Sue Gaffney

My philosophy is that therapy is most effective when clients experience a reliable and secure connection with their clinician within a safe, non-judgmental environment. To help achieve this, I apply evidence-based techniques along with Mindfulness and an emphasis on the Mind-Body Connection. I apply the Internal Family Systems Theory of personality parts, defenders, protectors, and the core self as a guide to healing. My goal is to create a supportive and safe relationship in both group and individual settings where trust can be established and clients feel comfortable over time to be their authentic selves. My holistic therapeutic approach is customized to each client’s unique strengths, challenges, and therapeutic goals, as I recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective. My work focuses on Adult Children of Alcoholics, adults dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, substance abuse, sober coaching, autism, and transitions. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Fairfield University, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Bridgeport, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a clinical focus from Southern Connecticut State University. Specialties: Our first therapy session is an intake, where I obtain historical details about the challenges experienced, followed by the co-creation of therapy goals. This session is used to begin developing rapport and trust between us. Next, I develop a treatment plan which lists skills and coping tools to develop and work on during our therapy sessions to address the symptoms that brought you to therapy.

Areas of Focus