Author: LizJorgensen

Jessica Minieri, LPC, LMHC, LMSW 

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Jessica Minieri is a licensed professional counselor and social worker with over twenty years of vocational, individual, and group counseling experience. Jessica’s counseling philosophy is: “People don’t care what you know until they know you care.”   

“For half of my career, I’ve worked with adults with disabilities to help them discern and navigate a vocational path. For the other half of my career, I’ve provided individual counseling to teens and adults who have had difficulty establishing goals and regulating emotions.  I use a variety of clinical approaches, especially those from a cognitive-behavioral perspective (using strategies from DBT, MDFT, and Solution-Focused Therapy).  I enjoy helping people explore and identify their personal and relational goals within a compassionate frame.”  

Jessica sees Individuals 9-90 years old, and also co-leads our Recovery Support Group for teens and our teen DBT Group for teens. 

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Katy McEvoy, MA

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Katy McEvoy, M.A. is a mental health clinician who provides individual, group, couple, and family therapy. She is experienced in treating children, adolescents, and adult populations from various backgrounds and walks of life. She has trained and worked in settings such as hospitals, prisons, police departments, and outpatient clinics. Katy received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Villanova University and her Masters in Clinical Practices in Psychology from the University of Hartford as part of their doctoral program. She is also fluent in Spanish.

Katy is experienced in counseling, as well as educational, psychological, and neuropsychological testing and consultation.  Katy has vast experience with crisis response and trauma treatment, working for years with first responders and their families as a psychologist in the Psychological Evaluation and Counseling Sections of the NYPD’s Medical Division. She has facilitated play therapy, DBT, domestic violence, stress management, meditation, and grief support groups. Katy has published in multiple peer-reviewed journals on child psychology and has presented at conferences on both national and international levels.

Katy is passionate about helping others develop their strengths to master aspects of life in which they are feeling overwhelmed and challenged. Empathy, understanding, and acceptance are central to her approach. She is a compassionate clinician and a strong advocate for all her clients.

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What Does Depression Look Like in Teens? What Parents Can Do

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During this podcast episode, Liz Jorgensen, the owner, and director of Insight Counseling discusses what depression looks like in teens and how parents can help their child.

Liz has 30 years experience as a psychotherapist specializing in adolescent psychotherapy and substance abuse counseling. She is a nationally recognized expert in substance abuse counseling, engaging resistant teens and motivating them to change. She is also a consultant to independent schools and agencies and is a popular speaker on parenting pre-teens and teenagers. She has presented nationally, including at Harvard University and Dartmouth College. She is also a recipient of a Congressional Award for her work as an educator and community prevention activist. Liz worked for 18 years at Danbury Hospital, where she helped develop all the adolescent substance abuse and Dual Diagnosis programs. Liz is a gifted speaker and her parenting programs routinely receive outstanding reviews.

On This Episode We Discuss

  • The prevalence of depression in young adults
  • Types of depression
  • Beginning symptoms of depression in young adults
  • Triggers for depression
  • Link between anxiety and depression
  • Initial evaluations by healthcare professionals  

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “Insight Says”! New episodes are released every month. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

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Help, My Teen is Insane! How To Talk To Your Challenging Teen

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During this podcast episode, Liz Jorgensen, the owner and director of Insight Counseling discusses how parents can talk to their challenging teens.

Liz has 30 years experience as a psychotherapist specializing in adolescent psychotherapy and substance abuse counseling. She is a nationally recognized expert in substance abuse counseling, engaging resistant teens and motivating them to change. She is also a consultant to independent schools and agencies and is a popular speaker on parenting pre-teens and teenagers. She has presented nationally, including at Harvard University and Dartmouth College. She is also a recipient of a Congressional Award for her work as an educator and community prevention activist. Liz worked for 18 years at Danbury Hospital, where she helped develop all the adolescent substance abuse and Dual Diagnosis programs. Liz is a gifted speaker and her parenting programs routinely receive outstanding reviews.

On This Episode We Discuss

  • Reasons why teens are challenging
  • Separating your emotions as a parent from your teen’s behavior
  • Strategies to rationalize and communicate effectively

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “Insight Says”! New episodes are released every month. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

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Medication’s Role in Treating Mental Illness

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On this episode of Insight Counseling’s podcast, “Insight Says”, our host Kira Dineen interviews Laura Petiford, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Insight Counseling LLC in Ridgefield, CT about medication’s role in treating mental illness.

Laura began her career in mental health as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) prior to becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). While working with clients, she became aware of the difficulty connecting with prescribers who take a holistic approach to treatment. Through nursing, Laura found a practical, comprehensive and compassionate approach that incorporates medication management into the overall treatment of mental health.

This coupled with her marriage and family therapy education has given Laura a unique foundation and perspective from which she provides treatment. She has worked in a variety of healthcare settings including inpatient, outpatient and community psychiatry. Originally from Missouri, Laura has lived in Paris and has raised two adult daughters. She is most gratified by helping clients discover their own inner resources to redirect their lives in more positive and fulfilling direction.

On This Episode We Discuss

  • Types Of Medicines Used To Treat Mental Health Disorders
  • The Most Common Medications
  • Prevalence Of These Medications
  • Appropriate Times To Seek Medication For Treatment
  • Traditional Approach To Being Prescribed A Medication
  • Time Needed To Take The Find Right Drug & Right Dosage
  • Family History’s Role in Prescribing Medications
  • Genetic Testing Changing The Prescription Process
  • Insight Counseling’s Prescription Process
  • Medications Accompanied By Talk Therapy
  • Potential Side Effects Of Medications
  • Safe Ways To Stop Taking A Medication

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “Insight Says”! New episodes are released every month. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

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Meet Laura Petiford

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On this episode of Insight Counseling’s podcast, “Insight Says”, Laura Petiford, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Insight Counseling LLC in Ridgefield, CT share a little about herself.

Laura began her career in mental health as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) prior to becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). While working with clients, she became aware of the difficulty connecting with prescribers who take a holistic approach to treatment. Through nursing, Laura found a practical, comprehensive and compassionate approach that incorporates medication management into the overall treatment of mental health.

This coupled with her marriage and family therapy education has given Laura a unique foundation and perspective from which she provides treatment. She has worked in a variety of healthcare settings including inpatient, outpatient and community psychiatry. Originally from Missouri, Laura has lived in Paris and has raised two adult daughters. She is most gratified by helping clients discover their own inner resources to redirect their lives in more positive and fulfilling direction.

On This Episode We Discuss Laura’s…

  • Initial Interest in Counseling and Prescribing
  • Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
  • Role at Insight Counseling
  • Treat Style and Approach
  • Treatment Testing

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “Insight Says”! New episodes are released on the 15th of every month. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

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During this podcast episode, Kristin Dineen, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Insight Counseling teaches about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

On This Episode We Discuss

Kristin Dineen brings over 30 years of experience in treating adolescent and adult clients experiencing anxiety, depression, substance abuse and other difficulties. She has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, inpatient treatment for addiction, outpatient programs and in school systems. Kristin received her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University. She is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a skills-oriented therapy model focused on emotions with a cognitive and behavioral component. Kristin facilitates a DBT group for teens focusing on developing skills to be in control of emotions, tolerate stress and improve communication.

  • Explains the Concept of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • The History of DBT
  • DBT’s 4 Modules
  • Effectiveness of DBT
  • Group Therapy Benefits Paired with DBT Lessons
  • Kristin’s Training
  • Example Exercises and Lessons

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “Insight Says”! New episodes are released every month. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

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The Gamer Group

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby featherDid you know there is a growing consensus that a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational counseling can help people who game excessively to restore balance in their lives?

Groups are forming now to begin!!!
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The Parent /Teen Weed Wars: What Parents Can Do

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During this podcast episode, Liz Jorgensen, the Owner and Director of Insight Counseling, discusses the “Weed Wars” that occur between parents and teens and what parents can do to help their child.

Liz has 30 years experience as a psychotherapist specializing in adolescent psychotherapy and substance abuse counseling. She is a nationally recognized expert in substance abuse counseling, engaging resistant teens and motivating them to change. She is also a consultant to independent schools and agencies and is a popular speaker on parenting pre-teens and teenagers. She has presented nationally, including at Harvard University and Dartmouth College. She is also a recipient of a Congressional Award for her work as an educator and community prevention activist. Liz worked for 18 years at Danbury Hospital, where she helped develop all the adolescent substance abuse and Dual Diagnosis programs. Liz is a gifted speaker and her parenting programs routinely receive outstanding reviews.

Dap/Vaping Pen

This Episode We Discuss…

  • Advice to Parents about Setting Limits with Weed Use
  • Peer Acceptability of Smoking Weed
  • Increase in High Schoolers Smoking Weed
  • Higher Concentration of THC in 2018 Weed Compared to 1970s/80s
  • Dabs/Wax and Vapes: What it is, How is it Produced
  • Effect of THC on the Brain
  • Symptoms and Long Terms Effects from Weed Use
  • Psychotic Reactions from High Potency Weed/Edibles
  • Types of Edibles
  • Resources Mentioned

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “Insight Says”! New episodes are released on the 15th of every month. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

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