Are you considering counseling but not sure if it’s the right step for you? Schedule a clinical consultation with Positive Directions and let our experienced team help guide you. We’ll take the time to understand your unique needs and recommend the best course of action for your mental health journey. Don’t wait any longer, take the first step towards a happier and healthier life today.

In This Blog: New SMART Teens group starts TONIGHT! Teen Nights Out Panel discussion on the impact of cannabis legalization - April 1st CT Save a Life Day: 3 Free Narcan Trainings - April 8th Positive Directions fundraiser: Sign up to ride for Mental Health! - May 3rd Accepting New Clients! Just for Teens New! SMART Teens Group – Free Group Tuesdays Starting Tonight! High schoolers - looking for a safe space to get support and develop skills to work through challenges related to substance use or mental health? Check out our new virtual SMART Teens group! You'll learn to: build motivation cope with unhealthy urges manage your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors live a balanced life Starting March 24, 2026, the group will meet every Tuesday from 6–7 PM on Zoom. Get link at positivedirections.org/groups Please download & share the flyer! Teen Nights Out in Norwalk & Westport Our prevention coalitions in Norwalk and Westport are organizing free, fun, sober social activities for high school students. Check out the flyers below and get more info & RSVP for the Norwalk Creative Hangout here or head to the Westport Roll, Roast & Relax night next month. Community Events Panel Discussion: "2.5 Years Later: How has legal weed affected our community?" To kick off Cannabis Awareness Month, join members of The Norwalk Partnership for a panel discussion sharing community perspectives on the impact of cannabis legalization. This virtual event is the 4th in a Regional Speaker Series organized by the Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project, run by Positive Directions. The project brings Norwalk, New Canaan, Weston, Westport and Wilton together to address underage cannabis use. The event will take place on April 1, 2026, from 7:00–8:00 PM.   Register here  for the link. Please download & share flyer below.  Free Overdose Awareness & Narcan trainings On April 8, communities throughout the state will observe "CT Save a Life Day" by providing free overdose awareness & Narcan trainings through collabaorations between local health departments and prevention coalitions. Positive Directions looks forward to providing 3 opportunities that day -- please choose your location and language and RSVP here to secure your spot because supplies are limited! Support us at our 2nd annual "Ride for Mental Health" Spinathon! Come out to support Positive Directions at our 2026 Fundraiser event, "Ride for Mental Health," at the Westport YMCA on May 3rd from 12-2 PM. Whether you are hoping to ride for our cause, contribute financially, or support family and friends as they ride for us, all are welcome! We hope to see you there! Learn more & sign up for a bike here . Clinic News Positive Directions is happy to share that we have immediate availability to offer! Those with either Husky and Cigna insurance or no insurance have no wait time. Intakes are scheduled within 48 hours. If you or someone you know is looking to start counseling, call us today at 203-227-7644. We are here to help!

As we observe Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2026 under the theme “Every BODY Belongs,” I am finding it more important than ever to confront the new and shifting reality in today’s culture . Buzzwords like “fitness” and “wellness” are normalizing harmful behaviors and masking serious illness. In a year marked by radical changes in government nutrition policy and a booming “fitspiration” culture online and in the media, the line is blurring between health and obsession, and the fallout can be deadly.  New Governmental Guidelines  In January 2026, the federal government released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines which replaced the MyPlate model we have been following since 2011. MyPlate was developed by the USDA and offered a color coded, visual guide of what a meal should look like. This model was effective, simple to understand for the average American, and gave a clear visual representation of an ideal plate.  The new food pyramid--developed by a committee where six out of eleven members have financial ties to the meat, dairy, or egg industries--prioritizes red meat, full-fat dairy, eggs, and "whole foods," while advising Americans to completely avoid "highly processed foods" and added sugars. (1) People have asked me, “Why are you opposed to this new food pyramid? It says to eat meat, fruit, and veggies. That’s healthy. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy.” And here’s what I say to those people: The new dietary guidelines are inherently confusing and hard to understand. The pyramid encourages eating “healthy fats” right at the top, but simultaneously tells users to keep their consumption of saturated fats under 10 percent.  Protein is the biggest focus in the new food pyramid, yet a staggering 95% of Americans do not get enough fiber in their diets. Americans aren't dying from lack of protein; they are dying from colon cancer, which can be significantly reduced with proper fiber intake. (2) Note that the majority of fiber-rich foods (oats, grains, fibrous fruits) are now at the bottom of the pyramid. Another issue the new food pyramid raises is something eating disorder providers have been fighting against for years. It uses all or nothing language. By labeling convenient and accessible foods as “dangerous,” the guidelines validate the moralization of food, which is one of the core components of many eating disorders.  The new food pyramid’s tagline is: “Eat real food.” So the language we are getting from the administration is that anything we eat outside of their pyramid isn’t “real.” Talk about a guilt trip if you grab a frozen pizza! And let’s not forget that they are urging everyone to “eat clean.” Not only is the term “clean eating” extremely hard to define, it’s polarizing. The tagline essentially sends the message that if you aren’t doing exactly what they say, your food choices are then “dirty.”  Orthorexia: Taking “wellness” too far All of this aside, I think that perhaps the biggest concern to come out of these new guidelines is what this means in the broader culture of “wellness.” When you log online or turn on the TV, you will be bombarded with advertisements for GLP-1s, protein powders, and Creatine gummies (to name a few) all under the umbrella of “wellness culture.” In 2025, #thinspiration content on TikTok alone was viewed over 5.4 billion times. And of course, the more we interact with this content, the more they will create. This results in people exercising harder, fueling their bodies less with nutrients from their diet, and consuming large amounts of unregulated supplements. This is a problem because Orthorexia, an eating disorder categorized by the obsession with clean/healthy eating and excessive exercise, is the most rapidly growing eating disorder pattern of 2026. Orthorexia is extremely dangerous because of how often it “flies under the radar.” Friends and family often miss signs of severe pathology because their loved one is “just being healthy!” Heck, they are probably encouraging them. The problem is, this becomes all-consuming. If you have watched a “What I Eat in A Day” video from a fitness influencer, you know that the message is: “If you don’t eat like I do, and work out like I do, your body will never look like mine.” 74% of users who follow fitness influencers report feeling dissatisfied with their bodies.  So, why does this all matter? Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness behind opiate addiction. Eating disorders are a growing public health threat to which no one is immune. They affect people of every gender, race, age, sexuality, and socioeconomic status. Additionally, the suicide rate for eating disorder patients is 23 percent higher than the general population.   With this information, my hope is that we can identify and provide support to those who are struggling because intervention saves lives. This Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I challenge you to commit to the idea that Every BODY Belongs. Help for Disordered Eating If you or someone you love is struggling with obsessive dieting, influencer culture, or showing signs of an eating disorder, there is help available.  National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) helpline call or text (800)931-2237  Crisis Text Line: Text NEDS or HOME to 741741 (Available for free 24/7 confidential crisis support.)  The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness: (866)662-1235 (referrals to specialized therapists and support groups) FindEDhelp.com  A searchable database for eating disorder treatment providers at all levels of care  Melanie DeLapp, the Clinical Director at Positive Directions-the Center for Prevention & Counseling, is an LMFT who has specialized in working with those who struggle with eating disorders and body image concerns for the past seven years. She is passionate about educating others on the risks of dieting, fitness influencer culture, and body positivity. Melanie is a HAES-aligned provider and is currently working on obtaining her CEDS. If you have a question or would like to connect over coffee or lunch, reach out to her at: mdelapp@positivedirections.org   Additional Reading: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030: Progress on added sugar, protein hype, saturated fat contradictions • The Nutrition Source Unpacking the new dietary guidelines | Yale News Dietary fiber intake and risk of colorectal cancer and incident and recurrent adenoma in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial - PMC References:   New Dietary Guidelines Were Written by Authors With Strong Ties to the Food Industry, Doctors Report Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. from Colorectal cancer alliance. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Colorectal Cancer Alliance | Prevention, Support & Research for Colorectal Cancer Elevated total dietary fiber intake was associated with a significantly reduced risk of incident distal colorectal adenoma (OR highest   vs.   lowest tertile of intake : 0.76; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.91;  P -trend = 0.003) but not recurrent adenoma ( P -trend = 0.67). Although the association was not statistically significant for colorectal cancer overall (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.70, 1.03;  P -trend = 0.10), a reduced risk of distal colon cancer was observed with increased total fiber intake (HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.94;  P -trend = 0.03). Protective associations were most notable for fiber originating from cereals or fruit. (National Library of Medicine)

Happy holidays! During this holiday season, we'd like to thank our staff for their talent and dedication, our community partners for so many amazing collaborations, and our donors for their support. Below we're showcasing just a couple of the great things we've all accomplished together during the past couple of months -- check out some photos and videos below ! We also recognize that the holidays can be a tough time for many of us. We encourage everybody to practice self-care! Use your coping skills, touch base with your therapist, and/or attend a support group. Please note that Positive Directions will be seeing clients virtually  throughout the holidays , except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day when the office will be closed. Our SMART Recovery and Alternatives to Suicide support groups will be running, but our SMART Family & Friends group is canceled for 12/31 and 1/1. With wishes for health, happiness, and a wonderful year ahead, from the PD staff Shoutout to our Peer Support Project for 2 Awards! Excellence in Advocacy Award Congratulations to Quinn Jannetty , manager of our CT Support Group project, who received Advocacy Unlimited's Dr. Karen Kangas Award for Excellence in Advocacy! In their acceptance speech (download below), Quinn said, "this work is hardly ever easy. It asks a lot of us... of our hearts, our minds, our time. But it’s also full of moments that remind me why I keep showing up, why I continue to dream of what’s possible, and why I believe so deeply that while we are all that each other has, we are also all that we’ll ever need." Quinn gives their acceptance speech at AU's annual award ceremony. for the Dr. Karen Kangas Award for Excellence in Advocacy. Health & Wellness Design award from Graphic Design USA More congratulations to our CT Support Group project--and to our graphic designers over at Habby Design Co .! The project launched our revamped website back in February. Visit it to find out about peer support options for young people statewide. Shoutout to our Youth & Prevention Coalitions for Training Hundreds! New Regional Youth Prevention Team Our Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project has created a new Regional Youth Prevention Team with  13 high school students from New Canaan, Norwalk, Weston, Westport and Wilton . We've trained the teens in the Johnny's Ambassadors cannabis prevention curriculum, and they are available to educate peers as well as to participate in our data collection and advocacy efforts. Andres & Yubleiska (pictured here with staff members Margaret and Francesca) have already trained 3 high school classes in Norwalk! Thanks to the youth and to our project manager, Francesca Guerrier ! Professional Development for Teachers Our Prevention Department recently organized QPR trainings for almost 600 middle and high school faculty at Norwalk Public Schools, building their capacity to recognize and respond to possible suicidal ideation in their students. Thanks to our partners at NPS, Catalyst CT | The Hub, Kids in Crisis, Liberation Programs, Norwalk Health Department, and TPAUD for helping us provide 19 trainings in 3 days! Meanwhile, in collaboration with Westport Youth Services , we also continued to provide QPR training to students at Staples High School, which takes place each quarter in the junior health classes. Through our Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project, we also recently brought together some 75 health teachers, PE teachers, and school counselors from 5 school districts ( New Canaan, Norwalk, Weston, Westport, and Wilton ) for a 3-hour Professional Development training on cannabis, hosted at Staples High School. It included a live expert speaker ( Dr Feuerstein ), a curriculum presenter from Stanford University , and collaboration time. Almost half the teachers said they were previously unaware of the information presented. Regional Webinar Series on Cannabis Our regional speaker series has kicked off, organized through our Mid Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project to raise parent awareness in the region and hear different stakeholder perspectives. Dr. Joe Feuerstein , president of the Fairfield County Medical Association and a Weston resident, launched the virtual series. His expertise and engaging manner were very well received. Click the image to watch the video -- and check out his Cannabinoid Cookbook on how to activate your body's natural endocannabinoid system! The second speaker in our webinar series, Jordan Davidson , is a former Weston/Westport resident, young adult in recovery, and legislative program manager for a national nonprofit. Jordan provided insights into his journey through teen addiction to recovery, as well as sharing up-to-date issues and impactful information on the national status of cannabis. We're sharing his story not only to parents and community members but also teens. Click to watch the recording. Red Ribbon Week Recap Shoutout to our TNP Teens clubs in Norwalk, who engaged youth and parents in an awareness activity at Norwalk Public Library during Red Ribbon Week! RRW is an annual reminder to parents & elementary school staff to talk early, talk often with young children. With increasing calls to poison control and emergency hospital visits by kids who have accidentally ingested edibles, early education is critical. In Westport, young children picked up our RRW awareness activity sheets at two costume parades and five local restaurants: Angelina’s Trattoria; Bar Taco; Little Barn; Old Mill Grocery & Deli; and Rizzuto’s . Thanks to Westport Human Services, The Westport Library , and the participating restaurants for their support, and to our clinical intern, Nikoletta Moschidi , for supporting this project & much more! Shoutout to Local Marathon Runners -- and donors like YOU! Three local runners recently ran the 2025 NYC Marathon as a fundraiser for Positive Directions, and we are so grateful for their support of our mission. Congratulations to each of them for this incredible achievement! Read about the runners here . We also thank all those who supported the runners' efforts by contributing to this fundraiser. As a nonprofit, our agency depends on fundraising to supplement our grant and contractual funding. We pride ourselves on being innovative community leaders in the areas of mental health, substance prevention, and peer support-- but much of that work is not funded! If YOU would like to support our work, please click here to make a year-end donation! You can direct your donation toward our treatment fund (ensuring no one is turned away from counseling for inability to pay), our free support groups , our young adult peer project , our community prevention work, or to the area of greatest need. Thank you for your support! Other News    Positive Directions Office Renovation In order to comfortably accommodate our clients and staff, we have been renovating our space. New closets, floors, paint and a rearrangement of our space are mostly completed. Thanks to our staff who've had to work through the construction and to our clients who have found their way to the new waiting area! We're Hiring! We're looking for a Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor -- preferably bilingual -- so please spread the word to your colleagues in the field!

Leslie Corrigan < Back Leslie Corrigan, BA Clinical Intern Leslie has recently joined Positive Directions as a Clinical Intern and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Sacred Heart University. With her life experience, her background in teaching special education and years of volunteering in her community she brings an adaptable and dynamic approach to counseling. Leslie engages with clients and meets them with openness and optimism. She is passionate about developing healthier thought patterns and setting and pursuing achievable goals. Leslie tailors her approach recognizing each person’s potential and unique qualities as she focuses on a positive mindset and listens intently. She emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and patience. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, listening to music, and taking time to explore NYC or relax on the beach. Leslie can be contacted at lcorrigan@positivedirections.org

< Back Julia Daly, BS Clinical Intern Julia has joined Positive Directions as a Clinical Intern and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern New Hampshire University. Her background includes direct care work with behaviorally challenged children as well as those with disabilities. She has worked as a nanny to infants and toddlers, and a caregiver to the elderly. She also volunteered at a Crisis Textline, supporting texters of all ages and backgrounds during a mental health crisis. Julia prioritizes a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients and meets them where they are. She tailors her approach to each client’s cultural identity, background, and unique life experiences. Julia also acknowledges how influential relationships are to an individual and incorporates them into the therapeutic process. She sees counseling as a collaborative journey, for the client is the expert on themselves and the support they need. In her free time, Julia enjoys cooking and baking, spending time with her loved ones and her cat, and exploring Milford and surrounding towns, as she just recently moved to the area. Julia can be contacted at 203-227-7644.

Ashley Gonçalves < Back Ashley Gonçalves, BA Office Administrator & Clinic Coordinator Ashley joined the Positive Directions team in early January 2025. Although she is new to the field of mental health, she has prior experience working with children and families as a daycare teacher, a Kids Ministry Director, and a receptionist at a pediatric clinic. She has always been curious about the field of counseling and is very excited for the opportunity to learn more about the field. She has a passion to help others and helps cultivate a safe space for all clients by treating everyone she interacts with empathy and compassion. In her free time, Ashley enjoys cooking and baking goodies for her family and friends. She also enjoys knitting shawls and baby blankets for her church, and spending time with her husband and calico cat, Charlotte! Ashley can be contacted via email at info@ positivedirections.org or by phone at 203-227-7644.