He who knows others is wise.
He who knows himself is enlightened.

-Lao Tzu

As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human
existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of Being.

-Carl Jung

I meditate so that my mind
cannot complicate my life.

-Sri Chinmoy

Welcome to Arete Psychological Services

Here at Arete, I am dedicated to providing high-quality professional psychological services to adolescents, young adults, and families. Whether in the context of my office, in conjunction with our local schools, or as a liaison between young adults and their colleges or universities, I have had consistent success throughout Connecticut helping young people and their families. It is my goal and privilege to help adolescents and young adults regain control over their lives, define and pursue their genuine ambitions, and reconnect with the families that love and support them.

“Arete" (pronounced "R-Uh-Tay") is the ancient Greek word for well-rounded excellence in all aspects of personhood. In the spirit of this idea, I am deeply committed to assisting young people in capitalizing on what is healthy and resourceful in their nature, in enabling them to use their existing abilities more effectively, to offer new life skills, and to help them channel their development in positive directions. In all respects, my aim is to provide effective, confidential, and compassionate interventions - as well as practical solutions - while actively facilitating communication and cooperation between my clients, their families, and their larger support networks.

Inquiry is the Process and Wisdom is the Outcome

Using state of the art intervention strategies in conjunction with specifically tailored mindfulness techniques allows me to provide a highly individualized, pragmatic, and holistic treatment plan for each client. We will develop each person’s plan for therapy during the course of respectful dialogue and mutual inquiry with an emphasis on promoting health and higher functioning across all dimensions of personhood – the emotional, intellectual, philosophical, and behavioral pillars of the self – and by attending to the needs and concerns of the family system that supports them, as it is also an essential pillar of a healthy (young) self.

In addition to individual and family therapy, I have many years of experience providing immediate crisis intervention plans, systemic behavior modification strategies, educational consulting and high school/college support, psychological testing, and special education evaluations. I can help with a number of issues including depression, anxiety, adoption issues, learning differences, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, personality disorders, and family conflicts. Also, students who generally under-perform in school or act out behaviorally often benefit from assessment and treatment.

ARETE SERVICES

Individual & Family Therapy

Arete specializes in individual adolescent, family, and young adult psychotherapy. Dr. Abbott and collaborating clinicians have received advanced training in the psychological treatment of young persons, and are skilled in the application of many established psychotherapy models. Read More...

Mindfulness Practices

As a registered yoga teacher as well as psychologist, Dr. Abbott strives to be a holistic practitioner of the healing arts, incorporating the best of both evidence-based western medicine and the power of historical and modern mindfulness approaches. Read More...

Special Education Evaluations

Young people having difficulty in school are a concern for many parents. Acting as a bridge between family and school, Dr. Abbott can guide the development of in-school behavioral programs, customize IEP specifics to meet the needs of the student, and coordinate treatment approaches and the educational strategies in place to maximize the success of each. Read More...

Educational Consulting & Placement

Educational consulting is available to assist families in identifying schools, colleges, internships, and longer-term therapeutic settings that may be necessary and appropriate or simply a better fit for their children. Read More...

PATIENT FEEDBACK

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"I wanted to tell you how happy it made me last Thursday at the PPT. I felt so proud at the way (my son) E handled himself and how maturely he spoke and behaved. This has been a long time coming. E has really come a long way in the last year. He is so pleasant in general...at home he is helpful with little attitude and follows the rules 99% of the time. That's pretty good for 16. I feel that he must be better behaved in school as well or the option of going back to the high school would not have been an option. With that being said, I want to thank ( you) who have so patiently worked so hard with E and who all support me through all the difficult times"

Mom, Cheshire