I am a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)) with 2 years of experience supporting clients across the lifespan. I work with individuals navigating mood challenges, anxiety, depression, autism, obsessive-compulsive challenges (OCD), and everyday stressors. In our work together, we focus on building healthier routines, strengthening coping skills, and creating a sense of balance and well-being that fits your life.
If you're feeling stretched thin between your work, your relationship, or both, and you're exhausted from carrying it alone, you're not imagining how heavy it's become. Maybe you and your partner keep having the same fight without knowing why. Maybe you're successful everywhere except in the parts of your life that matter most. Either way, you're likely here because you're ready for something to actually change, not just to talk about it. I'm Jon Abelack, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Connecticut, and I work with couples and individuals dealing with relationship strain, career stress, and burnout. Before becoming a therapist, I spent over 20 years in high-stakes careers, so I understand firsthand what it's like to perform under pressure while your personal life quietly falls apart in the background. I bring that same direct, no-nonsense approach into the room. My work draws on Gestalt therapy and Relational Life Therapy, which means we don't just talk about your problems in the abstract. We pay close attention to what's actually happening between us right now, because that usually tells us more than any story about the past. I'll help you communicate more honestly, break the patterns that keep tripping you up, and set the boundaries you've been avoiding, whether that's with a partner, at work, or with yourself. This isn't therapy that drifts for years without direction. It's active, it's honest, and it's built to get you real, lasting movement toward a relationship, or a life, that actually works. If you're ready to feel grounded again, more connected, and back in control, I'd welcome the chance to talk about how we might work together.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, my goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment to work through any problems you may be facing. I received my master's in marriage and family therapy from Hofstra University after completing a graduate degree in psychology in education from Teachers College, Columbia University. I’m trained in therapy modalities for individuals, couples, and families. I have specialty areas in couples therapy, anger management, chronic andor terminal illnesses, as well as grief. Couples, revive your love, rediscover each other, and work through your differences. Learn to not only hear, but to listen to each other. Therapy is a chance to rebuild, rediscover, and move forward with new relationship knowledge. I take a client-centered approach and work with you to address your areas of concern.
A good therapist is empathic, caring and pragmatic, listening to your needs and focusing quickly on finding solutions to your problems. With over 20 of experience, I have helped hundreds of clients with depression, anxiety, marital and family issues, alcohol and drug abuse, and career and life transitions, as well as other challenges. From the moment you walk in to my office, you will feel supported as we work together as partners to develop a realistic plan that is tailored to your specific concerns and will enable you to move forward with your life. Establishing a safe, non-judgmental rapport with my clients is the cornerstone of my approach. You want to feel better--happier, more energetic, more capable of handling your responsibilities and achieving your goals. Each time we meet, we review how well our plan is working for you and discuss how we can modify it to bring faster results. The benefits of working with me as your therapist include: feeling understood and validated, improvement in your relationships with your partner and family members, better mood balance and anger management, relief of anxiety and stress, superior job performance, decrease in substance abuse, and a greater sense of overall well being. I am confident I can help you improve your life. Please contact me to schedule an appointment.
Available Sundays and 5pm and 6pm during weekdays. Do you just want to get better or do you want to thrive? I have been working in behavioral health for 16 years, and it has been a very rewarding experience. I have an energetic and enthusiastic approach and stay up-to-date with the latest information to provide the best care possible. I am well versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Positive Psychology (the study of optimizing functionality). I am originally from New York, so I have had the opportunity to gain experience at reputable institutions such as New York Presbyterian Hospital and Montefiore Health System. In California, I was the Director of the Behavioral Health Department at Salinas Valley Health from 2020 to 2024. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults with almost all types of diagnoses. I have many years of experience helping people address and overcome depression, anxiety, sports performance, borderline personality disorder, trauma, relationship issues, work stress, grief, and difficult life transitions. Depending on what you would like to get out of therapy, we may focus on getting to the root cause(s), improve communication skills, adapt to situations effectively, explore coping skills, and modify behavior. I earned my BA in Psychology from Boston College and my Master of Social Work from Fordham University. I also earned my MBA in Healthcare Administration in 2019. Outside of work, I enjoy boxing, playing golf, yoga, lifting weights, and going to the beach! What to expect? The first appointment is a thorough interview to get to know you. I will ask about upbringing, childhood, family, education, occupation, hobbies, social life, and psychiatric history. In follow-up sessions, we develop a strategy to address your goals. The therapy approach is contingent on the goals. Contact me to make an appointment! I look forward to working with you!
In-office sessions allow me to provide you both the highest level of support. I provide email support in-between sessions that really makes a difference for my clients that keep the focus on change. I have trained with some of the best in our field, Drs. John Gottman & Sue Johnson, innovators in research-based concepts that work, and well as Dr. Bill Doherty. The couples and co-parents that I work with are very capable in their own lives, so it's an honor when they contact me to work on things. In addition to being a Licensed Psychotherapist & Board Certified Life Coach, I have been a guest lecturer at local universities, as well as a presenter at The Connecticut Counseling Association and The Connecticut Council for Non-Adversarial Divorce. . Clients usually decide to come in because they need an objective person to assist them in getting unstuck & manifesting more of their goals. By valuing your time & working hard together, we will gently shift challenges that you are struggling with. I have over 25 years combined experience in psychotherapy, education and business to draw from. I believe in a high level of service & so my office is designed to relax and comfort my clients. I encourage you if you are wondering if I can be helpful to you, to contact me and we can explore possibilities.
*FREE ONE HALF HOUR EVALUATION SESSION *AWARD WINNING PRACTICE: "BEST OF 2018, PSYCHOTHERAPIST" *RESULTS THERAPY *LIFE COACH *BUILD A LIFE SKILLS TOOLBOX OF STRENGTHS. *PROCESS AND RESOLVE ISSUES. *WEBSITE: https:buffy-bernhardt-k52s.squarespace.com *5 Star Google Reviews ***RESULTS THERAPY: A PROGRAM THAT TEACHES YOU HOW TO ELEVATE YOUR LIFE. LEARN TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES THAT THROW YOU OFF. WITH PROVEN TECHNIQUES TO HJELP SOLVE YOUR ISSUES, YOU WILL LEARN TO CREATE THE LIFE YOU ENVISION FOR YOURSELF. ***INDUSTRIES SERVED: BUSINESS, ENTERTAINMENT AND ARTS, SELF-EMPLOYED, EDUCATION, MEDICAL, HUMAN SERVICES, SPORTS, GOVERNMENT, LAW, ETC. We process issues together, then build a life skills toolbox. These tools will help you successfully resolve issues and empower your life. From a heart centered, holistic perspective, (body, mind, spirit). I will work with you as a psychotherapist-life coach in resolving life's challenges in order to develop direction, clarity and personal inner strength.....and create the life you want. I invite you to let me help you heal your life. THERAPIST ROLE: With a gentle, and compassionate approach I create a safe space in which we can explore your issues together. Sometimes we can find ourselves in state of "stuckness", negativity, confusion, fear, with limiting beliefs that can prevent us from moving forward. My role as a therapist is not only to guide you through challenges and transitions in an inclusive and nurturing way, but also to provide you with a deeper understanding of behaviors and stories that may be limiting your resolution and growth, in order to integrate the many parts of your self and manifest a life of fulfillment. PEOPLE SEE ME FOR: Marriage counseling, relationships, all stages of life transition, bereavement, emotional, behavioral challenges, birthpregnancy, personal coaching, personal and spiritual growth, etc. INNER STRENGTHS: Engaging in an inner process while learning to access your "wiser Self" is part of restoring your life to one of harmony, empowerment and well being. As you journey into this process, you will access your greater potential and creative gifts that will serve you in this transformation. TOOLS FOR GROWTH: Insight is only part of the process. It is also important to learn new tools that help change and heal your issues. As you develop deeper insights into your circumstances, you will want to implement new behaviors, healthy thought patterns, while enhancing your strengths. Together we will explore your history, unpack insights and create a tool box of life transforming techniques that will help you develop new and positive ways to grow and cope with life's challenges. SESSIONS MAY INCLUDE: Each session is tailor made according to my client's needs. Discussion, processing, goal and achievement setting, stress reduction, mindfulness practices, meditation and guided imagery, affirmations, personal coaching and other holistic techniques that promote personal awareness, healing and positive growth. BUFFY BERNHARDT, LMSW Director of Nyack Center for Counseling and Coaching, is a HarvardFordham trained New York State licensed social worker: 25 years of advanced training and experience as a psychotherapist and coach. She has developed the "AWAKENED HEART SYSTEM" (based on how to heal, grow, empower yourself), incorporating numerous therapeutichealing modalities, including traditional and body-mind transformative techniques.
Through the use of evidenced-based, client-centered therapies, I help people live with mental health issues and over time reimagine these divergences as features, not flaws. I specialize in the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Please feel free to reach out any time. I look forward to connecting with you.
I specialize in helping individuals overcome gambling problems, alcohol use, substance use, and the emotional challenges that often accompany them, including anxiety, depression, stress, shame, and relationship difficulties. My approach to therapy is practical, supportive, and focused on helping you create meaningful and lasting change. Drawing from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and relapse prevention, I help clients understand the patterns that keep them stuck, strengthen their motivation for change, and develop healthier ways of coping with life's challenges. I believe that for therapy to be effective, people often need to work through the obstacles that are preventing them from moving forward. In my experience, these barriers are frequently rooted in fear, shame, or pride. Whether it is fear of change, shame about past mistakes, or pride that makes it difficult to ask for help or be vulnerable, these obstacles can keep people trapped in unhealthy cycles. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to identify what is holding you back and help you develop the strength, confidence, and willingness to do the things that may feel difficult or uncomfortable. Recovery and personal growth often require stepping outside of your comfort zone, but you do not have to do it alone. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you can gain insight, build practical skills, and take meaningful action toward a healthier, more fulfilling, and purpose-driven life.
I have been practicing psychotherapy with individuals and couples in New York City for over 20 years. I view all personal and interpersonal pain as a result of unresolved trauma, be it attachment trauma or trauma due to life shattering incidents, like accidents or natural disasters. I often use EMDR with my individual clients, a therapy which is very effective in clearing trauma and neutralizing triggers which lead to depression, anxiety, low self esteem, performance anxiety and interpersonal difficulties. In my work with couples I use EFT (Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy) a therapy which exemines emotions which guide all interactions and diferent attachment styles. I believe that effective therapy brings about growth and change and it occurs in the atmosphere of safety, trust, connection and collaboration. Safety is my first priority, the sessions are confidential and trust is the basis upon which a thrapeutic relationship is built. My reputation is that I am straight forward without being harsh and give a lot of feedback in the sessions. I work dilligently to find root causes of the problems that bring people to therapy. I appreciate that starting therapy can be both empowering and frightening. Therefore, it is the client, who sets the pace as we begin. We work as a team to try to gain historical perspective to current difficulties, insight into current issues, confront obstacles and develop coping skills, which will lead to necessary steps, strategies and changes.
The therapists listed are members of GoodTherapy and pay us a membership fee which helps support our services. By using this site you signify your assent and agreement to our terms of service.
It’s normal to experience mental health issues and relationship problems. Talking to a licensed therapist can help. Therapy can teach you more about yourself and your mental health concerns in a healing way. Many therapies are evidence-based and have been proven effective.
Since 2007, GoodTherapy has helped people like you connect with ethical, compassionate counselors and therapists. The therapists listed above, who practice therapy in Mahopac, are trained to protect client confidentiality and privacy. In keeping with our high membership standards, these mental health professionals are also committed to eliminating the stigma that keeps many people from seeking help.
Beliefs about how much therapy costs may deter some people from finding a therapist. It’s a good idea to contact therapists you’re interested in and ask about insurance, sliding-scale fees, payment plans, and other options to stay within your budget.
Rest assured there are qualified therapists in Mahopac who can treat a variety of concerns, including family conflict, relationship issues, anxiety, or depression. With our directory, the right therapist is easy to find.
Are you a therapist or mental health professional looking for new ways to get referrals and market your practice in Mahopac? Keeping up to date with professional requirements and increasing your online presence are just two of the many benefits of joining GoodTherapy. Start connecting with clients and earning online continuing education credits today!