About Alana Farnsworth

About my approach (style) to therapy…

I am a Licensed Master’s Social Worker in the state of Connecticut who is passionate and committed to clients and the field of social work. I utilize a strengths-based approach with a variety of therapeutic techniques. My approach is embedded in the Person-Centered Model and utilizes many of the techniques and skills from the Gestalt Method of therapy, which emphasizes the client’s decision-making role. As a clinician, I am working as a facilitator by aiding in the clients promotion and development of self-awareness and discovery of solutions. Through increased self-awareness and skill acquisition you can reach your goals and live life to the fullest.

Most importantly I will provide you with a nonjudgmental environment to share as little or as much as you feel comfortable and use empathy throughout all our interactions. Trust is the foundation to any relationship, and it is essential in the therapeutic relationship. We will work together as a team on building this type of trusting and safe relationship to support your healing and growth. I utilize several types of interventions within therapy and all rooted in evidence-based approaches – such as Integrative Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychoanalysis, and borrowing concepts from Dialectal Behavioral Therapy. I also practice Equine Assisted Psychotherapy at a satellite location in Middletown, CT.

About my background and training…

I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT. I then completed graduate school at the University of Connecticut and obtained my Masters Degree in Social Work. I have been in the field of human services providing direct care for over thirteen years, working with a diverse population of clients including but not limited to adults, adolescents, families, and geriatrics. I have provided care in several settings such as in home, outpatient clinics, schools, partial hospitalization programs, as well as short and long term residentials. I have gotten professional training in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy with Healing Hoofbeats of CT founder, owner and lead clinician, Renee Bouffard. I am also a PATH, Int. certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. I provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy which entails the client working with an equine (a horse or donkey) and a licensed mental health provider. The interactions with the client and horse are highly relational and transactional. These interactions empower clients and provide education on themselves, improving insight, judgement, and body-awareness.

About my work (ideal clients)…

The clients I have worked with thus far have come from different backgrounds with different reasons and circumstances that brought them into treatment. Here are some examples: foster care or involvement with the Department of Children and Families, Autism diagnosis, substance use, mental health, grief/ loss, developmental delays or intellectual disabilities, trauma or PTSD, personality disorders, unhealthy interpersonal relationships, problematic family dynamics, postpartum depression, and pregnant/ parenting mothers who are struggling with issues including mental illness, intimate partner violence, and substance use. Identifying my “ideal clients” is nearly impossible as I seek to constantly improve myself as a clinician and see each opportunity to meet and work with someone new as a valuable step in that process. The only thing I look for in clients is the desire to improve some aspect of their lives, even if they do not know what exactly that is. We can work together to figure that out, the acknowledgment alone is all I need to move forward. I am here to listen and help individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves so they can be the force of change in their lives while promoting self-love and increased confidence. I make a promise to each of my clients to identify goals and make notable progress, making adjustments along the way as needed. If I am ever unable to assist you due to availability issues, financial barriers, or lack of specialty training or education – I have a commitment to every client to find the best provider available for whatever the situation is and facilitate a timely referral.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy can be used with most clients. It is a unique, experiential approach that can be life changing for clients. The client will work on creating a bond with whichever equine is selected for them (horse or donkey) through engagement and participation in a variety of activities. All clients require an assessment prior to being accepted as an equine assisted therapy client and if they are approved to move forward, they must go through an orientation period in which they are provided some basic education on equines and safety. There is protective gear that is required: pants, boots, and a helmet. Although riding the animals is not part of the psychotherapy program, the facility has experienced qualified riding instructors that can work with individuals to schedule riding lessons separate from my relationship with the barn.

In-person visits will be held at the following offices: