Our Clinical Team {Counseling Connections} | {Counseling Connections} in {Sturbridge, MA}

About Us

Our Clinical Team

Our Clinical Team
  • Stephanie Mancini-Dubrey
    LICSW
    Clinical Director

    “Life can present hurdles, big and small.  As a clinical social worker, I believe people can grow and overcome life’s challenges. I am dedicated to providing effective, strength-based counseling in a safe, nurturing environment to help others achieve their goals and live their best life!”

    Stephanie achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology (1990) from Providence College and a Master of Social Work degree (2000) from Boston University.  She has worked as a home-based clinician in community mental health, a school social worker, and a clinical social worker as well as director in private practice.  She has also worked as an adjunct professor of social work at Simmons College, Westfield State University, and Eastern Connecticut State University.  She currently holds a license to practice in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

    Stephanie currently works with adults, couples and adolescents with challenges in the following areas: anxiety, depression, grief/loss, adoption, divorce, financial stress, job loss, general life transactions, trauma, ADHD, family conflict, relationship struggles, self esteem, and anger management. 

    Stephanie uses an eclectic approach to therapy, which includes Dialectical Behavioral, Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative, Motivational Interviewing, and client focused modalities.

  • Judith M. Bergeron
    LICSW
    Clinical Social Worker

    “We are all born full of love, strengths and hopes.  Through the hurt, pain and sometimes trauma of life experiences we lose sight of our hope. We forget that we are worthy of love, respect and peace of mind to heal, grow and develop skills to achieve your personal goals and live your best life now.”

    Judy graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Worcester State College and in 1992 with a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. She has her independent clinical license in MA and CT.  Judy worked as a senior clinician of a child guidance clinic working with children, teens, parents, families and groups.  She has also worked as a medical social worker and part of a multi disciplinary team to develop and implement a home-based autism program.

    Judy has experience with people across the developmental spectrum from children to elders.  She works with people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, addiction, codependency and adjustment to life transitions.  She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also with a trauma focus, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Mindfulness, positive and strength based approaches and the 12 step theoretical framework.  She believes in the importance of the relationship between therapist and client as the foundation of all treatment modalities.

  • Tara Gould
    LICSW
    Clinical Social Worker

    'Life...it can be happy, sad, tragic and amazing...whatever life brings us, we need to be equipped with the skills to manage ourselves and our goals. We need to feel empowered and capable in order to develop and work towards our goals in life and set ourselves up for happiness. My aim is to help others achieve their happiness and goals through person centered, strength-based counseling in a safe, comfortable and proactive environment. Let's work together towards a better future!'

    Tara earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Worcester State University in 2010 and her Master of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health from Boston College School of Social Work in 2015. Tara has worked as a Clinical Social Worker/Clinician in a residential capacity where she did behavioral work with clients who struggled with suicidal ideation, self-harm, and mental health issues; in Substance Abuse as a Clinical Social Worker/Clinician where she worked with clients who struggled with mental health, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders; for a non-profit where she worked closely with children, families, groups and provided training for teachers; and finally, Tara has experience working in Hospice where she worked directly with families and clients through their end of life journey in a home-based capacity. Tara is currently licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Massachusetts.

    Tara currently works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups struggling with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Emotional Dysregulation, Divorce, Family conflicts, Grief/Loss, Pregnancy, Bipolar, Co-Occurring Disorders and general life adjustments.

    Tara is trained intensively in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Tara utilizes these interventions along with Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Solution Focused and Structured Family Therapies as needed. Everyone and every situation is unique; therefore, a one size fits all approach doesn't work.  Tara believes that the greatest healing comes through having positive relationships...so, let's start here...

  • Shirley Richer
    Billing Specialist

    'As the first person people usually see as they walk through the door, I strive to make them feel welcome and comfortable as they begin their therapeutic journey.”

    Shirley has many years of administrative work under her belt and is very organized, personable and helpful. Shirley helps both current and perspective clients with their questions and concerns regarding insurance, billing and other logistical matters.

    Shirley is responsible for all administrative tasks, insurance and billing, as well as, organizing staff training and meetings. In addition, she is available to help with scheduling and other patient requests.

Location

Monday:

7:00 am-8:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-8:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-8:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-8:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Sunday:

Closed