COUNSELING & PSYCHOTHERAPY

Susan Jennifer Polese, LPC, LMHC, NCC

As a licensed, nationally certified professional counselor, I offer supportive, affirming counseling through nonprofits and community-based work. My approach is grounded in holistic care, social justice, and the belief that healing is deeply connected to safety, connection, and empowerment. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, and major life transitions.

I have experience in hospitals, social service agencies, and family clinics, where I developed a compassionate, collaborative approach centered on dignity and resilience. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ and non-labeling clients, and have long been connected with organizations supporting queer youth, families, and communities.

My work draws from Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, creative expression, and trauma-informed care. I believe difficult experiences can be processed safely and meaningfully through supportive relationships, reflection, and practical tools for everyday life. I often incorporate meditation, writing, art, and values-based counseling into sessions, with an emphasis on helping people move toward fuller, more connected lives.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Domestic Violence Counselor

• Sexual Assault Counselor

• Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapist

• Life is Good Playmaker – play-based counseling for children

SPECIALTIES

• Life Coaching

• Relationship & Couples Counseling

• Counseling Children

• Counseling LGBTQAI (and non-labeling ) clients

• Divorce

• Co-parenting counseling

• Anxiety

• Life Transitions

• Coaching & Counseling Millennials

• Somatic Experiencing 

MEMBERSHIPS

• The American Counseling Association

• The Connecticut Counseling Association

• The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science