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Darleen J. Gracia Psy.D.
Psychologist | Clinical
388 East Main Street Branford CT, 06405About
Dr. Darleen J. Gracia (she/her/ella) is a licensed psychologist whose practice bridges cultural understanding with contemporary therapeutic approaches. Based in Branford, Connecticut, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate complex life transitions and attachment challenges, with particular expertise in serving LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and fellow mental health professionals.
Drawing from her bilingual background and multicultural expertise, Dr. Gracia has developed a unique therapeutic framework that combines relational psychology with social justice principles. Her approach emphasizes authentic connection and cultural responsiveness, helping clients build secure attachments while honoring their diverse identities and experiences. Her work focuses particularly on supporting young and middle-aged adults as they challenge inherited narratives, explore their authentic selves, and build lives aligned with their evolving values. She acts as a guide, a coach, a teacher, and a sounding board. She offers services, both virtually and in-person.
The name of her practice, Crossing Bridges Psychology, LLC, was inspired by the old adage, "I'll cross that bridge when I get there." She encourages you to think: what bridges have you been holding off crossing?
Education and Training
William James College Doctorate of Psychology 2011
Boston College Masters Counseling Psychology 2007
University of Connecticut Bachelor of Arts 2004
Provider Details
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Darleen J. Gracia Psy.D.'s Expert Contributions
Imposter Syndrome Among Young Professionals of Color
Imposter syndrome—the persistent feeling of being a fraud despite evidence of success—is an experience many young professionals face. For people of color, this feeling is often heightened by societal and systemic challenges that can make it even harder to shake.For young professionals of color,...
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Adjunct Faculty - Latino Mental Health Program William James College 2016 - 2016
Awards
- Excellence In Psychology 2025 Best in CT Magazine
- Presidential Commmittee on Issues of Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Campus Pride Service Award 2021 University of South Florida
- Partner of the Year 2021 University of South Florida's Multicultural Affairs Office
- Audre Lorde Luncheon - Ally of the Year 2019 University of South Florida's Multicultural Affairs Office
- Dr. Cynthia Lucero Scholar 2007 William James College
- New England Scholar 2003 University of Connecticut
Professional Memberships
- American Psychological Association
- National Latinx Psychological Association
Internships
- Massachusetts General Hospital - Chelsea HealthCare Center
Fellowships
- Post-doctoral fellow at Tufts University Counseling and Mental Health Service
Professional Society Memberships
- Golden Key International Honor Society, Psi Chi Honor Society
Articles and Publications
- Dissertation: The Clinical Application of Refranes: An Exploration of Latino Proverbs in Common Clinical Presentations (2011)
What do you attribute your success to?
- I'm a naturally empathic person and have a passion for helping people and solving complex problems. I enjoy hearing people's stories and helping to reshape narratives that no longer serve them. It is a privilege to watch people shed beliefs, perspectives, habits that no longer serve them in order to become a more healed version of their true selves.
Teaching and speaking
- Currently, I am providing health and wellness seminars to organizations that request them through their Employee Assistance Programs via Cigna/Evernorth on a part time basis.
Darleen J. Gracia Psy.D.'s Practice location
Crossing Bridges Psychology LLC
388 East Main Street -Branford, CT 06405Get Direction
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Nearby Providers
- Melissa Lavin62 Montoya Drive Branford Connecticut 6405
- Adriana DeAmicis129 Church St. New Haven CT 06510
- Dr. Laura R Jarett PH. D.88 River Edge Farms Rd Madison CT 06443
- Dr. Kristin Johnson Dinatale PSY.D.350 Center St Wallingford CT 06492
- Dr. Tracey Meyers Sondik PSY.D.Holmes Drive Middletown CT 06457
- Dr. Randi Schnur PH.D.26 Chamberlain Hwy Berlin CT 06037
Nearest Hospitals
MASONICARE HEALTH CENTERl
22 MASONIC AVE WALLINGFORD CT 6492