Family Counseling Associates of New Hampshire

Family Counseling Associates provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for children, teens and adults across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We offer individual, couple, family and group therapy, as well as psychiatric care and medication management. Services are available in person or through telehealth visits. <br><br>Our licensed team tailors support to your unique needs. We can help you navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, a major life change and other mental health concerns. We are committed to creating a supportive space where you can explore your emotions and strengthen your wellbeing. 

Therapy for adults, teens and children.

Our team of mental health professionals is here to help you and your loved ones manage emotional, mental and behavioral health challenges.<br><br>We tailor care to fit your unique needs – and help make sure you feel safe, accepted and supported along the way.

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Careers

Helps individuals explore personal challenges and life transitions, process emotions, set goals, and build coping skills and resilience.

Individual therapy

Uses structured exercises and strategies to help individuals better understand and manage unhelpful thoughts and emotions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Helps family members improve communication, resolve conflicts and build stronger bonds.

Family therapy

Teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation and stress management techniques to help individuals manage intense emotions.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Help individuals process painful experiences, reduce the impact of trauma, and feel safer and more in control.

Trauma-focused therapies

Helps partners examine their relationship and work to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen trust and connection.

Couples therapy

Helps individuals achieve personal growth and positive change by exploring how past experiences influence the way they think, feel and relate to others.

Psychodynamic therapy

Helps individuals acknowledge and accept difficult emotions while taking meaningful steps to support well-being and quality of life.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Helps children express and process emotions and experiences through play and creativity to support emotional growth and well-being.

Play therapy

Helps individuals gradually face and manage anxiety through a step-by-step, confidence-building process.

Exposure therapy

Help individuals explore their self-identity, process emotions and nurture well-being through art, music and movement.

Expressive therapies

Provide diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions that benefit from or require medical intervention and medication management.

Psychiatric care and medication management

Provides a supportive setting for individuals facing similar challenges to share experiences, participate in guided discussions and activities, develop coping skills, and nurture healing and personal growth.

Group therapy

Helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts to manage emotions and improve well-being.

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)

Brie is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) with a background in trauma-informed care, crisis response, and substance use treatment. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire and a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a focus on Forensic Psychology.

Brie has experience in outpatient SUD and community mental health settings, supporting individuals through challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, substance use, and major life transitions. She is skilled in working with co-occurring disorders, crisis intervention, and navigating complex emotional experiences.

Brie’s approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. She creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change. Drawing from a variety of modalities, including; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused (SFBT), and trauma focused -CBT she focuses on building insight, resilience, and self-empowerment.

Dr. Ferguson is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist who has a Doctorate in Ministry. He holds advanced degrees from Loyola University Chicago, St. Louis University, and Claremont School of Theology.

Throughout his 37 years of experience, Dr. Ferguson has had a broad range of experience in the field of clinical social work. This has encompassed work in intensive psychiatric hospital units, the position of Clinical Supervisor at a residential psychiatric facility, therapy and consultation for a college prep boarding school, and individual and couples therapy. He has considerable experience working with addictions, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, trauma – including sexual assault – eating disorders, and the many-faceted issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. His private practice has focused on families and marital counseling.

Dr. Ferguson has a well-defined ability to establish a therapeutic alliance with both adolescents and adults, enabling them to work towards optimal mental health. Outside of his work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Nota bene: In light of the recent escalation of attention to racial issues throughout our country, I would like to express my commitment to working with clients in a way that takes into consideration the particulars and complexities of their identities. I am aggrieved by the anger and mistrust that has developed as a result of systemic oppression of minorities and am firmly committed to shedding light on the impact that these issues have on mental health.

Professional Licenses and Certificates
– Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, State of New Hampshire #2375
– Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Connecticut #004034
– Emergency Temporary License, State of Maine, July 2020-Present (Covid-19 Pandemic Executive Order)
– Telehealth Provider Registration #205 – State of Florida (July 2020-Present)
– Specialty Certification – Substance Abuse, State of Connecticut

Debra is a licensed psychologist who works with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, life stressors, trauma, and other mental health distress. She also helps couples identify and resolve their conflicts and concerns. As a psychologist in a prison, she provides and manages the provision of individual and group interventions addressing depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and addiction. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Bio-Psychology from Tufts University, her Master’s in Psychology from The University of Alabama, and her Ph.D. in Psychology from The University of Alabama.

Debra’s therapeutic approach incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, and solution-focused therapy. These techniques can be very effective depending on whether the client would like to look backwards into their life to examine how they became who they are, to focus on the present and learn skills to be practiced today, and/or to identify and try different solutions tomorrow. She works with the treatment needs and goals of the client to formulate plans as to which approaches and skills will be utilized. With patience, kindness, and warmth, Debra helps introduce therapy to clients who are just starting out and adapts to clients who have been in therapy before and are looking to work with a new therapist.

Elyse St Hiliare, MSW, LICSW is a licensed independent clinical social worker providing counseling to children, adolescents and their families. Her approach is strength-based and uses a variety of therapeutic styles based on what will help you best heal and meet your goals.

I find it a privilege to learn about the inner world and experiences of children and believe that while children have the capacity to feel the same range of emotions as adults, they do not always have language to explain or make sense of them, leaving them to communicate through their behavior. I strive to create a space of safety, curiosity and reflection that supports children and caregivers in developing confidence, discovering their strengths and growing to be the best versions of themselves.

Elyse received her bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of New Hampshire and her Master of Social Work from Simmons College. Following her education, she worked in an intensive outpatient mental health setting providing individual therapy within the community to children and adolescents experiencing obstacles associated with ADHD, depression, anxiety, disruptive behaviors and trauma.

Whether you are navigating life changes, processing past experiences, or just hoping to strengthen your overall coping skills, I believe everyone can benefit from taking time and space to focus on their own mental well-being. I believe in an individualized approach to therapy, and frequently utilize components of CBT, DBT, narrative and solution-focused approaches as appropriate for each client.

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the State of New Hampshire and provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults in an inclusive, non-judgmental space. I have experience with and welcome clients with various treatment focuses and goals, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, neurodivergence, gender exploration, life changes and overall self-discovery.

I completed my B.A. in Psychology from Saint Michael’s College in 2016, and my M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Plymouth State University in 2019. I’ve had the privilege of working in several different settings throughout my career, including medical offices, a memory care facility, and community mental health agencies. I’ve had the pleasure of working with clients experiencing a wide variety of life experiences, and of all ages across the life span. When not working, I love to spend time outside with my family and our very spoiled dog, as well as crocheting, reading, and traveling to new places I’ve never been.

I currently provide therapy via video telehealth to clients in the State of New Hampshire. If you think we’d be a good fit, I encourage you to reach out, whether it’s to give therapy a try for the first time, or to return back to services again!

Therapy can provide an opportunity for self-discovery, a safe space to process difficult thoughts, emotions and experiences creating a life that aligns with one’s goals and values. If you or your child is struggling with challenges related to stress, anxiety, depression and/or low self-esteem leading to dissatisfaction in various aspects of life, it may be time to reach out and ask for help (that is often the hardest part!). Willingness to collaborate with your therapist is essential and we will begin with building a positive therapeutic rapport; together we will tackle the other hard stuff.

There is no singular therapeutic approach that works for everyone. Therefore, my clinical philosophy focuses on the individual as a whole with the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention Therapy, Mindfulness-Based techniques, Family Systems, Positive Psychology, Person-Centered and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

I meet each client at their individual starting point, and if they are unsure of where to start we will discover that together! A positive-therapeutic rapport is essential for successful therapy treatment and is created by fostering a non-judgmental, warm and empathetic environment. Humor and laughter is encouraged!

Jeannette LaPlant, LICSW (she/her/hers) is a mental health provider who is experienced in working with both young adults and children and families. When working with young adults, Jeannette’s treatment aims to support individuals in working towards and maintaining healthy and happy lifestyles. When working with families, Jeannette aims to provide education to parents on their child’s behaviors, building behavior management skills, teaching children social and self-regulation skills. Jeannette incorporates play, movement and art in her treatment to keep children and adolescents engaged and to improve outcomes. Jeannette is an enthusiastic therapist who believes in the potential of each of her clients. Jeannette works with individuals who present with depression, anxiety, anxiety related disorders, ADHD, trauma, relationship issues, children experiencing parent separation or divorce, transitioning into different phases of life, and adjusting to change. Jeannette’s treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused -CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, art therapy, play therapy, Family Systems Therapy and psychodynamic therapy.

Education and Background: After completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Developmental Psychology at Plymouth State University, Jeannette worked with children and families involved in child welfare services. Jeannette has worked with children who have symptoms of depression, anxiety, developmental and learning disorders, attention deficits, hyperactivity, and trauma. Jeannette’s experience with children and families involved in child welfare  has provided her with skills in trauma informed, solution focused and strength based approaches.

After 5 years of working with child welfare involved families, Jeannette went on to obtain her Master of Social Work degree at Simmons University in Boston, MA. While studying at Simmons, Jeannette’s focus of study included school based social work and integrated behavioral health. Combining past experience with Jeannette’s first year internship in a school, she gained expertise in working with school systems and special education programs. During Jeannette’s second year internship in a community health center, she focused on integrated behavioral health in pediatric care.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Registered Drama Therapist, licensed both in New Hampshire and New York.

I create a warm and trusting environment, a safe space for guided self-discovery in a therapeutic setting. I am strengths-based therapist that looks to empower the individuals I work with. I have experience in working with an array of presenting issues including but not limited to trauma, both complex and reoccurring, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, behavioral/relational issues and significant life changes. My therapeutic ideology draws from several approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy including art, psychodrama and projective play.

I hold a Bachelor’s of Science from New School University, a Masters of Social Work from New York University, and am a Registered Drama Therapist through the North American Drama Therapy Association. I began my clinical work in New York City, first working in outpatient adolescent mental health, and then in community mental health offering individual and group counseling to children, adolescents, adults and families.

In addition to therapeutic work, I am an active member in the organ transplant community serving on several boards including for Biliary Atresia Research and Education.

Kendall received her education from Westfield State College where she obtained her Bachelor Degree in Psychology and continued her education in Psychology at Springfield College where she received her Master’s Degree focusing in clinical mental health counseling. Kendall has a certification in advanced grief counseling. She conducts individual and group counseling related to grief support.

Kendall has been working since 2006 serving populations of women, men and adolescents.  “I use an eclectic style of counseling to serve the individual needs of my clients. I use strength based, dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches. I believe giving people a safe place to process their thoughts and feelings in a nonjudgmental and supportive setting is the cornerstone in treatment. I use a balance of open communication and directness with a sense of humor and hope to make the therapy process comfortable and enable my clients to reach their goals and gain strengths and skills to move forward in their life in a positive and healthy direction.” She has experience in treating depression, anxiety, co-occurring disorders, trauma, and grief and anger management. The settings have included community mental health, correctional and department of youth services. She also has experience facilitating multiple support groups for trauma, cbt, grief, dbt, and communication.

Lyndsey Bens, LICSW (she/her) is a licensed independent clinical social worker who works primarily with adults and older adults. Presenting issues in many of Lyndsey’s clients tend to include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, grief/loss, complex family dynamics, and abusive relationships. Lyndsey has been working in the mental health field since 2007 and began her post-master’s experience in 2014.

In addition to outpatient psychotherapy, Lyndsey has also spent over six years in emergency department and inpatient hospital settings in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, where she worked with patients of all ages in acute psychiatric crises. Lyndsey has also worked in community-based (such as in-home) settings. Additional populations that Lyndsey has worked with include children and adolescents in foster care and schools, immigrants with acute and posttraumatic stress, individuals with developmental disabilities, and callers on crisis helplines. Lyndsey is also a member of New Hampshire’s Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team (DBHRT), which focuses on providing psychological first aid and resources to New Hampshire residents after critical incidents and disasters. Lyndsey is dually licensed in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and has the ability to meet with telehealth clients in both states.

Lyndsey earned her BS in Psychology with a mental health concentration from Plymouth State University. She also received an MSW with a focus on mental health treatment from Salem State University and an MA in Intercultural Relations from Lesley University, where she focused on trauma in refugees, asylum seekers, and asylees in the Boston area.

Lyndsey is passionate about mindfulness and enjoys teaching clients related techniques. Lyndsey also utilizes interventions from cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, internal family systems, attachment theory, and psychodynamic theory. Lyndsey likes to work from a strengths-based and client-centered approach. Clients can expect Lyndsey to be compassionate, non-judgmental, and attentive. She enjoys helping clients find balance and purpose in their lives, and she welcomes humor in session, when appropriate!

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker focusing on work with the 0-11 population and their families. My integrative therapeutic approach borrows from different modalities as I work with my clients to achieve results using reflection, action and community supports in a safe and supportive environment. I collaborate with school, community sources and family members to understand the stressors and factors impacting my clients. Play therapy is a large part of my work as is humor and psycho-education. My approach is strength based and inclusive of all a client is willing to share. My age group specialty allows me to work with a wide range of clients including, new mothers and babies on attachment and developmental concerns, behavioral concerns in daycare and elementary school, anxiety, depression, social skill development, and family system issues. I also work exclusively with parents on development of effective parenting strategies to increase positive interactions within the home. I am also certified in CPP (Child Parent Psychotherapy) which seeks to help trauma victims recover and heal from childhood traumas.

I have worked with young children since 2002. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Colby College and MSW from Salem State University. My work in school settings, community mental health and as a member of an early intervention team has prepared me well for issues facing children and families.

I am a Licensed Psychotherapist who provides counseling to children, adolescents, young adults, families, and parents/guardians. My expertise is working with children and adolescents. I focus on creating a safe, supportive environment to facilitate open self-expression and exploration. I support my clients in navigating the ups and downs of childhood and adolescence including issues related to social/academic difficulties, family relationships, poor self-image, trauma, peer pressure, mood disorders, etc.

The foundation of my work is fostering a therapeutic relationship built on mutual trust, respect, and a little humor as I find that this is the primary driver for change and healthy growth. Additionally, my therapeutic approach draws from all different modalities.

I focus on understanding the needs of each individual client and use this understanding to adapt my approach. I have often used dialectical behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, and art therapy models to support clients in working towards their goals and a sense of inner peace.

Education and Experience
My education includes earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Science in Counselor Education from Western Connecticut State University. I have 6 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in multiple settings including, intensive outpatient groups, within their homes, and outpatient therapy offices. I

Theresa Iannetta, MSW, LICSW is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and the Executive Director of Family Counseling Associates. She provides compassionate, client-centered therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults, with a particular focus on supporting teens through the challenges of adolescence.

Theresa creates a safe, welcoming space where young people can explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop a stronger sense of self. She understands the complexities of adolescence—ranging from low self-esteem and peer pressure to academic stress, trauma, and emotional dysregulation—and tailors her therapeutic approach to meet each client’s unique needs. Her style is down-to-earth, relatable, and often infused with humor, helping clients feel at ease and empowered in their journey toward healing.

In her work with young adults, Theresa helps clients navigate the pressures of early adulthood, including identity exploration, life transitions, and the stress of making major life decisions. Her goal is to support individuals in finding clarity, confidence, and a deeper connection to themselves.

Theresa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Framingham State College and a Master of Social Work from Boston College, where she specialized in Children, Youth, and Families. Her diverse clinical experience spans outpatient clinics, hospitals, schools, and residential programs—equipping her with a broad and nuanced understanding of mental health across settings.

Outside of her professional life, Theresa enjoys spending quality time with her son and their playful black lab, finding joy in the simple moments that bring balance and connection.

Theresa is not accepting new clients at this time.

Therapy for adults, teens and children.

What we offer

Individual therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Family therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Trauma-focused therapies

Couples therapy

Meet the team

David W. Ferguson

Jamie Faulhaber

Jeannette Doherty

Lyndsey Bens

Lynly Loffredo

Theresa Iannetta

About us

Contact

Family Counseling Associates of New Hampshire