Our Providers

Tracey Tucker, LCMHC

Founder and Clinical Director

Tracey Tucker has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years. Aside from her extensive educational background, which includes an MA in Counseling Psychology and experience in the fields of adolescent development, attachment theory and resiliency, Tracey is certified as a Licensed Community Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in New Hampshire and has worked as a child and family mental health therapist in both community mental health and private practice settings.

In Spokane, WA., Tracey worked with the Marycliff Institute’s “Circle of Security” program, which educates parents about attachment theory and their relationship to their children. In her private practice, she specializes in the clinical treatment of adults, children and their families and specifically addresses issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, parent/child relationships, relational issues and family counseling.

In addition to individual and family counseling, Tracey provides court ordered Co-Parenting counseling, Co-Parenting coordination and Reunification therapy. Tracey chose to work with these challenging court ordered cases after seeing the difficulties children, and eventual adults, have when they experience highly conflictual and negative dynamics between the two most important people in their lives. Over the last several years, Tracey has enjoyed supervising social work and clinical mental health candidates for NH licensure.

Ashley Keough, LCSW, CCTP

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

[email protected]

In the words of Brené Brown, “loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we will ever do”. I have spent the last 9+ years in this professional capacity, working alongside children, adolescents, their families and adults. I believe that therapy is about collaboration, partnership and helping people acknowledge the growth and power inside them, even in the most uncomfortable of situations. I am thoughtful in my collaboration and connections with clients and families. I strive to connect in a professional, educational, empowering way to help clients harness their own ability to understand and own their story. I am well versed in utilizing evidence-based approaches to thoroughly assess and drive treatment planning. I am passionate, ambitious and I strive to help others learn, heal, grow and feel empowered through good times and bad.

I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire in 2018 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2023. I have experience working with all ages, beginning at 8 weeks and ranging on into adulthood. I have an expertise in early childhood, late adolescence and

adulthood. I find that an integrative or combination of therapeutic approaches including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, attachment-based. My areas of experience include but are not limited to parenting/family dynamics, childhood social emotional development, attachment, anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma, behavioral challenges and concerns, victims of abuse and neglect.

Deb Barlow, LCSW

[email protected]

I believe we need mutual respect and trust in a therapeutic relationship. I work to build relationships that have those aspects as a foundation in our work together. I use active listening, empathy and understanding with evidence-based strategies to determine customized approaches that meet each individual’s needs. I have extensive experience with adolescents and their caregivers having been a school social worker for many years. I have a background that includes working with, and advocating for, abused and neglected children and adolescents. I utilize a strength-based, solution focused approach in my work, identifying strengths and coping skills to be used as tools for increased success. The use of cognitive behavioral therapy is the cornerstone of my work but other modalities may come into play. I am well versed in Systems Theory, ADHD, Executive Functioning, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Regulation, Crisis Management, Childhood Abuse and Neglect, Trauma and Grief. I have also been a regional team leader for the NH Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team (DBHRT) since its inception over 15 years ago. I am trained in disaster response, trauma, critical incident stress management and psychological first aid.

Jill Heath, MSW, MSEd, MA

(New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Candidate for Licensure)

[email protected]

When I think of therapy, I see it as a collaborative journey that inspires people to imagine and develop healthy, meaningful connections within themselves and with others. I have extensive experience working with children and adolescents, and enjoy using a person-centered approach to help each individual work through challenges, understand their strengths, and think outside the box to find solutions and reach their goals.

My objective is to focus on growth and healing in a safe and encouraging environment. I want to create the opportunity for clients to practice and improve skills to navigate transition, crisis, or change. My approach is a combination of cognitive-behavioral (actively working on changing ones thoughts and behaviors) and mindfulness (learning to experience difficulties with awareness and self-compassion rather than judgment and avoidance). I also like to introduce mindfulness into my practice as a way of slowing down and coping with difficult thoughts or emotions.

I have over 35 years of experience working in education; counseling, teaching, and consulting in both special education and regular education. Much of my work in the past 25 years has focused on educational equity and supporting all learners in reaching their highest potential. My hope is for clients to foster a deeper understanding of themselves through compassion, empathy, and forgiveness, and to fully engage in life with greater meaning, strength, and joy.

Brianna Brickner, MA

(New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Candidate for Licensure)

[email protected]

Brianna received her Master’s degree at the University of St. Thomas in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Family Psychology in December of 2021. She is currently a New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Candidate for Licensure working under the supervision of Jennifer Golia, LMFT. By exploring and identifying recurring patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, Brianna is interested in helping you to foster self-awareness, while understanding these patterns in relation to past experiences. She is passionate about exploring the connection between mind and body during the healing process. Her areas of specialty include: anxiety, depression, family conflict, relationship issues, communication issues, premarital counseling, divorce, blended family struggles, trauma, women’s issues, infertility, post-partum, self-esteem, perfectionism, body image issues, overwhelm, work/life balance, boundaries, and managing emotions. She serves not as the expert or someone with all the answers, but as a collaborative guide, who helps uncover your value and wisdom already present. Brianna believes that we require less fixing and more accepting,

less criticism and more self-compassion, and less perfectionism and more good-enough. Through integrative and holistic practices, she holds space for your authentic self to be heard and accepted without judgment. Brianna provides family therapy and individual therapy for adults and adolescents.

Melissa Tarbox, MA

(New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Candidate for Licensure)

[email protected]

Maya Angelou said, “do the best you can until you know better and when you know better, do better.” I believe that the problems presented in therapy are merely the result of each individual’s best attempts at coping with their lived experiences, using the knowledge and skills learned from their past and present experiences. I view life’s journey for each individual to be uniquely different, therefore, I utilize a flexible, non-judgmental and collaborative approach in therapy to meet individuals, couples and families where they are at to guide them toward greater experiences of self-harmony and harmony with others. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important relationship. As an attachment-focused therapist, my goal is to provide a nurturing and trusting environment, unconditional acceptance, and to build a culture of respect in our work together. This is the foundation of my work as a therapist. I aim to provide a safe and secure space for clients to explore your inner world, discover their true potential, and learn new ways of being human that are in alignment with their true self.

In this approach, I focus on self-awareness, self-understanding, and acceptance of self and others to promote self-worth and healthier coping strategies that lead to greater emotional intelligence, autonomy, self-efficacy, assertive and respectful communication, and ultimately more secure bonds in all relationships. I believe problems can be solved using a multitude of different approaches, therefore I utilize an integrative, systemically oriented and solution-focused framework in therapy. I received my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of New Hampshire in August of 2022. I am currently a New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Candidate for Licensure working under the supervision of Jennifer Golia, LMFT.

Catherine Watters, MSW

(New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Candidate for Licensure)

[email protected]

Connection has been found to be the biggest determinant of social, emotional and physical health and well-being. I believe that we are experts of our own lived experiences and seek to connect with clients to help them identify the link between challenging experiences, emotions, and behaviors and offer strategies to better cope with those situations. My training has centered on a strengths-based, empowering approach with the guiding principles of my practice being one of empathy, compassion, kindness, and respect. I have experience with all ages, with a focus on youth and families as I’ve been working with abused and neglected children in the court system for the past seven years. I received my master’s degree in social work, as well as my child welfare certificate, from the University of New Hampshire. I am a New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Candidate for Licensure working under the supervision of Tracey Tucker, LCMHC.

Kaila Wylie, MS, MFT

(New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Candidate for Licensure)

[email protected]

I empower the clients I work with – individuals, couples, and families – to embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. I offer a non-judgmental, empowering, and collaborative approach that fosters mutual respect within the therapeutic relationship. I believe in the importance of meeting clients where they are at and guiding them toward more nurturing and harmonious experiences within themselves and with others.

In this approach, I believe that the path to healing involves acknowledging your vulnerabilities, facing your truths, and nurturing self-compassion. Through this process, I believe clients can find their inner strength and

resilience. I understand that every individual is unique, and one size does not fit all when it comes to healing and personal growth – therefore, I adopt an integrative approach to therapy with a systemic perspective at the foundation of my work.

I believe the journey toward healing and personal growth begins with self-awareness and a willingness to explore the depths of your emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Change can be difficult, uncomfortable, and vulnerable, as it requires intentional effort and accountability — I am here to support you on this transformative path, providing a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your inner world, build healthier relationships, and find a path forward. I believe in your capacity to heal, grow, and thrive, and I look forward to helping you discover the strength and resilience within yourself. Together, we will work toward a more fulfilling and authentic life. I received my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of New Hampshire in August of 2023. I am currently a New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Candidate for Licensure working under the supervision of Jennifer Golia, LMFT.

Kate Schwaegerle, MFT

(New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Candidate for Licensure)

[email protected]

After completing my undergraduate studies in Neuroscience and Psychology, I was awarded my MFT Master’s degree in August of 2023 from the University of New Hampshire. I am currently a Candidate for Licensure with the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health, and provide services under the supervision of Jennifer Golia, LMFT.

“Because you are alive, everything is possible.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

As a therapist, my goal is to help my clients reach a level of self-empowerment and self-awareness, fostering a therapeutic environment that provides a sense of security while exploring the unique experiences and elements of a client’s life. I strive to create a non-judgemental space in which to process difficulties and engage in self-discovery, self-acceptance, personal growth and work towards lasting change. I approach therapy with an open and collaborative mindset, recognizing that as life unfolds we face many challenges, and each person must find their own path. I view therapy as an opportunity to look at the systemic and underlying cause for distress,

aiming to not only assist with the current issue but to help build lifelong skills that allow a client to move forward on a healthier path with greater understanding and capacity. In taking an attachment and emotionally-focused stance, I feel relationships with oneself and with others can be heightened and led to a place of greater understanding and empathy.

Change requires dedication, honesty, effort, and a willingness to lean into the challenges that are presented – I aim to support and guide clients through their individual and unique process of change and growth.

Susan Perrault

(New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Candidate for Licensure)
MEd School Counseling/CAGS Mental Health Counseling

[email protected]

Mutual trust and respect in the therapeutic relationship create the foundation. I have worked with families, children, and individuals for over 35 years and find warmth and compassion with a sense of humor creates a genuine environment.

As a former school counselor, I have supported families and children in both the academic and home environment and have seen tremendous growth with the people with whom I have worked, including providing culturally competent care to LGBTQ youth and families.

Our work together will be based on empathy and understanding in an
environment that is welcoming and creates your opportunity to grow as an
individual. Self awareness will allow you to learn from difficult experiences and grow in a healthy manner.

My areas of expertise include: family conflict, relationship issues, communication issues, premarital counseling, divorce, blended family struggles, single and co-parenting, as well as navigating the work/life balance. I am happy to work with individuals ages 12+. I am currently a Candidate for Licensure with the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health, and provide services under the supervision of Tracey Tucker, LCMHC.

Individual Therapy
Family Counseling
Parenting Classes/Support Groups
Psycho-Educational Services
Court Ordered Co-Parenting Counseling
Co-Parenting Coordination
Reunification Therapy

Services

Contact

(603) 957-1877
[email protected]
200 International Dr. Ste 157
Portsmouth, NH 03801