OUR TEAM

     As the founder of the Center for Marriage and Family Therapy it is my passion to offer opportunities for compassionate, genuine healing to our community of individuals, couples, and families. Providing over 30 years of experience in the field of mental health to the practice I aspire to provide foundations of hope for persons seeking healing of self and relationships. As a PhD in marriage and family therapy, I specialize in couple and family counseling addressing issues of communication, conflict, boundaries, anger, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, diversity, sexual issues, and a myriad of mental and emotional struggles through a culturally competent family systems emotionally focused attachment lens. My heart for working with families emanates from my experience of healthier partnerships and family relationships promoting more well-adjusted children, adults, families, and communities.  

As a board-certified Family Nurse Practioner, I bring over 30 years combined experience in the medical field, throughout which I supported people throughout their lifespan from birth through end of life. Collaboration with other professionals and family members with a keen interest in wellness and advocacy for individuals, couples, and families represents my passion for working with individuals and families. I believe in advancing individuals taking an active role and participating fully in mitigating healthcare challenges, while working toward a patient centered wellness plan. Beyond traditional medicinal considerations, I support the combination of complementary and alternative medicine. In addition to working directly with clients and families, I published articles pertaining to developmental disabilities and presented on various aspects relating to healthcare at national nursing conferences for nearly two decades. Committed to providing culturally sensitive, diversified and patient centered care, I strive to support families toward healthful living and a healing lifestyle. My passion lies in embracing a holistic approach to healthy mind, body, and spirit, encouraging individuals, families and couples to explore various modalities to work towards a common goal of optimal wellness.

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I have had the privilege of working in the Human Services field for ten years in several capacities. My clinical work focused on numerous mental health ailments including anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, grief and loss, addiction, trauma, and family systems. I am passionate about empowering clients to recognize their own internal strengths, learn new coping skills, acquire and maintain healthy boundaries, and improve communication with the world around them in order to achieve their full potential. I work to meet clients where they are on their journey and utilize practices from a Cognitive Behavioral and Person Centered lense. My background has involved working with children, families, adults, and couples navigating numerous challenges that may arise and interfere with daily functioning. I have had years of experience working within the Social Services System, as well as through Family Court to ensure the safety of children and focus on reunification of families. I have also had experience working in Residential and Outpatient Clinic Settings. I strive to create a safe, secure, and inclusive environment that promotes growth, healing, and progress. My passion for this work comes from a desire to help those in need recognize their full potential and foster healthy relationships with themselves and the world around them.

As a Strategic Intervention, and recovery life coach, and certified alcohol substance abuse/ behavioral health counselor (CASAC), I work with those who have a dual diagnosis of mental /cognitive delays and chemical dependencies. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Community and Human Services and completed coursework for my Crisis Intervention Certification. This experience became my building block for the last 3 years of Strategic Intervention Life Coaching. I am also a Care Manager for OPWDD which has added a dimension to my helping skill set. 

Walking with individuals through their pain conflict has been an honor and blessing developed through working nearly 30 years with people from all walks of life from youth to the elderly throughout the process of my journey.

Utilization of mindful practices that include practical application to the ‘what now’ of recovery and post-trauma is key to walking out the ‘new normal’ that has been placed in front of us. Through creative individual goal setting, guidance for additional services, self-reflection, elevated self-awareness of one’s capabilities, empowerment to make positive choices, and   follow through, peace becomes our companion. 

I strongly believe that change and wholeness are a process, not a destination. By learning to navigate through life with faith, and humor, while learning to work with our natural giftings and recognizing our weaknesses, we can find peace in the journey.

Individual and Family Life Coach  Providing over 26 years of experience within the field of Counseling Psychology including mental health, substance abuse recovery, and career and academic counseling, my aim is to help individuals on their journey to ‘wholeness’.  I believe that true change can be achieved through personal and genuine connections.  Adversity does not have to define us but, when properly explored and understood, can be used as a tool in helping us grow.  Utilizing my degree in Counseling and School Psychology, along with serving over 20 years as an Instructor of Psychology, I specialize in working toward healing for individuals, couples, and families addressing marital and family coaching, trauma, abuse and neglect, anger, depression, career concerns, academic issues, and anxiety.  

Jennifer Smith, LMT I’m a NYS licensed massage therapist, with over 20 years of practice. Experience the incredible benefits of massage therapy through the application and focus of Swedish Massage and Connective Tissue Therapy Massage will enhance your well being by promoting mind and body, health and healing. The benefits of massage include, but are not limited to; reducing physical and mental stress and tension, promoting relaxation, and restoring balance.