works to adapt approaches best fit for the client. Elena’s passion is to help empower clients to identify their natural strengths and supports to work through their personal, professional, and therapeutic goals.

Brielle Braun, LMSW, is a recent graduate of Fordham University where she received a Master of Social Work degree. Brielle has 12 years of experience in the mental health field working with children and adolescents in a wide range of settings, and is now a licensed social worker with experience providing outpatient psychotherapy to children ages 5 to 17. She has clinical experience working with a variety of mental health conditions including Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism and other mental, emotional and behavioral difficulties. She also has experience providing parent guidance to families of children and teens dealing with mental and behavioral health struggles. Brielle provides compassionate care and support, and strives to create a safe space for children, adolescents and their families to openly express themselves.