Meet Our Founder

Denise Santangelo

PhD(c), JD, LPC, ADHD-CCSP, CCTP

SpireTHERAPY was founded on a simple but powerful belief: Therapy should be more than a place to talk about life's challenges. It should be a place where people learn how to overcome them.

Drawing on her background in psychology, clinical therapy, and law, Denise Santangelo developed SpireTHERAPY around a comprehensive, collaborative approach that combines compassionate care with practical, evidence-informed strategies.

Today, that vision extends throughout our entire team. Our therapists share a commitment to understanding the whole person, looking beyond symptoms to explore the emotional, behavioral, relational, and environmental factors influencing well-being.

Through individualized treatment, structured skill development, and meaningful collaboration, we help clients build the awareness, resilience, and confidence to create positive change.

One shared philosophy. A dedicated team. Personalized care designed around you.

Credentials & Specialties

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Connecticut and the founder of SpireTHERAPY. My professional path has been as layered and dynamic as the work I do with my clients. Here’s a bit about me:

  • ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), working with kids, teens, and adults to navigate the ups and downs of attention, focus, and executive function

  • EMDR Trained for trauma processing in both children and adults

  • Women’s Health Specialist, with advanced training in mental health concerns tied to perimenopause, menopause, postpartum depression, and other aspects of women’s well-being

  • Child and Adolescent Therapy Specialist, with experience treating anxiety, depression, OCD, emotional dysregulation, grief, and more

  • Trained in Play Therapy, Complex Trauma, Grief Counseling, Family Therapy, and the EMDR Flash Technique

My educational background includes:

  • Doctorate in Law (JD)

  • Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology (PhD)

  • Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)

  • Bachelor’s in Sociology (BS)

I am the Chair of Ridgefield’s Prevention Council, a council dedicated to creating awareness and prevention around destructive decisions for our community’s youth.   I’m also Co-Chair of the Connecticut Counseling Association’s Western Chapter and have loved sharing my insights as a guest lecturer at Western Connecticut State University’s Graduate Program in Clinical Mental Health, at conferences, workshops, and even on public access television.