Dual Diagnosis Therapists in Westford, MA

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.

Is life feeling unbearably hard? Do you find yourself struggling with a past you just can't seem to move forward from? You’re frequently overwhelmed with distressing thoughts about yourself, other people, and sometimes even the world in general. Getting through each day seems impossible, and you often feel alone and misunderstood.

The therapeutic process is one that can be rewarding in so many ways. There are many things that cloud our perception of who we are, including anxiety, perfectionism, people pleasing, mood disruptions, relationship challenges, losses, and/or challenges with alcohol, drug use, or other addiction. The experiences of adverse or traumatic events or the impact of a mental health challenge, whether it be your own struggle or that of a loved one, can cause any person to feel lost and alone. There are times in life when we might feel disconnected from who we are as a result of these challenges.

I am a Licensed Social Worker and enjoy working with adolescents ages 16+ and adults. I have experience working in various settings including the Veteran's Affairs, inpatient hospitals and specialize in working with individuals who are seeking help with PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety, and other related mental health conditions. Additionally, I enjoy working with first responders, Veterans/active military, and their family members. My focus is humanistic, and I use a person-centered and strengths-based approach to help empower and support others through their therapeutic journey.

I work with children, adolescents, young adults, families, and parents. My focus when working with clients is to help them through life transitions with a person-centered and empathic approach, utilizing your strengths. We will explore strategies and skills that you can take with you beyond our time together. Those that benefit from a stength-based, skills building approach may identify as having anxiety, depression, self-esteem worries, or trauma.

People often ask me, "What is the purpose of therapy?" I believe there are a few answers to that question. First, you come to therapy to defrost grief, unexpressed rage and other negative feelings, e.g. traumas, losses, betrayals. You also learn to re-parent yourself. Second, you come to have a better transition in your work or love life, or to improve your performance and personal relations. Finally, you get to share your dreams and goals in a safe environment, with no judgment, and to produce amazing action plans to manifest your best life ever.

With all the obstacles life presents it is often easy to feel stuck. Unfortunately, the process of getting "unstuck" is not always as simple. That's when additional support is needed. With a genuine, empathic and down to earth style of therapy we can work towards your goals of feeling happier, healthier and more empowered. Together we will explore patterns and choices that contribute to your accomplishments and struggles. We will work towards self-awareness while remaining solution-focused, and will use the strengths you already possess to build more skills for managing the challenges that life brings.

I have had a private therapy practice in Andover and Westford, Ma. for nearly 30 years. During this time, I have worked with those struggling with a variety of concerns including relationships, parenting, identity, work and careers, depression, anxiety, trauma, school and education, gender, and cultures. Generally, the individuals, couples, and families with whom I work come to my office in some sort of pain or discomfort as they move back and forth between their real and ideal lives.The conversations we have shed light on what is happening and to try to help reduce feelings of pain and distress.

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.

I have been in clinical practice for more than 30 years. Over that time, I have worked with a wide variety of people experiencing different kinds of distress. That range of experience allows me to feel confident that I could work with many different types of problems. Over the years, I have received specific evaluations from many of my patients. They have described me as an excellent listener, down to earth and having a more active response style.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, focused on assisting individuals and families to navigate the unexpected challenges of life. At one time or another, we all find ourselves trying to cope with unforeseen problems or circumstances that feel too hard or complex to manage alone. “This is not what I planned!” Today you are making an important decision to reach out for assistance to cope with the life stressors you are currently experiencing. Areas of particular interest: coping with life transitions, anxiety, depression, loss, substance use or recovery for individuals / families, and challenges of military families.

NOW providing LMHC Supervision Collaboration and finding a rhythm that works for a therapeutic relationship is one of the most important beginnings in any relationship and one that I find important to grow. I believe in affordable and accessible mental health care that works for you, the client. I will work with around what you can afford to make taking care of yourself easier. I believe that we are all living a collective human experience that my role is to witness and walk next to you while you guide your own journey through treatment.

You can find more information about me at https://www.mcmentalhealth.com - Reaching out for help can often be the hardest step. I strive to cultivate a down to earth and collaborative environment that is based on building trust and connection. Everyone's life experiences are unique and my role is to empower and support you in your process towards achieving your goals.

Need help dealing with some of life's challenges? Taking that first step to call can be the hardest but the most rewarding in the end. I can help you explore options to live a healthier lifestyle, learn effective skills, and build upon existing strengths to heal and feel better. I have experience working with trauma, depression, anxiety, anger management, grief and problems related to school, work, parenting and relationships. I hold an advanced certification in drug and alcohol counseling and specialize in working with survivors of domestic violence. Please call or email to inquire if I am accepting new clients.