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Sherrie is a holistic and integrative Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC) with more than 23 years of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. She holds a graduate degree in Clinical Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Worcester State College. Over the past two decades, she has worked across community mental health, correctional settings, school-based programs, and outpatient care. Her extensive experience includes clinical supervision, organizational leadership, and statewide training initiatives focused on trauma, resilience, and provider wellbeing. Sherrie specializes in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, stress, grief, relationship patterns, addiction, and complex co-occurring concerns.

Sherrie is known for her grounded, collaborative, and empowering presence; qualities that shape every aspect of her work. She often shares a guiding belief that reflects her therapeutic philosophy: “Healing happens when people feel seen, supported, and safe enough to explore who they are and who they’re becoming.” Her therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care with a strength-based, person-centered philosophy. She also incorporates experiential and nature-based strategies, such as walk and talk therapy, to support grounding, emotional regulation, and whole-person wellness.

Clients consistently describe Sherrie as warm, steady, and deeply present. She meets each person exactly where they are, offering a balance of compassion, insight, and practical tools. Her work is collaborative and empowering, helping clients understand their patterns, build resilience, and reconnect with their sense of purpose and self-worth.

Outside of her clinical role, Sherrie enjoys spending time in nature, engaging in creative practices, and cultivating meaningful connections — all of which contribute to the grounded, balanced presence she brings to her work.

Sherrie Offers

- Individual counseling for adults

- Support for people of all backgrounds and identities, including LGBTQ+ communities

- Evidence-based interventions for anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, OCD, behavioral concerns, trauma, substance use, and complex co-occurring concerns

- Experiential & nature-based therapeutic strategies

- A trauma-informed & strength-based therapeutic setting

- Compassionate support for those navigating stress, grief, and concerns around self-esteem

- Guidance navigating life transitions, relationship stress, & caregiving roles

Sherrie is a holistic and integrative Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC) with more than 23 years of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. She holds a graduate degree in Clinical Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Worcester State College. Over the past two decades, she has worked across community mental health, correctional settings, school-based programs, and outpatient care. Her extensive experience includes clinical supervision, organizational leadership, and statewide training initiatives focused on trauma, resilience, and provider wellbeing. Sherrie specializes in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, stress, grief, relationship patterns, addiction, and complex co-occurring concerns.

Sherrie is known for her grounded, collaborative, and empowering presence; qualities that shape every aspect of her work. She often shares a guiding belief that reflects her therapeutic philosophy: “Healing happens when people feel seen, supported, and safe enough to explore who they are and who they’re becoming.” Her therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care with a strength-based, person-centered philosophy. She also incorporates experiential and nature-based strategies, such as walk and talk therapy, to support grounding, emotional regulation, and whole-person wellness.

Clients consistently describe Sherrie as warm, steady, and deeply present. She meets each person exactly where they are, offering a balance of compassion, insight, and practical tools. Her work is collaborative and empowering, helping clients understand their patterns, build resilience, and reconnect with their sense of purpose and self-worth.

Outside of her clinical role, Sherrie enjoys spending time in nature, engaging in creative practices, and cultivating meaningful connections — all of which contribute to the grounded, balanced presence she brings to her work.

Sherrie Offers

- Individual counseling for adults

- Support for people of all backgrounds and identities, including LGBTQ+ communities

- Evidence-based interventions for anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, OCD, behavioral concerns, trauma, substance use, and complex co-occurring concerns

- Experiential & nature-based therapeutic strategies

- A trauma-informed & strength-based therapeutic setting

- Compassionate support for those navigating stress, grief, and concerns around self-esteem

- Guidance navigating life transitions, relationship stress, & caregiving roles

Karla is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Connecticut, holding a master’s degree in Counselor Education with a specialization in Clinical Professional Counseling from Central Connecticut State University. Karla provides support to her clients in exploring and determining pathways towards a purposeful and well-balanced life, while acknowledging and addressing any past issues without allowing them to dominate the present. Karla’s diverse experiences have equipped her with the tools to support others effectively. Karla has a background in counseling in multiple settings working with children, teens, and adults. She enjoys doing both  process groups and individual counseling. Karla enjoys working with clients that have complex situations and brings empathy, non-judgment, and understanding into all of her sessions. She creates tailored, specialized treatment plans with specific goals and objectives for guiding her patients into self- sustaining healthy behavior patterns for life.

 

Karla employs Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Client-Centered Therapy to help clients identify and address their presenting issues. By focusing on “the how” and connecting behaviors to their negative impacts, Karla assists clients in understanding and overcoming obstacles. Karla’s approach is characterized by compassion, transparency, respect, and honesty, fostering meaningful connections with clients.

 

In her free time, Karla enjoys being physically active to promote a healthy life balance, traveling, connecting with family and friends, and practicing mindfulness activities.

 

Karla offers:

• Individual and family counseling for children, adolescents, adults

• Therapy for ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, substance use/ addiction, trauma, mood disorders, OCD, communication difficulties, panic attacks, substance abuse, anger management, crisis intervention, and life transitions or changes.

• Group counseling on trauma, substance abuse, domestic violence, adverse childhood experiences, divorce, parenting issues, and women’s issues

Traci is a licensed professional counselor associate and board-certified, provisionally registered art therapist who works with kids, teens, and adults experiencing burnout, emotional overwhelm, and the pressure to constantly hold everything together. She holds a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Clinical Counseling from Albertus Magnus College and a Bachelor's degree in Family Studies from the University of Connecticut.

Traci has experience in higher levels of care and community mental health settings, working with both individuals and groups. She offers a warm, collaborative, and grounded approach, creating space for clients to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and heal in ways that don’t
rely solely on words.

 She integrates art therapy with evidence-based counseling practices to support individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, relationship stress, caregiving roles, and patterns of self-criticism. Her work is trauma-informed and strengths-based, using art as a tool for expression, insight, and nervous system regulation—no artistic experience required.
Outside of her clinical work, Traci enjoys nature walks, experimenting with different art materials, spending time with her teenage children, and exploring the world with her partner.

Traci Offers
- Individual counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and families .
- Support for people of all backgrounds and identities, including LGBTQ+ communities
- Evidence-based interventions for anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar, Personality
Disorders, OCD, behavioral concerns, trauma, substance use, and complex co-occurring
concerns.
- A trauma-informed & strength-based therapeutic setting.
- Art as a tool for expression and nervous system regulation.
- Compassionate support for those navigating stress, grief, and concerns around self-
esteem.
- Guidance navigating life transitions, relationship stress, & caregiving roles.

Karla is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Connecticut, holding a master’s degree in Counselor Education with a specialization in Clinical Professional Counseling from Central Connecticut State University. Karla provides support to her clients in exploring and determining pathways towards a purposeful and well-balanced life, while acknowledging and addressing any past issues without allowing them to dominate the present. Karla’s diverse experiences have equipped her with the tools to support others effectively. Karla has a background in counseling in multiple settings working with children, teens, and adults. She enjoys doing both  process groups and individual counseling. Karla enjoys working with clients that have complex situations and brings empathy, non-judgment, and understanding into all of her sessions. She creates tailored, specialized treatment plans with specific goals and objectives for guiding her patients into self- sustaining healthy behavior patterns for life.

 

Karla employs Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Client-Centered Therapy to help clients identify and address their presenting issues. By focusing on “the how” and connecting behaviors to their negative impacts, Karla assists clients in understanding and overcoming obstacles. Karla’s approach is characterized by compassion, transparency, respect, and honesty, fostering meaningful connections with clients.

 

In her free time, Karla enjoys being physically active to promote a healthy life balance, traveling, connecting with family and friends, and practicing mindfulness activities.

 

Karla offers:

• Individual and family counseling for children, adolescents, adults

• Therapy for ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, substance use/ addiction, trauma, mood disorders, OCD, communication difficulties, panic attacks, substance abuse, anger management, crisis intervention, and life transitions or changes.

• Group counseling on trauma, substance abuse, domestic violence, adverse childhood experiences, divorce, parenting issues, and women’s issues

Traci is a licensed professional counselor associate and board-certified, provisionally registered art therapist who works with kids, teens, and adults experiencing burnout, emotional overwhelm, and the pressure to constantly hold everything together. She holds a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Clinical Counseling from Albertus Magnus College and a Bachelor's degree in Family Studies from the University of Connecticut.

Traci has experience in higher levels of care and community mental health settings, working with both individuals and groups. She offers a warm, collaborative, and grounded approach, creating space for clients to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and heal in ways that don’t
rely solely on words.

 She integrates art therapy with evidence-based counseling practices to support individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, relationship stress, caregiving roles, and patterns of self-criticism. Her work is trauma-informed and strengths-based, using art as a tool for expression, insight, and nervous system regulation—no artistic experience required.
Outside of her clinical work, Traci enjoys nature walks, experimenting with different art materials, spending time with her teenage children, and exploring the world with her partner.

Traci Offers
- Individual counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and families .
- Support for people of all backgrounds and identities, including LGBTQ+ communities
- Evidence-based interventions for anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar, Personality
Disorders, OCD, behavioral concerns, trauma, substance use, and complex co-occurring
concerns.
- A trauma-informed & strength-based therapeutic setting.
- Art as a tool for expression and nervous system regulation.
- Compassionate support for those navigating stress, grief, and concerns around self-
esteem.
- Guidance navigating life transitions, relationship stress, & caregiving roles.

Sherrie is a holistic and integrative Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC) with more than 23 years of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. She holds a graduate degree in Clinical Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Worcester State College. Over the past two decades, she has worked across community mental health, correctional settings, school-based programs, and outpatient care. Her extensive experience includes clinical supervision, organizational leadership, and statewide training initiatives focused on trauma, resilience, and provider wellbeing. Sherrie specializes in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, stress, grief, relationship patterns, addiction, and complex co-occurring concerns.

Sherrie is known for her grounded, collaborative, and empowering presence; qualities that shape every aspect of her work. She often shares a guiding belief that reflects her therapeutic philosophy: “Healing happens when people feel seen, supported, and safe enough to explore who they are and who they’re becoming.” Her therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care with a strength-based, person-centered philosophy. She also incorporates experiential and nature-based strategies, such as walk and talk therapy, to support grounding, emotional regulation, and whole-person wellness.

Clients consistently describe Sherrie as warm, steady, and deeply present. She meets each person exactly where they are, offering a balance of compassion, insight, and practical tools. Her work is collaborative and empowering, helping clients understand their patterns, build resilience, and reconnect with their sense of purpose and self-worth.

Outside of her clinical role, Sherrie enjoys spending time in nature, engaging in creative practices, and cultivating meaningful connections — all of which contribute to the grounded, balanced presence she brings to her work.

Sherrie Offers

- Individual counseling for adults

- Support for people of all backgrounds and identities, including LGBTQ+ communities

- Evidence-based interventions for anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, OCD, behavioral concerns, trauma, substance use, and complex co-occurring concerns

- Experiential & nature-based therapeutic strategies

- A trauma-informed & strength-based therapeutic setting

- Compassionate support for those navigating stress, grief, and concerns around self-esteem

- Guidance navigating life transitions, relationship stress, & caregiving roles

Samantha Ortiz is our Neurotoxin, Dermal Filler, and Aesthetics Specialist. She is a Registered Nurse specializing in neurotoxins, dermal fillers, and facial and body rejuvenation. She brings an ambitious and driven attitude towards patient-centered care to the practice.

Samantha has over 13 years of experience in medical aesthetics. She continually advances her education to ensure the use of the latest and most advanced treatment protocols.

Additionally, Samantha is a Pediatric Nurse spending much of her time caring for children in need. Samantha enjoys hiking, traveling, and doing volunteer work in her free time.

She volunteers with Dr. Elaine Suderio with Healing the Children, an organization providing free surgical services to children in need all over the world. Samantha is committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for all of her patients

I migrated to the U.S. over 20 years ago to find my ‘American Dream’. It didn’t take me long to find it. I always wanted to help people. In 2002, I graduated with a masters degree in Art Therapy & MH Counseling. Since then, I’ve been working with children and families throughout the western MA region for nearly 19 years & now in FL. I started my own private practice in 2014 and have not looked back. I have extensive experience with children and families.

Guiding Balance, located in Port Jefferson Station and Patchogue, New York, is a beacon of hope for individuals aged four and older who desire psychiatric care that goes beyond the conventional. They specialize in creating balance both within and outside their patients’ lives, striving to cultivate harmony and ensure each patient feels self aware, empowered, and genuinely cared for.

One aspect that sets Guiding Balance apart is their keen understanding of emotional impulsivity, which is often misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder when it may actually be linked to conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism. The clinic’s dedicated team of psychiatric providers excels in medication management and collaborates seamlessly to craft personalized treatment plans. They put their heads together to guarantee that they provide the most effective treatments to support their patients’ optimal well-being.

Guiding Balance operates on a team-based model, ensuring patients always have access to the right professional. Their commitment to patient-centered care is evident in their comprehensive initial appointments, lasting 3-4 hours, designed to thoroughly understand each individual's needs. If a provider isn't the perfect fit for a patient, other team members can readily step in and further assist the patient where a better connection may exist.

The team of professionals at Guiding Balance offer a broad spectrum of services, ranging from adult and pediatric therapy to medication management for anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression and other conditions. Their unwavering dedication to their patients’ holistic well-being makes them a trusted choice for those seeking psychiatric care in Port Jefferson Station and Patchogue.

To request an appointment, please call the friendly administrative staff today.

Samantha Ortiz is our Neurotoxin, Dermal Filler, and Aesthetics Specialist. She is a Registered Nurse specializing in neurotoxins, dermal fillers, and facial and body rejuvenation. She brings an ambitious and driven attitude towards patient-centered care to the practice.

Samantha has over 13 years of experience in medical aesthetics. She continually advances her education to ensure the use of the latest and most advanced treatment protocols.

Additionally, Samantha is a Pediatric Nurse spending much of her time caring for children in need. Samantha enjoys hiking, traveling, and doing volunteer work in her free time.

She volunteers with Dr. Elaine Suderio with Healing the Children, an organization providing free surgical services to children in need all over the world. Samantha is committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for all of her patients