Personal Growth Concepts Inc.
Established in 1980, Personal Growth Concepts, Inc. is the name that stands out among the top professional counselors in Stratford CT. We are a customer-centric, service-oriented organization that provides trusted, reliable, individualized counseling and therapy services for people dealing with various issues like anger, aging, addiction, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, divorce, grief, stress, and many others.
At Personal Growth Concepts, our clients’ needs and best interests always come first. We provide private, professional counseling services that seek to get to the root cause of people’s major emotional and mental challenges. In addition, we provide personalized therapy services that address the underlying issues preventing our clients from living life to its fullest and enjoying the happy, healthy, productive life they deserve.
With nearly four decades of proven excellence and dependability in delivering personalized solutions that help men and women overcome their biggest life challenges, Personal Growth Concepts has built a solid reputation as the premier professional therapist in Stratford, CT.
Counselors
Most Insurances Accepted
Employee Assistance Programs
Clients and Rising!
For whom we can be helpful
Congrats on making the first step towards improving your life.
For Women
Our counselors with compassion and understanding, help women address their mental health concerns. We help women to build on their strengths and attain personal growth.
For Men
Our services support men in working through tough issues and creating the lives they want for themselves and their families.
For Couples
We cultivate fulfilling relationships. We counsel people struggling with (Family, Personal, and Job Related) interactions.
John A. Pacheco, ACSW, LCSW, LADC
Director, Counselor, Coach, QuitSmart Facilitator
John has extensive experience in individual, couple, group, and substance abuse counseling. Among his accomplishments: conducting substance abuse prevention, education & counseling programs; training and supervision of peer counselors; developing and running an employee assistance program at a local university; staff associate and consultant at a Christian social service agency; supervision of staff, student interns, and volunteers.
John has completed specialized training in Ericksonian Hypnotherapy. John is a past member of the International Coaching Federation, has had his coach, and coaches individuals to succeed in their personal and business lives. In addition, he is a certified QuitSmart Smoking Cessation instructor.
John believes caring and providing options are the most effective ways of guiding others to their goals.
If you would like to e-mail John, click link: jpacheco@personalgrowthconcepts.com
Janice Mahieu, LCSW
Senior Counselor
Janice has experience in the areas of eating disorders, addictions, and family dynamics (including the separation and divorce process, dysfunctional families, blended family issues, and the adoption triangle.) She is knowledgeable about 12-step programs and how they enhance recovery. In addition, Janice is familiar with the grieving and healing process connected to losing a child through miscarriage or abortion. She does extensive public speaking on abortion.
Janice brings to her work her Christian faith. She strongly believes that healing begins by finding safe ways to live in the solution instead of living in the problem.
If you would like to e-mail Janice, click the link: janicemahieu@pgcstratford.com
Arden H. Church, LCSW
Counselor
Arden has experience in group and individual therapy; she helps clients overcome challenges associated with anxiety, bereavement, depression, substance abuse, and trauma. She uses a strengths-based approach to help her clients recognize their resilience. She works with them through whatever obstacles obscure the path to alleviating their distress and regaining their emotional equilibrium.
A member of the Association of Oncology Social Workers, Arden has experience counseling people suffering from a life-limiting illness, treatment effects, and coping with end-of-life concerns. She is compassionate and empathetic and provides her clients with a supportive space to process the issues that are most important to them.
If you would like to e-mail Arden, click link: ardenchurch@pgcstratford.com
Charley Mead, MA, LPC, NCC
Counselor
Charley has experience in individual and group counseling. Trained in grief and trauma counseling, Charley has helped clients process grief and the effects of trauma. He assists those struggling with anxiety, depression, adjusting to life’s challenges, addiction, and related issues. He is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Charley uses a collaborative, person-centered approach to counseling. He believes that physical, emotional, relationship and spiritual healing can be facilitated in the context of the therapeutic relationship.
If you would like to e-mail Charley, click the link: charleymead@pgcstratford.com
Charles Rodriguez, MS
Counselor
Charles works with individuals struggling with active substance abuse and major life-altering events such as unemployment and trauma. He supports individuals before, during, and after these situations. Charles believes in a collaborative approach to finding solutions that allow people to cope effectively with daily life, leading to growth and fulfilling their potential. Charles has experience with adolescents, particularly those dealing with school and peer issues.
If you would like to e-mail Charles, click the link: charlesrodriguez@pgcstratford.com
Novella Atkinson, LMSW
Counselor
Novella Atkinson, LMSW, is a dedicated and compassionate social worker with over 27 years of experience working with diverse populations. She has extensive experience supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, interpersonal conflict, anxiety, and depression. Novella uses a strength-based, solution-focused approach, empowering individuals and families to build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, and achieve their personal goals. Her commitment to creating a safe, supportive environment helps her clients feel heard, valued, and motivated to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
If you would like to email Novella, click the link: novellaatkinson@pgcstratford.