BGC Counseling, LLC

Brett Carra, LCSW

It all began with a dream to start something completely new. After careful consideration, I established BGC Counseling, LLC, a company dedicated to providing compassionate mental and behavioral health care in 2018.  In 2024, BGC Counseling moved from Suffield to East Windsor and expanded from four clinicians to fifteen allowing the practice to serve people of all ages with out-patient therapy and medication management.

My goal as a clinician is to draw upon my comprehensive work experience and therapeutic skill set to fulfill and meet the expectations of my clients. I provide a compassionate approach in order to meet your needs.  I am a licensed clinical social worker with over fifteen years of experience working with individuals and families.  I use an insight-oriented framework and cognitive-behavioral techniques for coping strategy development and skill building. 

I graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Work in 2006 from Springfield College.  I am licensed in Clinical Social Work in both Massachusetts (LICSW) and Connecticut (LCSW).  I have worked in multiple settings which have helped me to grow professionally including Clinical Director for a Partial Hospitalization Program for Children, Adolescent, and Adults; Psychiatric Clinician and Medical Social Worker for multiple acute hospitals/emergency departments; Intensive In-Home Therapy Clinical Supervisor and Clinician for traumatized youth and families; Adjunct Psychology and Social Work Professor at two local colleges.

Some areas of specialized expertise include LGBTQ populations, psychiatric assessments, couples/family therapy, victims of natural disasters, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Bereavement/Grief Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.

​​I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers.

In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and dog.  I enjoy going to the beach and traveling as much as I can.  I believe life is about creating memories and the more memories I can create with those whom I care about, the more happy and fulfilled I will feel.

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Kristin Herzig, LPC

Seeking therapy is not always easy and at times can take a lot of strength and courage.

Whether you are seeking support for yourself or a loved one, I am proud of you for taking this first step, and would love to guide you in your next steps in this beautiful journey. As a dedicated LPC, I have a deep passion for empowering individuals to overcome life’s challenges and achieve lasting mental well-being. I earned my Master’s degree in School Counseling from Cambridge College and continued my post-graduate work for Mental Health Counseling at Southern Connecticut State University and The University of St. Joseph. I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, women, and families, and have grown a passion for helping others through life challenges and transitions at all stages of life. My approach to counseling is deeply client-centered, blending evidence-based

therapeutic techniques, and active listening with a warm, empathetic presence. I work collaboratively with clients to address issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, personal growth, trauma, parenting, relationship concerns, and major life transitions. By creating a safe and nonjudgmental space, I help individuals explore their feelings, develop effective coping strategies, and foster personal growth, self-discovery, and healing. I believe that every person has the resilience and strength to overcome adversity, and my role is to guide you in discovering these inner resources.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy spending time with my family and am often at a sports event cheering on my two sons and their teams. I also enjoy yoga, dance, the beach, and elevating parent voice through my role as a Parent Ambassador.

If you are ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more balanced life and are seeking a compassionate therapist who will meet you where you are and walk alongside you on your path to healing and growth, I would be honored to take that step with you and support you on your new journey.

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Bonnie Jones, MEd, CAGS, LPC-A​

I am a licensed professional counselor associate who has been working with adolescents and young adults for over 20 years in the educational setting and have recently begun providing support in clinical practice. I have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, autism, stress reduction, ADHD, social skills, and low self-esteem. My primary focus is to aid in the discovery of one's strengths and build upon them through discussion and problem solving.  Adolescence and young adulthood is a time of constant change and self-discovery. This can be challenging for individuals and those whom they are close to. In working with clients and their loved ones, I help individuals navigate the challenges that may be impeding growth or creating barriers to success.   I use solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and supportive approaches to therapy to help navigate these challenges.  

Being a teen or young adult is challenging enough.  When faced with individual challenges, it is helpful to have a nonjudgmental, supportive person to problem solve with in your corner.

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Tavia Briscoe, LCSW

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker with over eight years of experience.  My early experience came from working in crisis and outpatient settings with children and families.  I currently enjoy working with young adults, adults, and couples.  I utilize a variety of treatment modalities in order to individualize the care I provide.  I am able to support through the stress of everyday life as well as more complex mental health struggles.  My background includes work with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, interpersonal conflict and family issues, just to name a few.  I am passionate about helping people become the best and healthiest versions of themselves.

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Maggie Gates, LCSW

I have always been passionate about working in the mental health field.  I earned my undergraduate degree in Public Health from East Carolina University, and during my time working at a community health center and the North Carolina Department of SOcial Services, I saw firsthand how closely mental health and public health are connected.  I went on to complete my Master's Degree in Social Work at Springfield College and have had the privilege of working with both adults and children in a variety of settings, including group homes, non-profit organizations, and public school systems.

For the past two years, I have been with BGC Counseling, where I support adolescents and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, family conflict, trauma, and other life challenges. I  believe therapy should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. When working with individuals or families, I draw from a variety of evidence-based techniques tailored to each person's unique needs. Therapy should feel like a safe space where you are genuinely seen and heard.  I pride myself on providing a kind and empathetic environment where clients can freely express their emotions to build a strong therapeutic alliance.  Currently, I am accepting new clients who are interested in treatment via Telehealth.

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Jonah Earl, LMSW

I attended the University of Hartford and earned a B.A. in Psychology, and the University of Connecticut to obtain my Master's Degree on Social Work.  I have a passion for mental health and this lead me to pursue a career as a mental health therapist.  I work with clients ages 5-35 and focus on narrative and strengths-based approaches.  When not at work, I enjoy nature walks, music, and spending time with my loved ones, including my two cats!

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Louise Ruel, PCA

I strive to be a partner in my client's journeys.  I work with adolescents and adult clients who want help managing relationship challenges, life adjustments, and other life stressors.  I utilize multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, the development of coping skills, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centers, and solution-focused therapy.  I love to spend time with family and my pups.  I'd be honored to walk this path with you.

 

Amy Tria, LMFT-A

As a specialist in complex trauma and relationship healing, I bring years of expertise in guiding individuals and couples through deep lasting transformation.  I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Coherence Therapy to help clients move beyond their pain and into healing quickly and effectively.  My approach is experimental and somatic, recognizing that trauma is stored not just in the mind, but the body as well.  With 17 years of experience as an educator, I have a profound understanding of human development, relational patterns, and the impact of early experiences and emotional well-being.  My passion for healing extends beyond therapy into advocacy for woman's empowerment, helping woman heal through movement, community, and mind-body connection practices.  I am deeply committed to woman's issues and relational healing, helping my clients break free from past wounds, rebuild trust, and create fulfilling, authentic relationships.  Through individual therapy, couples counseling, or intensive trauma-focused sessions, I provide a compassionate, expert-led space where healing happens.  If you're ready to move past survival mode and step into a life of clarity, confidence, and connection, I encourage you to reach out.  You don't have to navigate this journey aline.  I am here to help you heal, grow, and thrive. 

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