Sound Counseling Center, LLC
Essex, Connecticut
Virtual / online therapy available in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine & Florida
Michelle A Kenefick, LICSW, LCSW, SEP - Founder / Executive Director
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner / Assistant / Personal Session Provider
Emotionally Focused Therapist and EMDR Therapist
Clinical Consultant, Supervisor, Trainer
Michelle is a Licensed (Independent) Clinical Social Worker and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner with nearly 35 years of experience in social work. Her diverse background includes working in both non-profit and corporate settings, supporting adults and children across a variety of environments.
Michelle’s clinical focus is twofold: working with individuals and couples. While all her work is informed by Somatic Experiencing® (SE), she primarily applies this modality when helping individuals restore balance after trauma. Her expertise includes addressing chronic/toxic stress, childhood abuse and neglect, sexual assault, interpersonal violence, medical trauma, motor vehicle accidents, falls, and more. SE is a gentle, body-based approach that fosters awareness of the “felt sense,” using the body’s innate wisdom to cultivate greater peace, well-being, and safety.
In addition to SE, Michelle has advanced trauma training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and serves as a Faculty Trainer for Risking Connection, a trauma-informed care (TIC) curriculum that transforms organizations through consultation, training, coaching, and research. She has trained professionals across the U.S. and internationally.
When working with couples, Michelle utilizes Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an attachment-based approach that acknowledges our deep, evolutionary need for connection. Relationship wounds—whether from unavailability, betrayal, or conflict—can make it difficult to maintain a sense of safety and fulfillment. EFT provides a compassionate framework for rebuilding trust and deepening emotional bonds. Michelle has achieved the highest level of EFT training.
At the heart of Michelle’s practice is the belief that each person holds an innate capacity for healing. She sees every individual as whole, with an untouched core of resilience and wisdom. Her background in contemplative practice and spiritual care strengthens her ability to hold a compassionate presence, creating a space for meaningful transformation.
Please see my webpage for additional information:
Caitlin "Cait" Clancy Cruz, LCSW
Individual and Family Therapist, Clinical Supervisor / Consultant
Cait is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience that includes working in the non-profit sector as well as in private practice. Cait is experienced in working with adult men and women struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss.
Cait is particularly skilled at cultivating a warm and inviting space that encourages skill development, fosters insight, and builds upon your inherent strengths and resilience. Her relational style combined with the use of multiple theoretical approaches and techniques creates a unique connection that allows for thoughtful reflection of your needs as well as an opportunity to learn and practice new skills. Some of the approaches Cait utilizes are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused techniques, psycho-education and mindfulness-based interventions.
Cait is also exceptionally skilled in working with adolescent girls and offers a safe place to address issues related to anxiety, depression, self-injury, isolation, body image, school performance and low self-esteem.
Shanna Reels, LCSW
Individual and Family Therapist
Shanna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut specializing in Native American Affairs. In 2005, she completed her Master's in Social Work from Columbia University with a concentration in children and families. Her work experience includes providing direct care and case management, creating social programs, along with various leadership positions.
Shanna’s clinical experience includes fostering change with anxiety and mood disorders along with helping children who experience emotional and behavioral challenges. She has additional expertise and experience helping parents strengthen their parenting skills. Some of the modalities she uses include Cognitive Behavioral therapy and Solution Focused therapy. Since joining Sound Counseling Center, she has focused on providing specialized care for mothers and fathers experiencing post-partum anxiety and / or depression.
Shanna believes that everyone has the intrinsic potential to grow and move toward the authentic life they want to live. She is honored to be a facilitator and partner on that journey.
Robert G Madden, LCSW, JD
EMDR Therapist, Consultant, Supervisor, Trainer, Mediator, Educator
Individual, Couples and Family Therapist
Bob is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over thirty years of experience. He received a BSW from Providence College, an MSW degree from Columbia University, and a law degree from the University of Connecticut. His practice is diverse as he provides clinical services to adolescents and adults including veterans and first responders. In addition, Bob is an experienced family mediator specializing in helping families successfully transition after separation, divorce, and other life events.
Bob takes a positive, hopeful approach to supporting people to reach their personal goals. As a professor of social work at the University of Saint Joseph, he teaches aspiring therapists how to be effective clinicians. This enables him to be exposed to cutting edge research on effective practice. He is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat depression and anxiety, as well as loss and grief. He is also trained as an EMDR practitioner and he utilizes this method with clients who are working on trauma and struggling with troubling memories and past events.
David P Kenefick, LCSW
EMDR & Circle of Security Parent Facilitator
Individual, Couples and Family Therapist
Operations Support
David is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker having completed the Master's in Social Work program at the University of St. Joseph in 2017. David has experience working with children and families in crisis, with couples, and with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, substance related challenges as well as impulse / conduct disorders and trauma.
David views the therapeutic process through a relational approach that incorporates attachment theory and a psycho-dynamic framework. This perspective allows each person / family the freedom and opportunity to explore how thoughts, emotions and the body-mind connection impacts themselves and those around them. By building a greater understanding of the ways in which patterns influence us, we gain the ability to affect real and meaningful change.
David is registered as a Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P) facilitator and runs multiple groups for parents. COS supports parents seeking to improve the relationship with their children and in increasing their effectiveness in parenting. He is also trained in the Gottman method for Couples Therapy - a skill based approach to improving your relationship and learning to resolve conflict.
Jaquelyn "Jaqui" Taylor, LMSW
EMDR Therapist, Individual, Couples & Family Therapist
Jaqui is a Licensed Master Social Worker with extensive experience supporting diverse communities, families, and individuals in a variety of settings. She has guided children, families, and adults through challenges such as trauma, anxiety, postpartum and perinatal mood disorders, family transitions, eating disorders, divorce, and grief. Committed to creating an open, affirming, and supportive environment, Jaqui is passionate about working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and those exploring issues related to sexuality. As a trained EMDR practitioner, she offers specialized trauma-focused interventions to promote healing and resilience.
Jaqui works from a relational framework, focusing on understanding each client as a whole person. She collaborates with clients to uncover their own solutions and supports them as they navigate life’s challenges. Her therapeutic style is client-centered and strengths-based, incorporating a variety of approaches, including EMDR, mindfulness, CBT/DBT-informed practices, psychoeducation, and traditional psychotherapy. Guided by a trauma-informed perspective, Jaqui ensures that every client feels empowered and supported on their journey toward healing and inner peace.
_JPG.jpg)