I am a licensed clinical psychologist and the Assessment Supervisor at Old Town Psychology. I specialize in treating adults of all ages struggling with anxiety, depression, relational concerns, and life transitions. I strive to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space in which you can explore whatever feels salient to you. I also conduct and supervise psychological assessments for a range of conditions, including ADHD.

I tend to work with clients from a relational-dynamic perspective, meaning I understand one’s current concerns as stemming from early interpersonal experiences. Such experiences lead us to develop unique patterns of relating with ourselves and with others. Some of these patterns continue to be adaptive throughout our lives, while others may no longer serve us as we grow and experience new interpersonal contexts. In therapy, I focus on helping clients identify and understand these patterns so that they can consider alternate ways of relating with themselves and with others, all with the goal of improving their ability to have their interpersonal and intrapersonal needs met. I also incorporate techniques from Emotion-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness when appropriate, to help clients become more connected with their emotional selves and to learn to be non-judgmental when it comes to embracing all parts of oneself. 

I earned my Psy.D. at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, CT. I completed my doctoral Internship at the Towson University Counseling Center, and my postdoctoral fellowship at the Georgetown University Counseling and Psychiatric Service (CAPS). Prior to internship, I trained at the counseling centers at Wesleyan University and Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU), as well as the outpatient community mental health clinic at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, CT.

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Dr. Pacella recently contributed a piece to the Alexandria Times describing five research-based ways to overcome social anxiety.