Valene Gifford, LMHC

Anne Tormos, LCPC, LPC-MHSP, believes that every person has the ability to live a happy, healthy, engaging life, but at times individuals need an objective observer to help uncover what that life looks like. She treats clients ages 15 and up struggling with a variety of challenges, including mood disorders, anxiety, and life transitions. Anne is a National Board-Certified Counselor. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois and a Licensed Professional Counselor � MHSP in the State of Tennessee. Anne earned a BA in Psychology from North Central College and an MS in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University. Her experience includes working at an inpatient psychiatric hospital and outpatient group practice, which allowed her to utilize different types of care with people from all backgrounds with many different life stressors. She also has experience working within PHP and IOP settings. Anne is trained to utilize many therapeutic techniques, including CBT and DBT.‍Anne is prepared to join you on your journey to self-fulfillment. She believes that everyone has their own story to tell, and her approach is client-centered, strength-based, and solution focused. She cherishes all client relationships and devotes her time and energy to the healing process.

Maria-Anne Duncan, LCSW-R holds the position of psychotherapist at Talkiatry. She has over twenty years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Before joining Talkiarty, Ms. Duncan worked as a Director of Clinical Services for a not-for-profit in the Hudson Valley Region of New York State. Prior to that, Ms. Duncan worked for a local hospital in the psychiatric department providing treatment to the Inpatient and Outpatient units. She has held several positions as a clinician and program director. Additionally, Ms. Duncan has taught parenting classes, Mental Health First Aid and provides training on Trauma-Informed Care. Ms. Duncan started her career as a clinician in a Crime Victims' Assistance Program funded by New York State. Through this experience she began to explore the effects of trauma on individuals, their families, and the community. Ms. Duncan has been trained in both EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and SE (Somatic Experiencing). She utilizes these body-focused therapies to help her clients be released from years of painful energies locked in their systems. Ms. Duncan received her Bachelor's Degree from Marist College and her Master's from Fordham University. She has been trained to supervise Social Work Students in their field placements. Ms. Duncan appeared in the Vassar College student-developed training video, "He said, She said" which is used to train peer sexual assault counselors. In April of 2022, she became a trainer for LivingWorks "SafeTALK" program. Additionally, Ms. Duncan has a trained therapy dog, Monkey, who goes with her to local hospitals and nursing homes to provide comfort and affection.

Stacy Brown, LPC, is licensed in Texas with 12 years of professional experience supporting individuals, couples, and families. She has extensive background in helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, family conflicts, eating disorders, and anger management. With over five years in Intensive Outpatient programs, she has led group, family, and individual sessions, while her 15 years as a high school counselor reflect her strong connection with young people. Stacy values respect, sensitivity, and compassion in every interaction and is committed to tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs. She believes seeking help is a courageous step and is dedicated to empowering her clients in their journey toward a more fulfilling life.

During the first session, Stacy takes time to build rapport, introducing herself and creating space to understand each client’s goals. She works collaboratively to establish a clear path forward, focusing on practical therapy skills and strategies that align with each individual’s needs. Stacy especially enjoys working with young professionals in the early stages of their careers, who may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain about their future. She provides tools and guidance to help them gain clarity, confidence, and resilience.

Stacy often incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a structured approach designed to help clients manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and build more meaningful lives. DBT emphasizes skill-building in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Stacy’s approach combines structure with empathy, offering patients the opportunity to practice new strategies in a supportive environment. Her goal is to help individuals gain insight, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and experience lasting growth.

Michelle Kaplan, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. She works with clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and family system challenges, drawing on her experience in community and outpatient mental health settings.

Michelle is committed to helping clients navigate challenges and create positive change. She provides a safe, confidential space for exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Using active listening, empathy, support, and cognitive behavioral therapy, she collaborates with clients to identify challenges, develop coping strategies, and promote personal growth.

Michelle begins by discussing a client’s reasons for seeking therapy, reviewing their history, and exploring goals and concerns. Together, they establish a therapeutic rapport and create an individualized treatment plan tailored to the client’s needs, priorities, and desired outcomes.

Amanda Favretto is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who holds certificates as a Nationally Certified Counselor as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Working with military service members and faith-based counseling are two of Amanda's passions. Amanda has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with individuals struggling with concerns such as low-self esteem, adjustment, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship and communication issues, utilizing such treatment modalities as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, as well as others. Amanda believes in the importance of meeting each individual where they are at, focusing on all aspects of a person: heart, mind, body, and spirit. It has been Amanda's experience that focusing on each layer leads to long-lasting, deeper healing and growth. Believing that each person has it in them to heal and grow, Amanda considers it a unique privilege to assist people on that journey. At each individual's pace, striving to promote a comfortable environment, Amanda will gently encourage deeper self-reflection, mindfulness, challenging oneself, and skill-building. She would like you to feel free to reach out to set up an appointment and answer any questions you may have.

With a lifelong commitment to helping others, Erica Boncella, LPC, began her career in Law Enforcement, focusing on Protection from Abuse cases. This experience inspired her to specialize in therapeutic practices that support healing. Symbolized by the lotus flower, her practice emphasizes resilience and transformation. Erica brings over 18 years of combined clinical and forensic experience, specializing in trauma recovery, PTSD, domestic violence, disordered eating, addiction, and support for Veterans and Law Enforcement professionals. She holds certifications as a CCTP, in Dual Disordered Eating/Trauma & Shame, and in Addictions.

Erica provides a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where clients feel understood and empowered. She treats everyone with respect and sensitivity, recognizing the courage it takes to pursue change. Her approach is individualized, helping clients cultivate healthier relationships with themselves. As she often says, “You don’t have to do it alone. I am here to support and empower you every step of the way.”

Erica begins each session with an open dialogue to understand clients’ questions and concerns. She collaboratively establishes preliminary goals, emphasizing that these may evolve naturally. She creates a safe space where clients are never pressured to discuss topics prematurely. Her practice is grounded in empathy, sensitivity, and individualized care, guiding clients toward a more fulfilling and empowered life.