Therapists in Merrimac, MA

As a clinical mental health professional, an Army Family Life Chaplain, VA therapist, and also a Christian ordained pastoral counselor (of 30+ years) I assist individuals in the community struggling with issues related to anxiety, depression, anger, grief, and trauma (PTSD). In addition to this I do marriage/couples therapy, pre-marital counseling, and spiritual/faith related counseling.

Are you suffering from limiting fears, depression, grief, anger, stress, anxiety or addictions? If so, I can help. I help clients break free from these and other issues using different mind/body therapies (including hypnosis) to quickly and powerfully integrate health, happiness and peace into people's lives. My intent is always to guide clients to a path of insight and understanding that allow them to fully utilize their inherent inner healing and creativity that we as human beings all possess.

I especially love helping teens/ young adults (and their parents) with developing their independence. I'm excited to help individuals and families enjoy their lives more either by improving relationships, better managing their stage of life tasks, and also while dealing with difficult problems including Relationship/ Marital issues, Family Conflicts, Affairs, Sex addiction, Co-parenting, "Growing Up" issues, Adjusting to Divorce, Gay & Lesbian & Gender (Transgender) issues, Substance Abuse, Grief, Violence and Anger Management including Probation & Diversion involvement.

I provide individual psychotherapy to individual adults (18-65) struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, anger/irritability, and a wide range of psychosocial stressors, including relationship & family stress, adjustment & life transitions, career stress, and grief/bereavement. I spent nine years at the Boston VA Hospital, so I have extensive training and experience with military veterans suffering from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and adjustment to civilian life.

The individuals that I treat most often have varying levels of need and are at different stages in their own therapeutic process. For this reason, I am very person-centered and tailor treatment to each individual's particular needs. I work with all ages but most often with children, adolescents, and young adults. The majority of individuals that I see struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, eating disorders, self-injury, school problems, and ADHD. However, I also have advanced training in working with individuals with chronic mental health issues and personality disorders.

We've all been there. Maybe we feel stuck in a vicious cycle. Some of us are struggling with a pattern of unstable relationships. Maybe we have lost a loved one and need support. Maybe you're feeling sad, hopeless or quick to anger. Perhaps you've tried to quit a substance that is causing you more harm than good and have been unsuccessful.

If you would like to learn how to manage overwhelming emotions, reduce stress or anxiety, change unhealthy behaviors, or feel more satisfied in your relationships, working with a therapist can help. Taking the first steps toward change can be difficult, but you don't have to do it alone.

I am an independently licensed practitioner with over 30 years' experience. I integrate a wide range of different therapeutic approaches and techniques to better suit the unique needs of individuals and couples. I have experience working with individuals - children, adolescents and adults - as well as couples. My clients include those who deal with issues of increased stress, depression, anger, anxiety, grief and those who would like help navigating relationships.I believe in peoples' ability for growth and transformation and is grateful to those who allowed me to be part of this process.

Starting is often the hardest part. We all want to have someone listen to us; someone to understand where we have been, where we want to go & help us find a way to get there. No judgement here, just honest conversation to help you help yourself. Sometimes life takes alternate paths & we could all use a little GPS from time to time. I'm a firm believer that people need people and that we are all in this life together. Let's explore ways to get you to, or back to, the version of yourself that you want to be. Something or someone has driven you to Psychology Today. You don't have to continue feeling this way.

Events that occur in our lives often leave us feeling overwhelmed and out of control. The emotions that we experience may cause us to behave in ways that are unhelpful and cause repeated conflict. This can oftentimes feel like a repeated pattern that makes us feel stuck. As a mental health counselor, my goal is to provide a comfortable setting, build positive, trusting relationships and promote critical change that support clients to overcome the challenges they are faced with. Utilizing concepts of a cognitive behavioral approach, while incorporating physical, emotional and spiritual health, clients can expect to reflect on how the

Alliance Lifetime Mental Health is an outpatient mental health clinic with locations in Lawrence, MA and Bedford, NH. We provide services for children, adolescents and adults seeking mental health services and support. We are committed to delivering quality services to the communities we serve. We offer counseling and medication management services with appointments offered both in office and via telehealth. Spanish speaking counselors are available!

I am a certified sex therapist who is licensed in NH, ME, and MA, and specialize in therapies for individuals and couples that are dealing with issues that inhibit future growth and happiness. As the author of Couples by Intention: Creating and Cultivating Relationships That Matter!, specialties include sex/intimacy, infidelity recovery, infertility, Surrogacy/Adoption, life transitions/personal growth, men's issues, and sexual minorities' concerns. My approach is solution focused, varied and includes a strength based perspective. Narrative therapy, CBT and interpersonal methods are often used.

My primary focus is building a genuine connection and individualizing my approach to each person’s specific needs. I have always believed that it is important to celebrate small and big wins in life. I work hard to meet clients where they are at and together, work to develop goals for best outcomes. I utilize many forms of therapy, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing all from a trauma informed lens. I enjoy working with all ages, especially those who identify as neurodivergent, those with disabilities, anxiety, depression and trauma.

I’ve been a mental health counselor for 20 years and I am also a Certified Grief Specialist. I have a passion for helping people experiencing grief and loss. Loss can be concrete or abstract. Many major life changes can lead to the feeling of grief, including the death of a family member, friend or pet; or the loss of relationship or a job. The journey of grief is an individual one, and can be lonely, but you don’t need to walk it alone. I am here to help you navigate the difficult journey you are on.

I work with each client to identify sources of distress and dissatisfaction in their lives, and to overcome obstacles to living a healthy and happy life. I begin therapy by gaining a clear understanding of your strengths as well as areas for growth, and building a strong working alliance. Together we identify therapy goals and formulate a plan to achieve them. I combine cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, DBT and humanistic approaches to tailor a unique therapy plan for each individual. My approach involves listening carefully and asking questions to help guide you to greater understanding about yourself and to make the changes that you seek.

Does your child's behavior leave you feeling overwhelmed? Behaviors can leave the whole family feeling stressed and disconnected. With over 30 years of experience in special education, working with families in both schools and homes to navigate a wide range of behaviors- from autism and emotional disorders to typical developmental stages and anxiety. I focus on creating supportive environments for your entire family. Using evidenced based strategies focused on positive reinforcement and replacement behaviors help individuals develop the skills they need to succeed.

Welcome! My practice offers in-home behavioral consultation and treatment for adolescents. Together, guided by ABA and ACT therapies, we address areas of concern, set goals and develop in-home support to help your child build skills, improve behavior, and gain a sense of well-being. The impact on your child’s social/emotional functioning, self-esteem, and relationships, as well as the family dynamic, is profound. I have 30 years of experience helping adolescents, including 23 years as a school psychologist and behavior specialist in NH schools. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you! John Potter, Behavior Pathways, LLC.