a man with a green shirt and a white shirt
a man with a green shirt and a white shirt

Paul is accepting new clients in MA and CT!

Schedule:

Tuesday- 3pm-7pm

Wednesday- 3pm-7pm

Friday- 9am-10am

Insurance: Paul is in network with Aetna, Meritain, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, Oxford, Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, MassGen, and ConnectiCare.

Book your 1st appointment or a free 15 minute consultation now!

Paul Gaunya, LCSW

Offering EMDR and CBT Therapy for adults, college students, and first responders located in CT & MA

I understand your struggles.

Living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, grief, or the effects of trauma can feel like you're carrying an invisible weight that no one else can see.

Some days, you might wake up feeling like you can take on the world, only to find yourself overwhelmed by a seemingly minor event hours later.

It's exhausting, isn't it? The constant anxiety, the unpredictable emotions, the feeling that no one really understands what you're going through.

These changes can be so gradual that we often don't notice them until we feel completely disconnected from the life we once knew. Clients wrestling with these issues often relate to the following experiences:

  • Struggling to focus at work or in class

  • Maybe you've noticed that you startle easily at loud noises, or that crowded places make you feel on edge.

  • Experiencing physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.

  • Trapped in a cycle of perfectionism, trying to control every aspect of your life.

  • Avoiding experiences or places that worsen your feelings of depression or anxiety.

  • Difficulty making small decisions.

  • Unable to fall asleep due to racing thoughts, or trouble staying asleep.

  • Loss of interest in socializing with friends and family

  • Feeling unmotivated to engage in hobbies your used to enjoy.

I know how challenging it is to navigate the highs and lows of life, and I'm here to ensure you aren't alone on your journey.

Who I Help

My personal and professional experience has enabled me to specialize in serving adults with a wide variety of needs.

a man in a white shirt and a woman in a white shirt
a man in a white shirt and a woman in a white shirt
a police car driving down a street next to tall buildings
a police car driving down a street next to tall buildings
Adults Navigating Life's Challenges

Life is full of changes, and sometimes we need a little extra support to navigate them. I help adults facing:

  • Anxiety and/or Panic Attacks

  • Depression

  • Traumatic Experiences

  • Major life changes (marriage, divorce, new parents, career change)

  • Challenges in relationships

  • Caring for aging parents

  • ADHD

  • Grief

  • Complicated family dynamics

Young Adults & College Students

Young adulthood can be tumultuous times. I support students and young adults dealing with:

  • Academic and/or social stressors

  • ADHD

  • Family conflicts

  • Identity exploration and self-esteem issues

  • Future planning anxieties

  • Depression

  • Traumatic experiences

First Responders and Police Officers

As a former law enforcement officer, my experiences have provided me with a unique ability to understand the struggles of first responders and police officers. I am passionate about supporting these folks who struggle with:

  • Recovering from traumatic experiences

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Relational difficulties due to job

  • Career changes

  • Insomnia and nightmares

  • Intrusive thoughts/memories

My Specialties & Proven Techniques
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you understand how your thoughts influence your emotions and behaviors. This approach helps you break free from self-limiting beliefs and develop more balanced thinking.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT combines mindfulness with practical skills to help you manage overwhelming emotions, reduce stress, improve relationships, and make better decisions. This therapy is especially helpful for those struggling with rapid mood swings and impulsive behaviors.

  • EMDR & ART: These innovative trauma therapies help the brain process difficult memories and experiences in a new way. Over time, clients report that the negative memories no longer hold the same emotional power and they feel immense relief and a sense of emotional freedom.

a man and woman sitting at a table
a man and woman sitting at a table

How I can help you:

I aim to create a safe, supportive environment where we work together to develop a personalized therapy plan that evolves with your needs. As your guide and partner, I combine compassionate care with evidence-based strategies to help you achieve lasting change.

What to expect from working with me:

My clients often find that our collaborative approach helps them rediscover their inner wisdom and strength. As you learn to navigate life's challenges with new skills and insights, you'll find yourself feeling more grounded, confident, and at peace.

I'm here to support you in not just managing your challenges, but in creating a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.

Whether you're struggling with challenging thought patterns, carrying the weight of past trauma, or feeling overwhelmed by intense emotions, I'll help you develop powerful tools for transformation.

Together, we'll build on your inherent strengths to create sustainable change, helping you move from simply surviving to genuinely thriving.

a man in a green shirt smiling at the camera
a man in a green shirt smiling at the camera

On a personal note:

Before I became a therapist, I was a police office and encountered many individuals struggling with mental health issues. Within a few years of working as an officer, it became clear to me that I wanted to change directions and dedicate my life to helping others heal from their emotional struggles. I returned to school and completed my Masters in Social Work and have been providing therapy to adults ever since then.

I've been married to my wife for 14 years and we have a 6 year old son and two cats. I recently started practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I’m a long-suffering New York Jets fan. I also love New Haven-style pizza, cooking, and grilling. I'm always looking for new ways to make a restaurant quality steak!

Contact Me

At NECC, we commit to responding to all messages within 24 hours.