Why do you do what you do?

I like to help people in their life's journey toward finding their happiness, joy and love. Those journeys are filled with growing pains and struggles which are all too often hard to do alone. We sometimes need that trusted person in our lives to be purely ourselves so we can explore the inner depths of who we are and what we want so we can make the best choice for not only ourselves, but those around us. I believe we are all trying our best, while afraid of falling short. I believe we all want the same things: love, support, trust, joy. Getting the recipe just right is sometimes a life long journey. I do what I do to help those get just a bit closer to finding the right spice that works for their life’s recipe. 

How are you making the world a better place?

I think I'm making the world a better place by helping those who come see me explore themselves without judgment or fear. I like to think that providing someone a safe place to cry, vent or express the inexpressible is helping them feel different in real time. And I think that if people feel different they will act different. I think everyone is trying their best, but find it hard at times to be kind and forgive themselves, and be kind and forgive others. I like to think that I'm making the world a better place by helping those who come see me learn how to be less afraid, forgive, and ultimately explore what may lead to inner peace.

What are your thoughts on the stigma around mental health and what solution(s) do you have to destigmatize it?

The stigmatization of mental health is built from the hundreds of years leading up to today. The foundation of the mental health field is full of asylums, sanatoriums, and prisons. Having mental health struggle was something to be scared of, something to lock away from society. The stigma still exists that those who struggle with mental health have something “wrong” with them. I think the best way to overcome these stigmatizations of the mental health field is exposure. It's having the strength to say to others that you've been to therapy before, that therapy has helped you, and tell people they don’t have to struggle through anxiety, depression or any other mental health issue alone. I think exposure is key to to help people understand the mental health system is no longer something of which to be afraid.

What would you like to bring to our attention at this time?

I would not only like to promote myself as a clinician looking to help others be their best selves, but everyone out there looking to do the same. I’d like to promote concepts like love, trust, faith and believing in your future. I’d like to promote the idea that you’re not alone in this world and there are people genuinely interested in listening to your story. I’d also like to promote the ability to forgive and be kind.

What is the best way for people to contact you to learn more?

There are several ways to get in touch with me:

Phone/Text: 203-715-6115

Email: audreywillowtreect@gmail.com

Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/468129

Website: www.willowtreewellnessct.com