Tel: 603-429-1999
Portsmouth
At Authentically You Counseling in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, we provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for individuals, couples, and families.
Our Portsmouth office offers a wide range of counseling services, including treatment for anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Whether you’re seeking in-person therapy in Portsmouth or secure telehealth sessions, our licensed clinicians are here to help you find relief, build resilience, and move toward the life you want to live.
Located on the Seacoast of NH, our Portsmouth counseling location serves clients from Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter, Hampton, and surrounding towns.
We are currently accepting new clients and offer flexible scheduling to meet your needs. Learn about our staff below.
Jayme Sullivan, LICSW
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
AYC is accepting new clients now! Ever think "No one gave me a manual on how to do this" or perhaps wondering, "Why do I feel like this?" I offer a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can work through these thoughts as well as acknowledge and combat negative core beliefs. My goal is to create a space where individuals can explore what is holding them back from living the life they desire.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and obtained my MSW from UNH in 2018. I specialize in providing therapy to adults who experience symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, OCD, suicidal ideation, chronic pain, medical trauma, and other mental health challenges.
I firmly believe that the therapeutic alliance, the rapport between a client and me, plays a crucial role in the success of therapy. If you are ready to begin your journey towards creating the life you want to live, please contact Authentically You Counseling for an intake and start that journey with therapeutic guidance from me!
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University of New Hampshire, 2018
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License Info: LICSW (2446)
Shawnna Frost, Pre-License Clinician
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
What if those harsh, sudden waves of anxiety or panic aren't random but your mind's way of asking for help? You’re navigating a tough season, maybe a recent breakup, a shift in identity, or symptoms of depression, anxiety, and frustration that just won’t let up. You're tired of feeling reactive or emotionally flooded. You crave strategies that help you feel more present and intentional. I offer an empathetic ear and understand that you want to feel emotionally balanced, more in control, and supported by someone who can help you see the big picture while working through the hard stuff.
My work integrates solution-focused therapy, CBT, ACT, and DBT to help you shift patterns, understand your emotions, and build a stronger sense of self. Don’t know how to talk about your feelings? We can work together to measure change. I specialize in low self-esteem, mood concerns, anxiety, and anger, offering structure and genuine connection throughout.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you're not alone. This process is about honoring your story, reconnecting with your values, and creating change at your own pace. If you’re seeking a therapist who will listen deeply, challenge gently, and celebrate your growth, I’m here for you.
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Merrimack College, August 2025
Kelsey Brandon, Pre-License Clinician
Pronouns: Any/All
Is your relationship changing? Is parenting your child challenging in ways that you didn’t expect? All of us play many roles every day: parent, caregiver, child, spouse, partner, employee, student, and so many more. No matter how many roles and relationships you have to navigate, you deserve a place to give those relationships the time, energy, and support that they deserve. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am opening to working with individual children and adults, as well as families and partnerships of all structures. Whether you are about to become a parent for the first time, are considering parenthood, struggling to parent a child with complex needs, are about to begin a new marriage, have ended a relationship, or find yourself any of the dozens of relationship and role changes that life throws our way, there is a place for you here.
I combine several therapeutic traditions and modalities to find an integrative approach that works best for you. When working with individuals, I am drawn to Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. When working with couples and families, I rely on the traditions of Feminist Structural Family Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy, as well as the concrete behavioral techniques of Trust-Based Relational Intervention for parents and children. When working with children, I collaborate with parents and caregivers to help the whole family achieve their goals.
The name “Marriage and Family Therapist” can be misleading; you don’t have to be married or have a family in the traditional sense to benefit from counseling that is structural and relational in nature. No matter what kind of relationships you have, are trying to build or re-built, or what kind of relationships you have ended, there is space here for you.
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University of New Hampshire, MS, Marriage and Family Therapy, August 2025
Kristen Rancourt, Intern
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
If you’re navigating life as a neurodivergent person – maybe you have autism, ADHD, or just feel like your brain works differently – Your experience is real, valid, and meaningful. You deserve support that meets you where you truly are, not where the world expects you to be. I’m interested in working with individuals who are struggling with eating disorders, OCD, phobias, & trauma – often invisible challenges that can feel exhausting, isolating, or even shameful. If you’re caught in patterns that feel hard to explain to others, or stuck in a cycle that seems impossible to break, I see you. You’re not alone, there is a way through.
As an intern, obtaining my Master's in Counseling at Merrimack, I bring an integrative, flexible approach to therapy. That means I don’t rely on just one method – I use a combination of evidence-based tools like DBT, CBT, and mindfulness, all guided by curiosity, collaboration, and respect for your unique story. Let's figure out what feels right for you.
Therapy with me isn’t about fixing you – it’s about understanding you, supporting your growth, and helping you build the life you want. Whether it’s managing anxiety or unlearning harmful patterns, I offer compassionate, personalized care. "One size doesn't fit all." You’ve already taken a big first step. Reach out to begin your unique therapeutic journey!
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Merrimack College, Expected Graduation Date: May 2026
Gianna Cormier, Intern
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Therapy is a collaborative, compassionate process grounded in curiosity and respect. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore challenges, gain insight, and grow. I’ve worked with older adults and families at Elliot Neurocognitive Services, supporting those facing Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. My research on healthcare literacy and counseling those coping with chemotherapy-induced alopecia has strengthened my commitment to holistic, mind-body care.
I understand that anxiety, low self-esteem, and self-doubt can feel overwhelming but they don’t have to define you. I’m especially interested in how self-esteem and limiting beliefs impact personal growth, and I strive to offer an affirming space to help you reconnect with your strengths and potential.
My approach is integrative and I incorporate elements of DBT, IFS, and CBT, always tailored to your unique needs. My clinical interests include trauma, identity development, anxiety, and life transitions. I’m dedicated to helping you feel seen, supported, and empowered on your healing journey.
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Merrimack College, Expected Graduation Date: August 2026
Kathleen Bulk, Intern
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
As Miguel de Cervantes said, "The road is always better than the inn." The adventure of the road offers us opportunity for growth and change. Whether it be an athletic pursuit, first-responder role, challenging career, military service, or another demanding role, these changes can be hard to navigate or build up stress over time. In serving others or chasing your own prize, we experience achievement as well as heartache on our path. Finding your way through these challenges is possible with honest self-reflection and a non-judgmental space. You can find that space here with me at AYC and re-establish your road forward.
I firmly believe that people can determine and shape their own future. Using CBT, CPT, narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy, I provide a non-judgmental space to examine your previous and current circumstances and create a vision for the future. Your current challenge is not the whole story. Reorienting our mindset to achieve our goals is possible.
Wherever your road has taken you, whatever you feel is holding you back, your story is important and your connection to it is personal. Taking the first step to enact change through therapy can be intimidating, but you are welcome and seen here. I will be a resource and witness to your adventure and celebrate your journey fully with you. Let's get started!
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New England College, Expected Graduation Date: May 2025
Lauren Dawe, Intern
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I truly believe in the therapeutic process and in your ability to come to therapy as honest, vulnerable, and ready to seek change. Together we can work towards developing a therapeutic process that is catered to you and your goals. I can assist you in managing intrusive thoughts, how to cope with feelings of anxiety, or mindfulness techniques to manage stress. You can do hard things. You will learn to sit in discomfort in order to become comfortable.
As an intern, I am building my clinical skills and finding my own personal style. I utilize CBT and DBT interventions to help you understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I have special interest in treating those struggling with OCD, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues.
I take a client-centered approach to therapy, meaning, that our work together will allow you to uncover a clearer perception of yourself in an empathetic and accepting space. I applaud you for taking this first step and inquiring about coming to therapy.
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Merrimack College, Expected Graduation Date: August 2026
