About Us | Personal Growth Concepts, Inc.

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.

Our Services

Counselors

Most Insurances Accepted

Employee Assistance Programs

Clients and Rising!

Insurance and EAP Options are listed on the Services Page!

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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

Tonya M. Holland, LMSW
Counselor

Tonya is an experienced mental health professional with a passion for assisting her clients to gain control of the emotional and relational challenges that occur from conditions related to anxiety, depression, and trauma. Tonya is familiar with the grief and healing process from loss in death and divorce. She believes in empowering her clients to illuminate and mobilize their strengths to overcome the barriers preventing them from happiness and success in all areas of their life. Rooted in the Christian faith, Tonya embodies the Mind, Body, and Spirit approach to pursuing a solution that clients can apply across multiple life domains. Tonya is committed to providing comprehensive care services to clients ethically concerning their gender, identity, value, beliefs, and experiences within their environment.

If you would like to e-mail Tonya, click the link: tonyaholland@pgcstratford.com

Personal Growth Concepts Inc.

Counselors

Most Insurances Accepted

Employee Assistance Programs

Clients and Rising!

For whom we can be helpful

John A. Pacheco, ACSW, LCSW, LADC Director, Counselor, Coach, QuitSmart Facilitator

Janice Mahieu, LCSW Senior Counselor

Arden H. Church, LCSW Counselor

Charley Mead, MA, LPC, NCC Counselor

Charles Rodriguez, MS Counselor