Therapists in Sudbury, MA

Utilizing a straight forward, positive and structured approach in working with clients with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and Panic and Stress related physical ailments, I assist clients in developing strategies and goals for achieving success in all areas of their life. In addition to working clinically with adults, couples, adolescents and their families, I am a licensed Massachusetts public school teacher and offer extensive experience supporting parents, setting expectations and working with adolescent behavior concerns in and out of the educational setting. I offer all my clients and families a unique perspective and experience including crisis management and substance abuse.

A wise doctor once wrote: "It is more important to understand the person who has an illness than the illness a person has." This is even truer for emotional problems than physical ones. Likewise, without understanding the context of a person's life and family, past and present -- one cannot really begin to help the person. I have worked for many years with young men and women of all ages with addictions, family and relationship issues, and the universal challenges of depression and anxiety. Certainly there are commonalities among the problems they present, but it is the uniqueness of each of my patients that leads to change.

Hello, my name is Shari Bennett, I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 35 years of experience as a therapist . In 1988 I opened Interactions Counseling and Intervention Center, a group private practice in Westford, MA. At Interactions we believe in treating the child and adolescent within the context of the family, school and larger community. For adults, we offer individual, family, and couples counseling, separately or in combination, so that the person can achieve the best results in the shortest amount of time. We collaborate with you to design a treatment plan that is unique to your specific needs.

Some people struggle for weeks, months, or even years before considering psychotherapy. And it makes sense — it's hard to confide in a stranger and can take a while to find the right fit. We want authenticity and experience in a therapist but also someone relatable and easy to talk with. When couples counseling, family therapy, or child/adolescent support is needed, the search may seem even more daunting. We need a clinician with the interpersonal skills, temperament, and adaptability to forge a meaningful connection with our partners, children, and the networks who support them.

Over the last thirty years as a Clinical Psychologist, I have learned how children, adults, couples, and families break free of disheartening relational patterns and rewrite oppressive stories. I have learned how to attend to what matters most: feeling safe, opening to love, and creating a life guided by compassion. I truly love my work, and that may be because I am still learning every day how to ask questions that spark wonder and creativity, how to listen for the depth behind words, knowing when to be patient, when to challenge.

I believe that therapy is most effective when there is a warm, supportive relationship between the therapist and child or teen. Does your child suffer from anxiety, trouble getting along with peers, depression, or behavioral problems? Therapy can help you child strengthen and learn new skills to address these concerns.

I have vast experience working with individuals, families and couples in many different settings and walks of life, including military servicemen/women and their families. I look forward to not only helping you define your goals but also discovering successful ways to meet them. I specialize in working with adolescents and their families, as well as couples who are re-examining their relationship. I have practiced with the LGBTQ community and understand the issues that can arise.

As your therapist I want to build a safe and connected relationship where we can work as a team to determine how to handle challenging thoughts, feelings, or situations more effectively. What changes to you want to make in your life and what's getting in the way? We will identify key values and behavior to grow into. My goal is to foster a sense of compassion, curiosity, kindness, and openness to the therapeutic process and teach the skills to transfer these qualities of being to your life wherever you go. We will learn skills and techniques to accept the challenges of being human while still living in line with your ideal values.

You don’t have to suffer without hope…or help. Whether you’re feeling depressed, anxious, worried and preoccupied, or experiencing blocked creativity, psychotherapy can help you to feel/get better. I work with both individuals and couples. Since 2008, I have been helping my clients to overcome their obstacles. I can help you too!

I believe people sometimes underestimate the power of talking. Having someone listen with an attentive and empathetic ear can be a cathartic experience. I practice with the philosophy of working to fully understand and appreciate each and every client I work with. My goal is to create a safe and comfortable space where you can say anything.

Dr. Santagati's areas of special training and expertise include several clinical issues: working with individuals, couples and families who have depression, anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, interpersonal difficulties and conflict. Her approach to therapy is influenced by several theoretical backgrounds such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Adlerian Psychodynamic Therapy, Family Systems, Humanistic Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. You will decide in collaboration with Dr. Santagati which therapeutic approach is the right one for you!