Teen Therapists in West Cambridge, Cambridge, MA

I work with child, teen and adult clients experiencing a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, emotional and behavioral regulation difficulties, and various life stressors. At times, we may face challenges with which we need support to gain greater understanding, to make change, and to grow so that we feel happier, successful, and more closely connected to others. I enjoy working with adults and teens who are looking for support to foster growth within themselves and bring change into their lives. I work collaboratively with parents of young children who are key supports in the process of making progress.

For over twenty years I have been providing counseling to families where one or more members are experiencing anxiety, depression, family conflict, school avoidance and/or the adolescent’s initial expression is resistance to treatment. My adolescent clientele and their family members range from first time engagers of therapeutic support to those that have had multiple therapists. I have found that most adolescents overtly or secretly welcome support in navigating the delicate dance of dependence and individuation, once the therapist is able to develop an effective rapport.

In my private practice, I work with adolescents, young adults and parents seeking help with a wide range of issues. I enjoy working at the intersection of adolescent and young adult development, mental health, and school/college life. I use talk therapy as well as parent guidance and family counseling techniques to ensure that people can make the improvements and achieve the results that are most important to them.

Is your child, teen or young adult falling behind at school or work? Are you worried they may fail, but want tools to help them succeed? Or, is an older family member struggling with aging, mood or cognitive changes, life transitions, or complications from a medical event like a stroke or procedure, that’s affected their thoughts, reactions, and ability to do daily tasks or work? If so, this must be taking its toll! Let me help. I understand how distressing and time-consuming these challenges can be. You need a specialist to assess the situation and give you a comprehensive plan and therapies that work.

I have provided psychotherapy focused on anxiety, depression and trauma for over 30 years. During that time, I have worked with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My focus is on helping my clients to see their own strengths and use them to reduce their symptoms, allowing them to become unstuck and move forward to establish happier, healthier lives. I have a strong focus on transitions of all types. These include the transitions of adolescents from childhood to young adulthood, and the difficulty inherent in transitioning from being the parent of a toddler, to being the parent of a challenging adolescent.

Do you find yourself caught in the relentless grip of anxiety, your mind racing with worry even in moments of quiet? Or perhaps depression has cast a shadow over the activities that once brought you joy? For parents and guardians, are you witnessing your child or adolescent grappling with their emotions, struggling to communicate their inner world? Are you deeply concerned about your child or adolescent, wishing for them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience? These emotions you're experiencing are valid, and they're the starting point of a transformative journey that I am here to embark on with you.

I specialize in working with adolescent and young adult in the area of anxiety, eating disorders and gender/sexuality. My clients are able to change behaviors such as avoiding, restricting, ruminating, indulging, escaping into effective coping strategies. As confidence and motivation increases, I have seen my clients develop an authentic version of themselves by gaining insight into their thoughts and behaviors, building awareness around their relationships with others and challenging unhelpful coping behaviors.

Are you up at 2am worried about your child's future? Finding a therapist who gets you and what you are going through can be tough. Whether you or your teen are navigating LGBTQ+ identity, recovering from trauma, or managing anxiety or mood swings, you'll find our support grounded in empathy and understanding. I offer parent coaching for caregivers striving to support their child post-coming out, a journey that can feel overwhelming without the right tools. With a wealth of experience in assisting queer and trans youth and their families, I'm committed to guiding you. Let me support you so you don't have to worry or wonder alone.

My practice is centered on the idea of walking with each other. As a therapist, my goal is to travel with you wherever the road may take us. I consider it a privilege to be invited into the sacred space of your story – to bear witness to all that you share as we navigate, together, this part of your journey.

I see therapy as a place to practice courage and honesty, with the goal of creating more joy, humor, flexibility, and play in one's life, relationships, and work. I often see individuals dealing with complex issues such as depression, grief/loss, anxiety, recovery from trauma/abuse or neglect, postpartum or parenting issues, child emotional or behavioral concerns, relationship conflicts, or identity/life transitions. My approach is collaborative, empathic, and interactive, creating an environment in which to help you better understand, relate to, and address the challenges you are experiencing.

Have you been struggling to figure out your next steps? Feeling lost or like your life is “a hot mess”? Struggling to focus on what matters most to you? Feeling as if you can’t figure out who you are and what you want? Are you in the midst of trying to make sense of your career path, identity, friendships and/or romantic relationships? Together, we can work together to better define your values, focus on the things that really matter to you and let go of the rest. I can work with you to help hone and build on your strengths, consider different paths forward, and become more confident and comfortable with yourself.

I am passionate about helping my clients create positive change in their lives. In my career, I have helped people from all walks of life who struggle with depression, anxiety, symptoms related to traumatic experiences, self-esteem issues and biologically based mental illness. Even though their stories and lived experiences varied, each sought support because they wanted to feel better, decrease their sense of isolation and increase positive coping skills. I love to help my clients discover their inner strengths, increase their feelings of personal safety, deepen their sense of agency and reclaim ownership of their lives.

My potential clients may be veterans looking for a safe space to navigate challenges related to serving, adolescents coping with difficult relational issues, or the person that is dreaming big but needs some support and motivation to get where they are trying to go. Some experiences may include anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, lack of motivation, boundary issues, issues surrounding identity, unhealthy relationships with food, low resilience, and relational issues.

As a licensed mental health counselor and a registered art therapist, I am passionate about utilizing art as a tool in treatment to nurture and validate the emotional experience of my clients. I have found art therapy to be especially effective when working through trauma. I have a heart for children and have extensive experience working with children and teens across the developmental spectrum through a wide array of therapeutic modalities, including art and play therapy.

I enjoy working creatively with clients. Whether you suffer from anxiety, problems with a loved one or you can't make a decision, I have experience in problem-solving using your strengths. I work with families, teens, and adults who are stressed and totally 'stuck.' I've lived and raised my children in Cambridge, MA and Cuba, and love the diversity of working with inter-racial and trans-national families. I also worked in Tchad. I work with college-bound adults who are balancing social needs with a heavy workload. Is therapy work? Definitely. Is there support available? Yes. In Spanish we say- vale la peña -it is worth it.

As a licensed psychotherapist, I believe therapy needs to be as unique as the individual and originate from a place of compassionate and collaborative curiosity. I take an eclectic approach that draws from somatic, dynamic, and relational schools of thought, with the underlying belief that all individuals already possess the ingredients needed to heal. My background predominantly involves working with teens, young and emerging adults, and athletes.

Gabriela has more than 15 years of experience working with individuals and families affected by domestic violence. She has also worked on various levels of care, from inpatient to intensive outpatient. She provides support on the healing from childhood trauma as well as from unhealthy and/or narcissistic abuse and relationships. Life transitions and personal growth. Stress management. Her passion is to empower individuals by guiding them to reconnect with their true selves.

*** Now offering virtual sessions to new patients*** Do you have concerns about your substance use? Are you worried about a loved one with an addiction problem? Are you in recovery & looking to make changes in your life? Are you looking to make changes regarding your relationship with substances? Many of my clients are parents, siblings, spouses or concerned significant others (friends, coworkers, etc) with a primary concern about someone else's well-being. Other clients I see are looking for a therapist who will meet them where they are in trying to change their substance use or assist them in their individual recovery process.

I am a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. My practice is directed toward individuals who have problems with self-esteem, with relationships, and/or with achieving work satisfaction. Often people are depressed and anxious, and unhappy with their lives, yet unable to effect change. For many, even knowing what it is they may desire is difficult and confusing. Sometimes, life feels meaningless and direction is hard to find. Developmental challenges, such as occupation choice, marriage, raising children, mid-life, and aging, pose particular stresses and are often times for re-evaluation.