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Clinician Spotlight: Lillian Dugan, LMSW

Meet Lillian Dugan: Lilly has a special dual role here at Nourish Your Mind, as our Client Relations Manager & Clinical Psychotherapist.
lilly horse

lilly horse 1Meet Lilly:

Lillian has a dual role here at Nourish Your Mind! She is a Clinical Psychotherapist, as well as our Client Relations Manager, helping to support clients on their journey in multiple ways. As a clinician who has worked in various settings, such as mental health clinics, schools, government agencies, hospitals, and private practices, Lillian understands the importance of quality client care. She believes that being an effective clinician is not enough, and that it is our job as clinicians to provide outstanding care both in and outside of our scheduled sessions. 

Lillian graduated from the University of Michigan with her Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in Interpersonal Practice and Health. Her curriculum focused on clinical work, specifically working one on one and in group settings with clients struggling with health issues. She worked in oncology with both children and adults, in a social work role and a child life role. Lillian’s primary role was to establish rapport with both her clients and families, as well as establish meaningful relationships to promote trust, empathy, and kindness to the patients who made the hospital their home.

In addition to her one-on-one therapeutic work with her clients, Lilly has a very special role at Nourish Your Mind as Client Relations Manager and we are excited for you to get to know her on a personal level. Lilly’s goal is for you to feel comfortable reaching out to her – whether you’re a current Nourish Your Mind client, or a potential new client taking that initial step to join our Nourish Your Mind Family. She’ll be here to support you through each step along the way.

Get to know Lilly in her own words….lilly msw 1

What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?

It sounds really cliche but I have learned how short life really is. I am very left-brained, logical, and calculating. My family has experienced significant loss in the past few years and I have learned that I can be more spontaneous, more emotional, and overall follow my heart more than my head. I think that is what happens when you realize that not everyday is guaranteed and how important it is to feel joy and fulfillment. 

What is your favorite part about working for Nourish Your Mind?

My clients and my team of coworkers. The work we do is not always easy, but seeing my clients come in excited to see me every week makes it worth it. The team of clinicians here are wonderful as well, and I know I can count on them to support me, either professionally or personally.

Tell me how you first got involved in with Mental Health . . .

I went to college for psychology after taking a class in high school and fell in love. I knew I had to be a part of this field and after an internship at Dana-Farber Boston Children’s working in pediatric oncology, I began applying for MSW programs. In graduate school, I specialized in interpersonal practice and health and was placed in bone marrow transplant at Michigan Medicine. 

What do you like most about your job at Nourish?

I really like my balance of micro and macro social work. I am able to see clients and provide one on one therapy, but also work on admin assignments, as well as have the opportunity to run groups and workshops. 

What are your hopes for the future of the Mental Health Industry?

I hope that it continues to become more accessible. I also work hard every day to continue to relay the message that we are not these stereotypical “shrinks” who make you lay on a couch and tell us about your childhood. I hope the idea of therapy become more normal and less stigmatized. 

How would you describe your style as a Therapist?

I think my style as a therapist is very warm and empathetic, at least that is what I hope to convey to my clients! I want people to leave our session feeling better than they did when they walked in. I want clients to feel heard and understood, and know that I will be with them every step of the way as they grow. 

What do you feel makes you unique as a Therapist?

I am very genuine during my sessions. I make sure my clients know that I am in fact a real person with real emotions, real thoughts, and real feelings with a life outside of the office. I want my clients to feel like they are talking to someone who is equal to them, someone who also struggles and has their own battles. 

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I am very much a people person but I am also very much an introvert. I recharge alone and I look forward to the alone time that I do have! It is a battle for me, that I love being around people but that I also really need my alone time. 

Motto or personal mantra?

I love the quote, “And if I asked you to name all the things that you love, how long would it take for you to name yourself?”. Every time I see it, it gets more and more profound. I am trying to be more of a person who would answer that question with “me”.

What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

I have learned to follow my gut instinct, prioritize self care, and set very lofty goals for myself. 

What would you tell someone who is thinking about seeking counseling services for the first time?

I would tell them how incredibly brave and resilient they are. It takes a lot of courage and self awareness to reach out for help and I am continually amazed at my clients who come in every week. I also like to reiterate that the first session is going to be the scariest, because you are meeting with someone you don’t know. I try to let my clients know that I have no expectations of the first session besides getting to know the person sitting in front of me and creating a safe space for them.

What do you do when you aren’t working?

I am at the barn with my horse, Milo. I ride six days a week and if I am not at work or with my family/friends, I am with Milo. I take my horse mom role very seriously!

What is an ability you wish you had?

I really wish I could talk to animals. I am sure this superpower would benefit Milo the most (or would just annoy him!), but as someone who cares deeply about animals and is consistently rescuing them, I would love to be able to tell them they are safe and loved. I just want all the animals to feel this way. ?

If you were an animal what would you be? And why?

I think I would be a butterfly. I feel like I am always fluttering around and going through significant periods of growth. Besides, I like that you cannot always tell how beautiful they are until they open their wings. I think that their wings are a wonderful lesson. 

What children’s character can you relate with most? And why?

My favorite Disney character is Ariel from The Little Mermaid. As a kid, I always hoped I would grow a tail and become a mermaid. Still waiting for that dream…

You can reach Lilly at [email protected] or Request an Appointment with her at NourishYourMind.com/Appointment

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BIO

Cameryn (Cam) received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marist College. Prior to joining Nourish Your Mind, she worked in private practice, primarily serving children, teens, and their families. During this time, she developed a passion for helping clients navigate their unique challenges through the transformative power of play and expressive arts therapy. Cam believes that every individual deserves a safe, nurturing space where they can authentically express themselves. She is dedicated to empowering her clients by identifying and utilizing their inherent strengths to help them achieve their personal goals.

In her therapeutic approach, Cam integrates a holistic wellness model with strengths- and mindfulness-based methods. She employs a variety of evidence-based techniques, including DBT and Nondirective Play Therapy, and she recognizes the importance of tailoring interventions to meet the specific needs of each individual and family.

When she’s not in the office, Cam enjoys reading, traveling, weight-lifting, and immersing herself in music and films. She also values spending quality time with friends, family, and her cats.

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  • Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, Marist College
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, SUNY Geneseo
  • Member of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
  • Middletown Office
BIO

Brianna earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Siena College and her Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University. Throughout her education and early career, she worked with at-risk adolescents experiencing trauma and maladaptive coping as both a clinician and crisis interventionist. She later spent several years in emergency services, specializing in trauma-informed care for adolescents and adults. Brianna has extensive experience working with individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, self-esteem, and relationship challenges.

Brianna takes a strength-based, integrative approach to therapy, empowering clients to discover their own path toward healing and self-acceptance. She believes that while we cannot change the past, we can change our relationship with it. She is passionate about helping clients develop effective coping skills, reconnect with their inner resilience, and build lives that extend beyond surviving trauma.

Brianna believes healing is not only a journey of the mind, but a whole-body experience. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) and thoughtfully incorporates mind-body practices into therapy to support nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and emotional awareness. She is also certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidence-based trauma treatment that helps clients process distressing experiences, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), offering a holistic approach for individuals seeking deeper healing from trauma, depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. By integrating traditional psychotherapy with somatic approaches and specialized trauma treatments, Brianna helps clients create lasting, meaningful change.

Above all, Brianna is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and authentic therapeutic environment where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to reconnect with their truest selves.

Brianna resides in Orange County with her two rescue huskies. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, painting, practicing yoga, and cooking while surrounded by music, friends, and family.

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of New York
  • Master’s of Social Work, Adelphi University
  • Master’s of Social Work, Adelphi University RYT-200
  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Certified, Journey Clinical
  • Accelerated Resolution Therapy Trained, Rosenzweig Center for Rapid Recovery
  • Middletown Office
BIO

Ashley received her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY New Paltz. While attending her graduate program, Ashley worked as a supervisor at a Crisis Intervention Program and interned at an Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program, gaining valuable skills in crisis management and group therapy. Before joining Nourish Counseling, she spent several years working in a long-term outpatient care clinic specializing in children, adolescents and their families. Ashley has expertise in partnering with those suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, and personality disorders.

Ashley believes that each client is their own expert. She provides an integrative approach that focuses on both the thoughts and behaviors her clients may be struggling with in order to help them find balance and build resiliency. She works with clients in a person-centered and skill building approach to help determine and reach their own individual goals. Following a Dialectical Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, she encourages and supports clients to reach their full potential.

Ashley lives in Middletown, NY with her husband and a very loved dog. She enjoys family time, cooking, and trying new things whenever possible.

  • American Counseling Association
  • Middletown Office
BIO

Amanda is a Certified Clinicial Trauma Professional with a deep commitment to guiding clients through their healing and discovery. She believes that you are the expert of your own life, and she is dedicated to building a safe, collaborative space where you feel both validated and motivated for change. 

Amanda specializes in treating those with Complex Trauma, Grief and Loss, Anxiety and Depression, Chronic Illness, Infertility, Infant/Pregnancy Loss, Women’s Health and Neurodivergent Disorders. She works with individuals aged 5 and up. 

Amanda’s unique, holistic approach to psychothreapy is rooted in evidence-based practices and tailored to fit your specific clinical needs. She seamlessly integrates practices like mindfulness and meditation with powerful theraputic modalities, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. 

After gaining experience in Baltimore – including intensive work in Residential Foster Care and as a Medical Social Worker – Amanda has been settled back in her home, the Hudson Valley. She enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her husband and two young daughters. She has journeyed with cleints for nearly 5 years at Nourish and is now ready to partner with you!

  • Cornwall Office
  • Middletown Office