Culturally Sensitive Therapists in Hadley, MA

"Your present circumstances do not determine where you go, they merely determine where you start." Feelings of loss, shame, sadness and anxiety often keep us stuck in unhealthy patterns. I have a general practice focusing on the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse and impulse control disorders. Using Internal Family Systems (IFS), cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and other coping strategies I guide clients forward, to health, wellness, safety and acceptance.

Sometimes when life is difficult, we try to take on everything ourselves. I am here to let you know that you do not have to do it all alone.When the pain become too heavy, I will be here for you as you speak your truth.I believe that we are the experts of our own lives and story. I will provide validation, where you can become your own catalyst for change.Our therapeutic work will be an empowering safe place for healing, self-discovery and navigating life’s challenges. I use therapeutic modalities specific to a client’s individual needs.

Life can be extraordinarily challenging and finding a therapist that "fits" can be intimidating. I enjoy working with diverse clients from varied backgrounds. My passion is working with motivated clients to address trauma, anxiety, and various life transitions. I also enjoy working with teenagers navigating the road to adulthood. My role as a therapist is to nurture the innate healing process by teaching the needed skills and utilizing tailored interventions so clients may achieve goals related to improved emotional coping, satisfying relationships, and better quality of life.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed? Are you struggling in your relationships or at work? Are you seeking a supportive counseling relationship to help you sort things out and move forward in your life? Whatever life challenges you are facing we will come together to work on them and develop solutions to help you experience relief and reach your goals.

Alan has experience working with people with a broad range of mental health concerns ranging from dissatisfaction with life to those with significant trauma histories or history of hospitalization. He prides himself on working well with those who have stalled in therapy, are looking for more, are skeptical of modern paradigms of mental health and culture, who have otherwise been made to feel "difficult" or "resistant," or who have not been taken seriously due to their identity or beliefs.

Making a decision to work with someone to improve your health is a big step. It is brave work on the things you don’t like about yourself. It is brave to talk to someone. My approach is more collaborative and supportive. My goal is to help my clients feel safe and to understand themselves better, increasing their flexible thinking and compassion for themselves.

Are you experiencing overwhelming stress, depression, trauma, anxiety, fears, or panic attacks? Are you struggling with sense-of-self or self-worth? Have you been the victim of discrimination or domestic violence and are looking to regain control of your life? Or are you just in need of having a provider that will listen to you in a mindful and non-judgmental way? If you are, call me to discuss effective ways to guide you in the process of overcoming these and other life challenges. I am a caring, gentle, compassionate, and sensitive to cultural, racial, and religious diversity psychologist. I am fluent in English and Spanish.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, EMDR Practitioner, and Reiki Master/Teacher. I specialize in Trauma-Focused work with adults to manage a wide range of issues. My approach is Person-Centered and Trauma Focused through a compassionate lens, with an emphasis on client's strengths. I'm trained in Advanced EMDR, Clinical Hypnosis including advanced training in Age Regression/Progression, and Reiki Level III. I utilize complementary therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

At your first appointment, I gather information about what's bringing you for therapy now. My approach is strength-based and collaborative, and we will consider what you might find most helpful together. My practice welcomes children, adolescents, college students and parents; I enjoy work with couples, families and individuals. While offering support and guidance, I take time to build a safe place where you gain understanding and develop skills to improve your life. I share my expertise in family systems, along with practical information about resources. With increased perspective and awareness about your choices, the opportunity for change unfolds.

I am currently accepting new clients! The most significant factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship itself. With this in mind, I adopt a warm and collaborative approach with each client. I enjoy working with a wide variety of issues, including treating mood disorders such as depression and anxiety; addressing relationship challenges and life transitions; supporting recovery from substance abuse; exploring issues of racial and cultural identity; and enhancing skills for management of trauma history.

I am eager to work with clients seeking insight and change in their lives. I strive to create a trusting relationship that fosters emotional and spiritual growth while examining the issues that are preventing you from living up to your full potential. I work from an anti-oppression lens, prioritizing holistic health and wellness, utilizing my years of clinical training and experience in treating individuals and communities deeply impacted by trauma, grief/loss and illness. I am particularly excited to offer EMDR treatment in addition to psychodynamic psychotherapy to support healing and lasting transformative change.

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.

Life can present difficult feelings and experiences that become overwhelming. Therapy can be a way to manage these complicated feelings of sadness, anger, anxiety or just a general feeling of “stuckness”. I believe that everyone has the ability to unlock their potential and move forward.

Change is a natural part of life and can be both exciting and challenging. If you're looking to develop resources to deal with the challenge of transitions, anxiety or depression, or are seeking new ways of responding to old patterns, I'd like to work with you to actively create a fresh approach to building the life you want to be living. I am easy to talk to, and bring a warm and open presence approaching therapy as a conversation. I listen closely and aim to ask questions that help you to grow your own innate wisdom and inspire new ideas and solutions.

Do you want to make changes in your life but feel too stuck to see a way forward? Do you have a complicated relationship with your body? You’re not alone and making change is possible.

Welcome to my practice, I am excited to partner with you as you take the brave step in seeking help. Many struggle with the following: isolation, depression, anxiety, attention, identity, change of life, toxic stress, grief, trauma, relationships, work, or family issues. Do you feel alone and overwhelmed in these issues? I offer a compassionate and validating space in which to help you take a look at these issues in an empowering, strengths-based way. I specialize in using creativity, art, mind-body strategies, and self-empowerment in relationships. We will take an in-depth look at your concerns in a holistic way.

Are your worries keeping you up at night? Do you think about something over and over and imagine the worst might happen? Do you feel so overwhelmed that you can’t get anything done? Does everything, including eating and sleeping, feel hard? It is okay to need help and I want to help you get unstuck.

We all need help and support sometimes. Many of us have been taught that asking for help is a sign of weakness. We may have tried reaching out for help and were ignored, shamed, or hurt by those we trusted, leading us to create protections, to shut down, or to engage in unworkable coping strategies that keep us stuck and hurting. The truth is, asking for help is brave and takes courage and willingness. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming just trying to untangle and make sense of it all. Healing IS possible! And you don't have to do it alone. In fact, healing is best done in connection with others.

I have over 20 years of experience helping people of diverse backgrounds heal from stuck emotions and patterns, anxiety, and trauma, I support individuals with life transitions, stress at home and at work, grief, coping with partner/family substance abuse, anxiety, family issues, family of origin issues, parenting issues, divorce, communication difficulties, and challenges, and confusion around career. I provide a nurturing and supportive environment to facilitate authentic self-expression. I believe in the innate ability of each individual to heal and realize unlimited potential. It is an honor for me to witness this journey.