Who we are

Since our founding in 1989, the Women’s Center for Psychotherapy has been dedicated to providing psychotherapy and consultation with a feminist, humanist perspective. Our clinicians are dedicated to the highest standards of training and expertise.

At WCP we believe that the weaving together of self, family, and cultural influences into the therapeutic process is essential to healing and change. We use the client-therapist relationship as a primary vehicle for helping clients focus on their lives. 

Our clinicians draw from psychodynamic theories, body-oriented Gestalt therapy, Control-Mastery, systems theory, and cognitive therapies and we specialize in treating those suffering the effects of trauma. 

We provide services to people of all ages and genders, families, and couples.  We offer therapy to deaf & hearing-impaired clients in American Sign Language.  We embrace the LGBTQ community and are strongly committed to providing affirming treatment. 

WCP offers training and consultation to professionals and organizations.

Meet our Clinicians

Mary Ellen Ladd
LCSW, CSW-G

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker who joined WCP in 2002, Mary Ellen has been a partner since 2015.  A graduate of Hartford College for Women, Drew University and Columbia University School of Social Work, Mary Ellen works with adult clients of all ages and ethnicities and with the LGBTQ+ population.  She has specialty certification from NASW as a Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G) and worked with geriatric residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.  She recognizes the unique needs of the aging population which can often be complicated by declining health, increased need for medication, multiple losses and being caregivers to other adults.  She accepts most insurance including Medicare and Husky.  She is a Dementia Friends Champion and is available to offer free, one hour information sessions in the community to raise awareness about Dementia.  Mary Ellen is also available for clinical supervision to licensed clinicians seeking additional support and to therapists working toward a license.

Katie Arnone
LMSW

Katie Arnone is a Licensed Masters Social Worker who is passionate about providing individualized care to women and children. Katie completed her Masters in Social Work and Masters in Women and Gender Studies at Southern Connecticut State University. Taking an eclectic approach to care, she draws her techniques from an array of areas while providing a safe, non-judgmental, therapeutic space. Her work is guided by understanding the connection between mind, body and spirit. Katie aims to support women facing life transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. When working with children, Katie fosters a creative means to connect with children and support parents in navigating mental health and behavioral management issues. Katie has worked in a variety of settings including adult substance use treatment and methadone maintenance, child outpatient, and school-based settings. Katie utilizes the therapeutic space as a way to create understanding and empowerment to promote healing and change. 

Michaela Hilliard
LCSW

Michaela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who obtained her MSW from the University of Saint Joseph.  In addition to working at WCP, Michaela works at the Veteran’s Administration providing essential services to our Veterans, including psychotherapy, help connecting with mental health/substance use treatment, and providing case management services to veterans who are homeless. Michaela also provides group therapy at an inpatient psychiatric hospital for clients with mental health and substance use disorders. Michaela works with children, adolescents and adults, which allows her to engage in various evidence based practices with a focus on anxiety, depression, mood disorder, PTSD, and domestic violence.  Michaela has experience running individual and group therapy sessions using CBT, DBT, Person-Centered Therapy and Motivational Interviewing with diverse populations including clients in jail diversion programs, survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence and with clients in need of anger management.  She accepts Aetna, Cigna and Husky insurance. 

Jennifer Favorite
LMFT

Jennifer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who obtained her MS MFT at Central Connecticut State University with a concentration in Internal Family System (IFS) and Action Methods. Her undergrad degree was obtained in Psychology with a Minor in Studio Arts at Eastern Connecticut State University. Since receiving her graduate degree 10 years ago, Jennifer has completed Levels one and two in IFS with additional training in play therapy. She specializes in utilizing many forms of expressive arts including play therapy techniques with experience serving families and individuals ages 3 to 92.  Jennifer also worked as a Play and Family Therapist within a School Based Health Center. She has an eclectic array of modalities including visualization techniques, externalization of parts, psychodrama and art activities to enhance personal growth. Jennifer has extensive experience with anxiety and depressive
disorders along with stages of life changes and Spirituality. She is currently accepting adult clients for telehealth. In the future, she will be accepting in-person visits, in addition to accepting clients for play therapy which must involve the family. She currently accepts Husky, Cigna, and Optum insurance.

Michelle Post
LCSW

Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated with her master's degree from University of Connecticut in 2019. Michelle has been working with children in one way or another for most of her career. Her experience started with babysitting and nannying then continued with therapeutic mentoring, intensive in-home treatment for children and families, and school based outpatient clinical treatment. Michelle is passionate about her work with children and families and believes that speaking openly about struggles in the home can result in healthy communication towards problem solving. Michelle has experience working with clients who present with anxiety, depression, trauma, life stressors and transitions, and disordered eating habits. Michelle bases her practice off of Feminist, cognitive, exposure, and empowerment perspectives. Mainly, she works with the client to meet their needs and believes that the work done in the therapy office is a collaborative effort between the clinician and the client. Michelle is a proud supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Sherell Robinson
LMSW

Sherell is a Licensed Master Social Worker who obtained her MSW from the University of Saint Joseph. Sherell is also a nationally certified Mental Health Aid Instructor, and has been teaching MHFA since 2019. Since receiving her degree, Sherell has been working at an inpatient psychiatric hospital with adults, providing dual diagnosis therapy and group therapy. Sherell works with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, mood disorders, domestic violence, addiction, and PTSD. She has facilitated individual and group therapy sessions utilizing CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing among diverse populations. Sherell takes pride in first establishing a therapeutic relationship to build the foundation of truth in every session. She is now accepting in-person/telehealth adult clients and couples. Sherell will employ an individualized approach to therapy in order to empower change, in a safe place to begin the healing process. She currently accepts Aetna, Cigna, Husky, and self-pay.