Nancy Pelmas Counseling

Now providing both in-person counseling in Montpelier Vermont and virtual (telehealth) counseling for Vermont and Massachusetts: (978)276-4357

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”  Brené Brown

Therapy begins with your story. My role is to hear that story with unconditional compassion and care. Therapy works because it helps us heal old hurts, face challenges with more confidence and take charge of writing our own story and creating our own future. Together we can discover how you want your story to unfold, and I can help you stay on course toward making that happen.

Whether you are struggling with anxiety or depression,  feeling stuck in old habits and behaviors that no longer serve you, or wishing for closer, more connected relationships, I can help you make the changes you want to make and become the person you most want to be.  I incorporate tools from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy and a variety of yoga and mindfulness based practices to help my clients find new ways to live happier, healthier lives.

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About Me

Who am I?

My job is to help you become the person you want to be…so I’d like you to know who I am.    564315_4457897647207_90142208_n

I am a woman with 57 years of life experience: 26 years as a therapist and nearly 23 years as a Mom. I was lucky enough to be able to do a stint as a stay at home mother of three and experience all the joys and stress that go along with that. Since 2006 I’ve also been a mom who works outside the home. I’ve done the difficult job of juggling home, family and career. I’ve seen my own kids, and many other kids and adults, through a whole range of “growing pains” and experiences, and  I’ve gone through plenty of growing pains myself.

I keep my life feeling balanced now with walks in the woods with my dog (nature and exercise are among my go-to, first line antidepressant/anti-anxiety tools) yoga, meditation, creative pursuits and plenty of other “self care” actions that I look forward to sharing with you.

My educational background at Wesleyan University and Smith College School for Social Work, as well as stellar clinical training at Boston Children’s Hospital and Cambridge Hospital followed by years of hands-on work experience, have taught me a lot.  Not only have I acquired skills as a therapist, but I’ve learned how to be pretty darned comfortable in my own skin (except when I’m not).  I’ve learned how to communicate with the people I love, and how to love and cherish time by myself. I’ve learned self-acceptance and self-compassion, and I can help you learn those things too.

But how will I help YOU?

 I will listen to you in a way you may never have been listened to before. With unconditional compassion, I will truly hear you and see you for all the things that make you who you are: your vulnerability, your strengths, your fears and doubts and hopes and joys.  Together, we’ll discover what it will take for you to find happiness and fulfillment. To me that’s what really meaningful therapy is. It’s a chance to own your story, and take charge of what happens next. I can help you do that. We’ll find new perspectives on what’s happening in your life. We’ll figure out what your true needs are, and we’ll discover the healthiest, most effective ways for you to get them met.

Who are YOU and what’s causing your pain?

Do you feel lonely? Worried all the time? Anxious about social events or work or kids or relationships? Do you carry sadness or regrets that you can’t seem to let go of? Ever feel that you’re stuck or have old habits you want to break, or new habits you want to develop? I’ve been there. And I’ve worked with hundreds of other people who’ve been there, too.  

Not only do I have the personal experience,  I have the professional training and tools to help you become the person you want to be: Your best self. The you who can sleep soundly at night, wake up with a feeling of optimism about the day ahead, and share your joy with the people you love. The you who can tell people when you’re angry or hurting or scared and be there for them when they need you. The you who can breathe and relax and feel peaceful and calm in the face of life’s stressful times. The you who can have fun again. The you who can own your feelings, tell your story and do it with pride, self-compassion and respect.

“You Got This!”

One of my favorite catchphrases these days is “You got this!” I like the confidence it expresses. Are you ready to feel that “you got this”?  Call or email me today, and let’s find that person you want to be.  That person is in there, waiting. You got this…WE got this! Contact Me

      

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Therapy Options

“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.”  -Anna Quindlen

Children and Adolescents:

As a parent of three young adults and a therapist with many years of experience working with children, I know how hard it is when our children are hurting. I can help your child or adolescent feel better, and I can help you learn how best to support and communicate with him or her, too. I see kids who are struggling with anxiety, peer relationship issues, low self-esteem, depression and a range of other concerns. We work, play and talk together, and find ways to bring joy and confidence into their lives.

Adults:

Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Are you feeling frustrated by your relationships or wishing you just felt better about yourself? Perhaps you’ve been trying to make changes, and you feel stuck. I can help. Therapy provides an opportunity to grow, to see life from a new perspective, and to learn self-compassion. Whatever brings you to therapy, we can tackle it together.

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Contact Me 978.276.4357

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Testimonials

 

 “I was really nervous about bringing my son to see a therapist, but Nancy put us both at ease right away. After our first visit, he kept asking me ‘when do I get to go see Nancy again??’  I trust her, and so does he.” – Beth A.

“I knew my teenage daughter had a lot of anxiety, but she would never talk to me about it. After working with Nancy for a little while she was able to open up – first with Nancy and then with me. Nancy helped her learn to relax. Her anxiety is much better now,  and I know she feels better about herself.” -Kim S.

“I went to see Nancy when I felt like I was stuck. I had a lot of good things in my life, but I just wasn’t happy. Nancy helped me figure out what I needed to change, and she saw me through some dark times. She’s patient and understanding, and also very warm and down to earth.” -Jonathan R.

“Nancy is such a ‘real’ person. She’s not intimidating at all, and I felt like I could talk to her about anything. At the same time, talking to her was more than just talking to a good listener…she helped me see things in new ways and be nicer to myself.” -Jessica B.