*Rise Up does not accept insurance. We are a self-pay only counseling service provider. In order to provide the best care to our clients, we made the decision to end our contracts with insurance providers.
Our providers will facilitate the strengthening of your own voice as guidance to pursue your unique path.
Your Experience at Rise Up
When you choose to become a client at Rise Up®, you will be heard. You will create your path forward with our team teaching skills, promoting strengths use and encouraging you along the way. The journey of counseling is yours, and providers will facilitate the strengthening of your own voice as guidance to pursue your unique path.
Our clients come to us feeling anxious and overwhelmed with thoughts focused on worst case scenario “what ifs” keeping them up at night. Stress has taken a toll on the body, including intense digestive and cardiac experiences. Self-doubt and judgments dominate. Avoiding in order to accommodate anxiety has impacted lifestyle, often limiting trying new things, decision making, meeting new people and living the best life possible.
Does this sound familiar? If so, contact Rise Up® to begin rising up above the grip anxiety has. You can expect to gain from counseling a sense of self and confidence in your ability to manage symptoms and stressors. Our clients learn skills that allow them to increase self-advocacy, participation in social situations and improved decision making strategies.
Meet Our Counselors
Jessica Packard, LCPC, Owner Rise Up
I work with clients to calm self-criticism and crush the anxiety that holds them back. I find my work energizing and I’m grateful for clients, team members and supervisees who allow me to participate in their journey of growth. Through all of these connections, I have seen amazing strength, healing, perseverance, creativity and drive.
My career has brought me to counseling and practice management because of a skill and interest that began when I was a child. When I struggled to find my way, my Mom taught me to block noise and judgments from others and myself and listen to my inner voice. She named this inner character ‘Yippee Girl’ (because I was a spunky chatterbox). I would later learn this character my mom had created is at its root a compilation of many things: self-esteem, self-efficacy, self-confidence, individuality, motivation, drive, instinct, conscience and moral compass. I have learned finding your inner voice and amplifying it moves you from misery and defeat to grounded and flourishing. You will Rise Up when your inner voice is the one that guides you. My skill is in seeing and celebrating other people’s ‘Yippee!’ voice, that is why I am a counselor and practice owner. Thanks Mom! YIPPEE!
Prior to starting Rise Up®, I managed Outpatient Therapy, Case Management (TCM, CIS and BHH) and Section 28 Children’s In-home Support programs. I currently provide individual treatment, manage and supervise Rise Up Interns, Employees and Contractors and provide clinical supervision to individuals and groups.
Credentials:
- Triple P Certification (Standard and Teen Triple P)
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
- Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP) - Nationally recognized certification indicating additional training in the areas of alternative medicine and nutrition as they relate to mental health. Although I do not prescribe medication nor nutrition plans, I provide psychoeducation and frequently collaborate and refer to other integrative providers. Whole body wellness is recognized at Rise Up®.
- Certified Clinical Child and Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP-CA) - Nationally recognized certification indicating additional training in diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders in children.
- Mental Health Rehab Technician- Community (MHRT-C) - Maine certification required to provide case management.
Licensure and Education:
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), licensed to practice in the state of Maine. I earned my Master’s in Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, concentrating in Play Therapy, at the University of Southern Maine (2011) and I have an undergraduate degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Psychology, concentrating in Child and Adolescent Development (2009). I have an Associate of Arts degree in Graphic Design (1999) from White Pines College.
Additional training in modalities/populations:
I have completed additional coursework and am experienced with the following modalities (treatment methods): Telehealth, Expressive Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Positive Psychology/Strengths Based approaches, Psychoeducation in Integrative Medicine, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT). I have additional training and experience with the following populations: children and adults with ADHD, as well as parent skill building.
Timothy Eachus, LMSWcc
Often, we think that we’re broken or that we need fixing. The truth is that we’re not broken, and anxiety is showing up to tell us that something needs our attention. Finding the answers to these questions can be challenging, and this is where therapy can be helpful.
Whether the result of traumatic events, family dynamics, life transitions, or the stress of being a human, anxiety presents itself for these and other reasons, and it can feel overwhelming. Not knowing what to do, how to address it, or why it shows up can make us feel like we’re adrift without a paddle. This is where therapy can help us to develop understanding of our experiences and to engage in new ways of being in the world. However, none of this is accomplished without trust. Therefore, the first thing we do in therapy is build a trusting relationship where you feel comfortable and safe to process hard things. Having that kind of space can bring relief in and of itself, where you can unpack unpleasant emotions and experiences and not feel judged or misunderstood. This trust is key to a successful relationship, so time is spent building that trust and understanding.
I am a native of the south, having moved to Maine in 2020 with my husband. We live in the Midcoast area with our three cats and I am part of the adoption community.
Experience:
I have experience in behavioral education, having worked in both private and public-school special education settings. I come to Rise Up with experience as an outpatient therapist having completed two internships as a school social worker.
Modalities and Approaches:
I am an integrative therapist. I use different modalities and methods that are tailored to the individual to best guide them on a path to finding the answers to questions they have. This said, you’ll find a combination of DBT, CBT, IFS, Narrative Therapy, and other trauma-informed interventions used regularly in therapy. Artistic expression, whether through performing arts or visual arts, is an aspect of my life that can find its way into therapy if this kind of expression resonates with you. I also believe that emotional literacy is something that all can benefit from, so there is a focus on identifying our emotions and how those emotional responses drive behavior.
Licensure and Education:
- I am a conditionally Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW-cc) in the state of Maine under the license number MC22154. I am supervised by Jessica Packard, LCPC.
- I have a Master's in Social Work (MSW) from Walden University, where I graduated in February 2023. My Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is in Music from Samford University where I graduated in May 2010.
Becca Ellis, LCPCc
I am grateful to have been witness to the incredible healing power of therapy and its impacts on anxiety. I am passionate about meeting with others to help them find their personal solutions. I truly believe in every person’s ability to find health, healing, and happiness. There is so much value in your unique path to meeting your goals.
Treatment for anxiety can have many forms. While this phase of your journey is often challenging, I will meet you with a lighthearted and humorous demeanor. With me, treatment looks like a space in which you’ll be listened to and understood. You’ll be perceived as a whole person with struggles and strengths. You’ll be given opportunity to observe your skills, and try new ways of dealing with the problem(s). At times, we’ll get creative and use other methods of communication, such as expressive arts or play, in order to meet you where you are.
Experience:
I have been working in the social work/mental health field with children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric community since 2015. I have experience in residential settings, as well as home and community based mental health interventions. I have served and volunteered in educational settings (elementary and high school) and non-profit agencies. I work individually with those with anxiety during all ages and any phase of life. I have experience working with people, even in their darkest of moments of panic, self-hatred, self-harm, suicidality, substance use, and devastating grief and loss.
Modalities and Approaches:
I use an eclectic approach including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), positive psychology, strength-based approaches, client-centered therapy, mindfulness, expressive arts, play, role-play, and consultation. I’m also trained in the Lynn Lyon’s model of anxiety management, as well as, exposure response prevention methods.
I have spent much of my professional career working with families and have academically specialized in family systems. I use this training in supporting parents with the incredibly difficult task of child-rearing. I’m greatly passionate about the impact working with parents directly can have on a child’s overall wellness. I utilize a mixture of assessments, psychoeducation, values assessments, conflict management skills and Triple P (Positive Parenting Program). Triple P is an internationally-recognized program that gives parents the skills to build family relationships and manage misbehavior.
License, education, and certifications:
- I am a conditionally Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPCc) in the state of Maine under the license number XL6413, and under Jessica Packard’s, LCPC, supervision.
- I have a Master of Science degree in Counselor Education with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Southern Maine (USM), and a specialty in Family Systems (graduated in August of 2021). My Bachelor of Arts Degree is in Psychology, with a minor in Anthropology, from the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) (graduated in 2015).
- I am a Certified Anxiety Informed Professional (CAIP) since 2022. I am also certified as a parent support professional in the Standard and Teen Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) approaches since 2023.
Catherine Henning, LMSWcc
Through time spent supporting children, adolescents and adults seeking crisis stabilization, I have a specific passion for working with people struggling with anxiety. Anxiety manifests in countless ways and is managed in just as many.
My time in this community has afforded me the opportunity to offer support to people when they are most vulnerable, in whatever capacity they may need in that moment. I have learned that compassion, empathy and unconditional positive regard are invaluable and often not afforded to those who need it the most.
I have devoted much of my professional life to working with people pursuing recovery. Recovery from chronic stress and the damage it wreaks. Recovery from crippling anxiety. By focusing on process towards outcome rather than illness and symptoms, recovery is possible.
Experience:
Having worked in a variety of roles with differing ages and populations (e.g., Clinical Care Coordinator, Clinical Social Worker, Mental Health Police Liaison (INTERN), Homeless Outreach Case Manager (INTERN), BHH Program Manager, Daily Living Support Specialist, Transitional Living Specialist, Recreation Therapy Intern, Intern at Riverview Psychiatric Center). I have a diverse range of experience to draw from. Using a combination of modalities ranging from CBT to mindfulness, I take care getting to know my clients, providing treatment and support that best suit them and their unique needs.
Modalities and Approaches:
Using a combination of modalities ranging from CBT to mindfulness, I take care getting to know my clients, providing treatment and support that best suit them and their unique needs.
Licensure and credentials:
- I am a conditionally Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW-cc) in the state of Maine under the license number MC20505.
- I have a Master's in Social Work from the University of Southern Maine, where I graduated in May 2021. My Bachelor's of Science degree is in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Southern Maine where I graduated in May 2012
- I am a certified Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Crisis Services Provider (MHRTCSP), issued on October 7, 2020.
Marie Abrahams, LCPCc, Anticipated in October of 2023
Over the years, I have developed a personal philosophy of wellness that focuses on finding balance. Balance is knowing when to persevere, and when to stop and self-reflect.
My path to working as a Mental Health Counselor began at a young age when I experienced a common, yet confusing, chapter of intense insecurity and self-doubt. I knew, even then, that there must be solutions. I began finding ways to move through those feelings and build a stronger, more resilient way in the world and in myself. Much of my professional experience has been in outdoor adventure. In that space I was honored to witness people’s strengths and resilience and that built my understanding of peoples’ potential, as well as my desire to help them find it.
Experience:
I work with clients of all ages who are struggling with personal, social, emotional and circumstantial challenges. I help clients work towards their goals by highlighting personal strengths, and introducing useful tools. Success takes many forms, including better personal relationships, greater self-confidence, and a calmer state of mind. Prior to my position at Rise Up, I acquired experience working at the Oasis Free Clinic in Brunswick providing mental health services. Prior to that, I spent nearly 10 years in various roles in outdoor education and adventure programing.
Education and Credentials:
- I expect to be a conditionally licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPCc) in October of 2023.
- I've earned a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through the University of Southern Maine with an expected licensure date of October 2023. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Policy, with two minors in Art and Photography from Colby College, where I graduated in 2014. It was during my bachelor's program that I was awarded a Special Projects Grant from 2013-2014 Committee to Fund Students’ Special Projects
- I have multiple certifications as a Wilderness First Responder, Youth Mental Health First Aid, American Red Cross- Small Craft Safety, and Leave No Trace Trainer.
A teaching site for interns.
Rise Up® offers a unique opportunity for counselors in training to be immersed in a small, treatment focused, wellness and strengths based private practice. Interns choosing Rise Up® to complete the final phase of their clinical training to earn their master’s degree and licensure experience a quality teaching site with engaged, supportive supervision. Interns provide individual and/or group treatment and are encouraged to explore their own passion to develop community connections and create a clinical niche.
Rise Up® has options for continuity of supervision from internship through conditional hours. We work with USM’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program as well as other CACREP accredited schools.
If you are approaching internship in your counseling program, contact Rise Up® now for an amazing placement!
Currently looking for interns. If you are interested in training with our wonderful team, please reach out.
Our Offices
Suite 103
Suite 102
We work with all ages (from kids to adults) on identity formation, autonomy, independence and confidence building. Working with them to find their own voice, direction and self-advocacy is often our mutual goal. This happens simultaneously with the reduction of anxiety.