Therapists in Boston, MA

I have advanced training and years of experience helping those with substance abuse problems as well as identifying and dealing with the underlying issues that may drive the behaviors. Addictions often go hand in hand with other mental illnesses such as depression, trauma, anxiety, ADHD and bipolar illness. I also have advanced training in ADHD. My methods are non-judgmental and generally holistic, but I know enough about medications to be able to recommend when they may be needed. Life can lead us anywhere and it is my mission to make that a happier place for us all.

Practicing counseling for over twenty five years has allowed me to develop the skills that result in efficient and permanent change for my clients. Every person is seen as a unique individual, thus solutions for each person will be the optimal ones for their individual situation. Clarity, comfort and the ability to lead a healthy productive life is the heart of my practice. I am compassionate, honest and sensitive to varying needs. Please feel free to talk with me regarding your concerns. I am confident we have the ability and resources to make the changes you desire.

My services are tailored to individuals struggling with a variety of mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, panic, mood disorder) and substance abuse issues. I work with all populations and provide home based therapy and outreach-- to the elderly-- and those diagnosed with complicated medical issues. My services are geared toward assessing one's baseline and identifying specific strengths, coping, limitations, vulnerabilities and grounding skills. I also incorporate the spiritual element of healing--which fosters personal growth for recovery.

FYI: faster to reach me via email. I'm down to earth and focus on a therapeutic style that is collaborative, trusting, open, and honest. In practice, I use multiple theoretical perspectives to encourage growth through learning, challenging beliefs, trusting yourself, and skill building. Utilizing CBT, I teach mindfulness, self-esteem, and coping skills. Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused therapy help develop advanced skills with intimacy, communication, and conflict resolution. I have advanced training in Facilitative leadership and Supervision and have extended my practice into the arenas of Job coaching and Life Coaching

As a practicing LICSW I have a passion for providing ethical and collaborative care, bringing a variety of clinical experiences to my work. I believe strongly in developing strong therapeutic relationships with my clients so we can work together on their own individualized treatment goals. I engage and pursue working with individuals, couples, children, parents, and families through a solution-focused model of care, that incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.

For me, psychotherapy must address the needs of the person. Sometimes this can mean exploring how you got to the point you are at, and how you want to change; and sometimes you may want specific tools to address a very specific issue. Finding the right therapist is perhaps one of the most important choices you will make and also one of the most difficult. Although a therapist may have an armory of techniques to use, what I have found to be at the heart of any type of psychotherapy is whether the relationship works between you and your therapist.

We are here to help with our expertise in anxiety and depressive disorders, OCD, grief, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, adoption, LGBTQ issues and trauma. At Optimal Health, we believe that physical and mental health are connected and that lifestyle affects both. Because of this, we have mental health therapists, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, chiropractor, and dietitian available to help you. Our 14 therapists have up to 25 years of experience and Rita, our psych NP, has 50 years experience helping clients meet their goals.

Imagine the best you can be. Imagine the best future possible. Your future doesn't have to be your past. Whether your issues are relationship, professional, life or health related our collaboration will identify, prioritize and help you achieve your goals. Together we travel a path of personal exploration and growth, while working to alleviate emotional distress. We begin by assessing issues causing pain. Then as partners, we determine what feels most comfortable. Your treatment path is as individual as you are. We select from a variety of insight oriented and cognitive behavioral therapies, including relaxation training and the expressive arts.

My name is Elizabeth Bristow and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over twenty years of experience providing psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. I see individuals, couples and families in my private practice. My office is centrally located, I have day and evening hours and I accept most insurances.