Counseling Connections

Welcome to Counseling Connections, a safe and comfortable environment where we prioritize your mental health and well-being. Our mission is to support and guide you through life's challenges, providing a nonjudgmental space for you to talk openly about your concerns and feelings. We recognize the importance of human connections, and our therapeutic approach is an interactive solution-focused model tailored to each individual's needs. At Counseling Connections, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals and build on your strengths.

Meet Anne Marie Farage-Smith, LMHC

Counseling Connections is a private counseling practice located in Rochester, N.Y., owned and operated by Anne Marie Farage-Smith, a NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Anne Marie has several years of experience in both the education and mental health disciplines, and she has a special interest and understanding of the human-animal bond and the effects it can have on those who suffer the loss of a beloved pet.

Education

• M.S. Mental Health Counseling, St. John Fisher College
• M.S. Education, Nazareth College of Rochester

Professional Memberships

• Mental Health Counselors of Greater Rochester
• New York Mental Health Counseling Association (NYMHCA)
• American Counseling Association (ACA)
• Monroe County Mental Health Counselors Disaster Team

Services Offered

At Counseling Connections, we offer individual mental health counseling, group psychotherapy, and Pet Grief and Loss Counseling for adults and families. Our sessions are designed to meet each individual's unique needs, and our services include:

1. Individual Therapy: Specializing in depression, anxiety, life transitions, assertiveness/interpersonal skills training, emotional stress related to medical ailments, grief/loss, and parenting issues.

2. Group Therapy: Groups are designed to help you meet with the counselor and others in a trusting environment. Our groups include Pain/Illness Management, Grief and Loss including Pet Loss, and Creative Coping Skills for Stress.

3. Pet Grief and Loss Counseling: We recognize and honor the importance of pets in our lives and the need for support when the human-animal bond is broken. We offer individual, group, and family counseling sessions for those struggling with the loss of a beloved pet.

4. Group Presentations and/or Individual Therapy for Animal Care Providers: We offer group presentations and individual therapy sessions for those who work with animals on a regular basis. We understand that emotional stress can be exhausting and overwhelming at times, and we are here to help.

At Counseling Connections, we believe that everyone deserves to be heard and supported during difficult times. Our services are designed to help you cope with life's challenges, providing a safe and comfortable space for you to heal and grow.

Pet Loss Support Group

In this group, we work together to understand the human-animal bond and the impact on your life, explore the nature of grief, and provide you with an opportunity to share your story, honor your pet's memory, and nurture yourself. Groups form on an ongoing basis with 2-5 people and are held on Mondays 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. on a secure online platform. Individual Counseling is also available with Anne Marie. She is also available to speak on pet grief and loss for your group or organization.

Facilitator: Anne Marie Farage-Smith, LMHC

Cost: $175 (4 Weeks)

Advance Registration & Payment Required.