Berlin Families Welcomed at New Counseling Center Amid Spike in Anxiety, Depression During Holiday Season

BERLIN, CT—As the holiday season ramps up, mental health providers across Connecticut are seeing an increase in demand for counseling services. That uptick is one of the reasons Southbury Counseling—owned by Brendan Stack—has expanded steadily over the past year. After opening in Southbury, Stack launched a second office in Brookfield on September 15, and most recently opened a third location in Southington, just a few miles from Berlin, on November 3, where clinicians are now accepting new patients.

“We opened in Southington as there was a clear need with not enough providers to serve the population,” owner Brendan Stack shared.

The Southington office is led by Clinical Director Gabrielle Belenchia, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport Clinical Psychology and a master’s degree from Springfield College, where she continued her dual focus on sports psychology and clinical mental health. Today, she specializes in working with high-school students through adults, incorporating techniques such as EMDR for trauma-focused therapy.

“Gabby was one of my first full time employees and it’s great to see her grow and have this opportunity,” Stack said. Belenchia noted that the holidays consistently bring heavier emotional workloads for clients across the field.

“People feel like they have to be happy during the holidays, even when they’re not. It’s okay not to be okay this time of year, and it’s okay to reach out for help,” Belenchia said.

She added that many clients struggle with family stress, unresolved trauma, financial strain, and grief. Something like affording a Christmas tree or buying gifts can add pressure for individuals whose finances are already stretched thin.

Her discussions with local police officers and EMTs reinforce this reality. First responders told her they see more domestic violence calls during the holiday season—a trend supported by Connecticut data. According to the CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence, reports of intimate partner violence rise between November and January, with financial stress, family conflict, and alcohol use being common contributing factors. The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) also reports increases in seasonal depression, anxiety, and crisis-line calls during the winter months.

“Just being around family can bring up a lot more than people expect—old conflicts, grief, pressure to perform, unresolved trauma,” Belenchia said. “You don’t have to hide how you’re feeling.”

Southbury Counseling’s growth has been rapid, particularly after a neighboring practice closed its doors, prompting many clinicians and patients to transition to Stack’s offices. The Southbury location now has around 15 clinicians, with high demand and full caseloads across multiple age groups.

Belenchia said many people seeking therapy locally run into long waitlists at other clinics, making accessibility a key focus of Southbury Counseling’s expansion. Belenchia’s motivation to enter the field is deeply personal.

“Knowing how much therapy has helped me is what inspires me to help others. I consider it a privilege to do what I do,” she said. “I get to hear people’s stories, grow with them, and learn from them. I remind myself every day that this work is an honor.”

The Southington office is now open at 26 North Main St., Suite 2A, in Southington, CT. The practice is accepting new patients for individual counseling, trauma-focused therapy, and mental health support for teens and adults as well as pediatric services. To book an appointment please call (203)568-5923 or email newpatient@southburycounseling.com .