Shari Fanelli LPC, ATR

(she/her/hers)

Direct line for existing clients: 203-409-2404

Prospective Clients: I am only offering telehealth appointments, so please contact your insurance to be sure that you are able to receive services from me.

For some people, making the initial decision to enter into therapy for yourself or your child is a stressful process.  I am here to ease that decision from the comfort from your home to make this first call.  Through the use of teletherapy I can offer sessions from any location you are in, and I provide a non-judgmental and supportive space.  My passion is working with adolescents and their parents through individual, parent, and/or family therapy sessions.  I aim to incorporate yours or your child’s strengths into treatment goals so that therapy sessions become a part of the week that you and/or your child looks forward to.

I graduated from Springfield College with my Master’s Degree in Clinical Art Therapy, and I hold a License in Professional Counseling (LPC) and a Registration in Art Therapy (ATR).  I have over 15 years of experience working with children, teens and adults who have struggled with various challenges including:

·   Managing day-to-day stressors

·   Family conflict

·   Depression

·   Anxiety

·   Substance use

·   Trauma

·   ADHD

·   Parenting skills

I have experience supervising and running a home-based program for teens with high risk behaviors and substance use.  I incorporate many theories and therapeutic interventions and techniques into my work.  I have a core belief in family systems work, in that I value the role that all family members as well as outside supports (school, religious organizations, peer groups, etc.) have on one’s individual functioning.  I use exploration of these areas to promote growth, empowerment, and change for the clients’ whom I work with.  Many times when we look at all areas of life, we can understand the deeper themes and triggers that may be impacting one’s original concerns that prompted that initial call for therapy.

My training and background in Clinical Art Therapy is a unique niche that I pride on.  Incorporating art therapy into my sessions can be a tool both children and adults can benefit from for the development of coping skills as well as to express oneself when words cannot.  Art therapy can be used during talk therapy or alone to deepen the therapeutic work.  Additionally, I am certified in Connecticut in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT).  I use this model with clients who have identified a traumatic event(s) to work through deep-rooted underlying trauma that may be the core to the triggers that can bring one to therapy. 

I hope you make that first call, and I look forward to working with you or your child.

I am in network with Husky/Medicaid, United/Optum/Connecticare, Aetna, Anthem BCBS, and Cigna. I am also available for private pay or out-of-network services for all other plans.