Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Depression Depression is a serious mental illness that affects children and adults emotionally, mentally and physically. It is characterized by feelings of extreme sadness, guilt, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Depression can also affect the way you think, feel, and act, and can lead to problems in everyday life. Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include: Feeling extreme sadness Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much Isolation or decreased socialization Loss of energy or increased fatigue Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions observable by others) Feeling worthless or guilty Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions Thoughts of death or suicide The first step to receiving the right treatment involves seeking a health care provider and mental health professional . Health care providers can provide exams to rule out other existing conditions and advise to seek counseling if diagnosed. Mental health counselors can help treat depression through psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of the two. Positive Directions Approach to Depression: At Positive Directions, we understand that Depression can feel debilitating. Our approach in working with clients to address their depressive symptoms is collaborative and client-driven, and we work to meet the client where they are at to tailor treatment to their individual circumstances. Upon admission, a comprehensive intake evaluation is completed to gather a history of the client and learn more about the symptoms they have been experiencing. This helps us to gather a comprehensive picture of the impact the clients’ symptoms have had on their lives and allows us to tailor our approach to the client’s needs. Starting with this information, we then develop an individualized treatment plan for each client that is tailored to their needs and goals. The treatment plan is the guide-post for the work we do in session, and progress toward treatment goals is evaluated and measured during each counseling session. Additionally, we periodically review this plan with our clients to ensure that we are consistently working toward and updating goals and objectives as appropriate. Based upon the treatment plan, services are provided to address individual needs and teach clients the skills and tools necessary to gain insight and understanding, work to decrease depressive symptoms, and improve their overall quality of life. Our counselors also work closely with family members as appropriate, educating them about depression and mental health, and supporting their involvement in their loved one’s treatment. When providing these services, a variety of clinical techniques are utilized such as cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, solution-focused and dialectical behavioral tools. Our clinicians are trained in a variety of effective treatment modalities, and treatment is tailored to specific individual and family needs. Furthermore, our clinicians connect with outside providers as necessary, and are able to make appropriate referrals to additional providers should the need arise in order to collaborate and provide comprehensive treatment. Our approach is designed to assist people in improving the quality of their lives. Resources: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression Depression: Service

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Community Prevention Because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure... Christine Rutigliano shares her son's struggle with Cannabis Addiction Christine, a local parent, shares her son's heart-breaking struggle with cannabis dependency. As a result of misusing cannabis, her son developed cannabanoid hyperemesis syndrome (CMS) and has "thirteen emergency room visits under his belt." margaret watt, prevention director, discusses parenting in a complex world Margaret Watt, Prevention Director at Positive Directions, participated as a panelist in a virtual conversation about parenting in a complex world hosted by Family & Children's Agency. Our Prevention Division works with local communities to prevent substance misuse and foster mental wellbeing, with a primary focus on youth. How does community prevention work? Learn more Info & resources on substance misuse Learn more Info & resources on suicide Learn more Community coalitions Learn more Training Workshops Learn more Community Surveys Learn more Games Learn more

Melanie DeLapp, LMFT < Back Melanie DeLapp, LMFT Clinical Director Melanie DeLapp is a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in CT and NY, and received her Master's education from Iona College. Melanie has experience working for a broad range of community-based mental health services and is trained in DBT, FBT (The Maudsley method,) and SPACE (supportive parenting for anxious childhood emotions.) Melanie specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, OCD, anxiety, specific phobias, and school refusal/avoidance. Her approach is systemic, solution-focused, and strengths based. Prior to joining the Positive Directions Team, Melanie spent 5 years as a clinical coordinator for a non-profit organization, and has extensive experience in residential and partial hospitalization eating disorder treatment. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys baking, reading romance novels, and snuggling with her dog, Tater Tot. Melanie can be contacted by phone at 203-227-7644 ext 851.

Bob Vietro < Back Bob Vietro, MS, LADC, ICGCII Lic. Alcohol & Drug Counselor Since 1988, Bob has treated and studied substance misuse/disorders and process addictions, including gambling. He has practiced in both residential and outpatient treatment settings. Bob also has extensive experience in planning and facilitating family Interventions and mediation. The focus of his treatment approach is to help his clients modify their presenting behaviors in order to reduce harmful consequences and to attend to the emotional and situational factors that underlie their actions. Inherent in his approach and personal style, he creates an environment for his clients that is free of judgment and stigma. Bob has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from NYU and a Master's Degree in Counseling and Addictions Studies. He is a Connecticut State Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and an International Certified Gambling Counselor (ICCGCII). He has attended training and received certification from the Johnson Institute for Interventions. In 2014, Bob received an award from the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling in recognition of his contribution to the field and work in problem gambling as well as a Certificate of Special Recognition from U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Testimonials We care deeply about our clients' experience and are committed to providing the highest quality behavioral healthcare. To ensure we are meeting our clients' needs, each year we conduct a Consumer Satisfaction Survey, using a questionnaire from the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Participation in this survey is completely voluntary and anonymous. We use the feedback internally as part of our continuous improvement initiative and we share the results with DMHAS. Below is a sampling of feedback we have received from our clients over the past two years. "I started seeing {Therapist} shortly after my fourth manic episode. It was a long road to proper diagnosis and acceptance of bipolar disorder. I tried seeing multiple therapists before working with her but none of them helped as much as she did. {Therapist} helped me greatly managing my anxiety and bipolar disorder. She taught me a number of skills that helped me being fully functional despite suffering from a mood disorder. I greatly enjoy working with {Therapist}." "{Therapist} is very supportive, understanding, and compassionate. As a result I have been able to open up to her more quickly than any of my previous therapists. She makes even the most ridiculous of thoughts, feelings, or emotions seem typical. When I have needed a therapy session last minute because I'm in crisis, {Therapist} finds availability. During crises she remains calm, neutral, but firm with options for her patients. I can't imagine seeing anyone else now that I have begun this relationship." “I am very grateful to Positive Directions and especially my therapist. When I first came here I was homeless, very depressed and impossibly sad. That was about a year ago? It feels like a lifetime ago, and since then I have been able to learn and utilize coping skills I never would have thought of on my own. My gratitude is immense. I have a nice home now, and I am even able to help others, too. Thank you to everyone at Positive Directions.” "I really need to thank {Therapist} for getting me through some very difficult times. Don't know what I would have done without her....she’s fantastic. Thank you all so much; and all the best to a classy organization".

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Kimberly Falconer Billing Specialist

Jessica Dassori < Back Jessica Dassori, MA, NCC, LPCA Lic. Professional Counselor Assoc. Jessica is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate who began as an intern at Positive Directions. She has clinical experience working with adolescents and adults, including years on-site with elementary, middle, and high school students. Jessica’s therapeutic approach is unique to each individual. She draws on her training and experience to collaborate with her clients and shape an optimal counseling program for their specific wants and needs. She has worked extensively with clients dealing with anxiety and depression, as well as the effects of trauma, transitions, and loss. She also has training in substance misuse and group counseling. Jessica utilizes components of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Interventions, and Solution-Focused Techniques in addition to many other modalities in her practice. Regardless of the distinct dynamics of each relationship, Jessica brings compassion, flexibility, and empathy to every interaction she has. Jessica lives in Westport with her husband and two young children and graduated from Hamilton College and Fairfield University. Jessica can be contacted via email at jdassori@positivedirections.org or by phone at 203-227-7644 ext. 835.

Jessica Branson < Back Jessica Branson Interim Executive Director Jess joins Positive Directions as Interim Executive Director having lived in Westport, Norwalk and Fairfield County for over 30 years. Her upbringing in a family of empathetic healers and devoted community leaders instilled in her the importance of listening, nurturing, and empowering others. These values have guided her 25+ years of experience in business, media and marketing strategy for fortune 100 companies and her own growth consultancy. A compassionate and determined leader, she’s helped hundreds of brands and organizations raise awareness, build resilience, and create meaningful change by blending a for profit mindset with a nonprofit heart. As a people person, Jess’ superpower is building connections. She leverages the talents and resources of individuals and organizations to inspire action, promote mental health awareness, and strengthen communities. “Making connections lights me up, and as a lifelong competitor, delivering results fills my cup.” No stranger to adversity, Jess’s determined spirit was tested after contracting Guillan Barre Syndrome (GBS), a neurological nerve disease that paralyzed her for over 10 months. After a year in a wheelchair and years in therapy and rehab, her tenacity, grit and faith have helped her persevere. She has deep empathy for those battling mental and physical health challenges. Jess’ experience changed her profoundly and inspired her mission to build healthier, more connected communities, perfectly synergistic with Positive Directions' vision “to strengthen the mental wellbeing of individuals and communities.” Her husband (Bill), family and friends were vital parts of her healing and life re-entry. She is forever thankful for the support of her caretakers, nurses, doctors, and therapists. She knows first-hand it takes a village, and she is honored to be a part of Positive Directions’. Jess can be reached by email at jbranson@positivedirections.org and by phone at 203-227-7644.

Nicole Merlo-White < Back Nicole Merlo-White, MA, LMFT Lic. Marriage & Family Therapist Nice to meet you! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with twenty years of experience in the field. I work with all age groups, from early childhood to older adults. My clinical approach is nonjudgmental, integrative, and 'you' focused. I will always strive to provide a safe place for you to share, explore, heal, and progress in your journey. Within my own journey, I try to allow myself to feel the feelings and experience the sensations that arise. I am then able to thoughtfully respond or plan for next steps in a healthy and positive way. I believe in self-care and try to be mindful when it's needed. I find enjoyment and a sense of freedom when spending time outdoors, whether it be hiking, running or sitting on a bench and reading a book.

Ethan Wattley < Back Ethan Wattley, MA, LPC Lic. Professional Counselor Ethan joins Positive Directions with experiences in multiple Inpatient and Outpatient settings, including Hospital settings and residential treatment facilities. He has worked with people to lessen symptoms of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and severe psychosis. Ethan approaches therapy from the perspective of wanting to understand what it would mean for his clients to have a meaningful life, and what is currently blocking that. Therapy is a collaborative process, to which Ethan brings training in different modalities (such as Internal Family Systems and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy) as well psychopathology and the therapeutic relationship. But he recognizes that clients also bring their own expertise and understanding of what it means to be them and what they want out of life. Together, he works together with clients to discover the internal strength and healing they already hold inside, even if they do not know it yet. Ethan has a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is level 2 trained in Internal Family Systems and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. In addition a level 1 training in Clinical Hypnosis and experience working with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Ethan is a Licensed Professional Counselor by the State of CT.

Leslie Corrigan < Back Leslie Corrigan 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

Sarafina Ndzi < Back Sarafina Ndzi, MA, LPCA Lic. Prof'l Counselor Assoc. Sarafina Ndzi (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. She works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, major life transitions, and relational stress. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in person-centered care and wellness. She integrates a variety of strategies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic techniques, mindfulness practices, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing. Sarafina tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each client, while also considering the social and cultural factors that shape their experiences. Sarafina earned a Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University and a Master of Arts in Community Psychology from the University of New Haven. She completed her clinical counseling training here at Positive Directions, and also serves as a Program Evaluator for mental health initiatives outside of therapy. Sarafina lives in Fairfield County with her husband and young child. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, dancing, attending live music events, and spending quality time with family and friends. Sarafina can be contacted via email at sndzi@positivedirections.org or by phone at 203-227-7644.