Therapists in Amherst, MA

I work best with people who are interested in moving forward with their lives. Together we will identify your specific needs and goals as well as any barriers to your success. More importantly, we will devise a realistic and achievable plan to overcome challenges and to reach your potential.

**Practice full as of Nov 2019** I am a licensed psychologist specializing in therapy with children and adolescents. I believe we all develop "ways of being" in the world as a result of our innate temperament and early experiences. Psychotherapy and psychological testing offer the chance to look at these ways of being with a compassionate lens, honoring the value they have held in your life while determining whether they are still useful to you now. Through this process, new ways of being can emerge, leading to greater satisfaction in your life.

Julia is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Her easy and quick rapport with her clients and her community is a foundation from which she helps her clients build meaningful behaviors and reach their mental health goals.

Anxious children are the exclusive focus of my practice. A large part of my practice involves seeing children and adolescents with OCD. Other forms of anxiety that are a regular part of my practice include: selective mutism, separation anxiety, specific phobias, social phobia, panic, hoarding and hair pulling/face picking. Therapy for these conditions primarily involves cognitive-behavior therapy, however I also use somatic experiencing therapy, EMDR and standard play therapy as indicated. I am also trained in the program "Supportive Parenting for Anxious Children's Emotions" (SPACE), an evident based program for parents.

Do you ever feel that no matter how hard you try, you just "fail" every time? Do you look at yourself in the mirror with disgust and wonder why you feel so alone? Life is hard without all the challenges that meets us along the way. I am here to walk your journey with you. You are not alone. Together we can meet life's challenges; whether it is a loss of a loved one, nightmares that come from a traumatic event, feelings of loneliness and unworthiness, anxiety, relationship problems, suicidal thoughts and self harming behaviors, brokenness, chronic pain and illness, death and dying. You do not need to journey alone.

My favorite kinds of conversations are about feelings and perceptions. If you work with me you will be encouraged to settle and stay with those feelings and perceptions that feel true to you. Within the comfort of a safe therapeutic relationship, we will follow your inner leadings. Sometimes therapy can be deeply sobering. But in every instance, as illusions fall aside we rediscover the joy and vitality that comes with clarity. I strive to provide a warm, accepting and nurturing curiosity within which clients can feel safe to explore their leadings and concerns and thereby regain their confidence.

My office is conveniently located in the center of downtown, Amherst. I am trauma informed, and I approach treatment utilizing a social justice framework. My work is relationship based and culturally responsive. I address issues of race, gender, sexuality, and class oppression fluidly, and integrate identity development and social position in treatment. My clinical orientation is psychodynamic and relational, utilizing cognitive and behavioral strategies when appropriate. I have engaged a range of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, relational concerns, poverty and isolation.

Therapy supports well-being when the relationship helps us tap into our strengths and resources. My commitment to you is to build this kind of relationship. Results include improved mood, relationships,increased energy, motivation, self acceptance, and creativity. I practice a body-based therapy called Somatic Experiencing that is a gentle approach to healing PTSD and symptoms of trauma. These include anxiety, depression, physical symptoms, and difficulty staying grounded in the present. We may use methods informed by my experience and training in contemplative practices and expressive therapies along with psychodynamic and cognitive therapies.

Every day can be full of the unexpected—sometimes the surprises are good, and sometimes they are bad. When it comes to friends, work, or family, life always keeps people on their toes. Navigating the highs and lows can be hard, even in a world where information is so easily accessed. A search engine cannot always provide the solution. Almost everyone, at some point in life, will need more support and guidance than they have access to.

There are many reasons to seek therapy. Perhaps you are dealing with loss, need help coping with anxiety or processing trauma, or simply want to take stock and lead a more examined life. Whatever the reason, I meet you where you are and work with you so that you can explore your feelings and establish your goals for growth.

I have worked for years in community mental health, with people from a wide range of backgrounds. I think that people need for therapists to be with them when they are at their most vulnerable, and to help them to keep one foot in the present as they look for answers. My best work is with people who are curious about their own patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior, and are willing to try some new approaches. The bargain is that I will join that effort with careful attention and a willingness to meet the person just as they are.

***Accepting new in-person patients only *** I consider the overlapping experiences of self, authenticity, identity and relationships as central to therapy and the ways in which we make sense of ourselves and others in the world. I work with patients in an empathic, challenging, supportive and relational way toward life changes, as well as to discover coping skills tailored to their particular needs and experiences. I work from a relational, psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, attachment, and interpersonal neurobiological perspective of the person as a whole.

Joyous greetings! If you would like to explore the possibility of working together please see below the best ways to connect! For an appointment for private pay counseling and coaching services: Please call @ 413-216-9041 and or schedule an appointment @ https://jalieh-shepard.clientsecure.me. I look forward to connecting with you!

The findings of modern neuroscience are coming together with the practices of ancient traditions in the service of people whose lives have been marked by experiences of extreme stress and loss. I identify my practice as part of this international effort to expand our understanding of the human mind, body, spirit and community. My work with clients is based on scientific evidence, guided by traditional wisdom, and dedicated to the art of moving together toward balance, realization and integration in the present moment.

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.

Are you 18-60 years old? Do your emotions shift suddenly? Are your relationships very painful and difficult? Do you often feel impulsive or out of control? Do you engage in self-destructive behaviors? Are you in the Amherst, MA area? You may be eligible to receive up to $135 and free group therapy by participating in our study.

Searching for a therapist can be one of the most difficult parts of coping, healing, and self-empowerment, because it's the first thing you must do. You must force yourself out of your comfort zone and out of whatever routine you've had before, to take the initiative and embark on a new path. When we're at our best, stepping out of our comfort zones can be daunting; when we're feeling vulnerable, it can seem nearly impossible. No matter what prompted you to take this first step, I'd like to be there for your second.

The most common complaint from couples is poor or a lack of communication, leading to increased stress and conflict. My experience as a certified sex therapist has taught me when an individual or couple experiences increased tension and conflict; there is a corresponding decrease in sexual intimacy. Over time, a lack of sexual intimacy and pleasure can result in conflict in other areas of the relationship. I can help you find common ground for open communication, help resolve performance anxiety and reduce conflict, and experience happiness and pleasure with your sex life

I help tired, wired or uninspired adults, teens and college-aded individuals with a blended approach that treats their conscious and unconscious minds so the changes last. You will learn to harness the power of your whole mind to manage your nervous system, dissolve trauma, anxiety, depression or other obstacles. This process brings our your beauty, greatness and potential where you see lack and limitation. Behind the mask of failure, fears, pain and/or not-enough-ness lies lies a true strength. Indeed, problems and solutions are one.

I am a clinician, consultant and evaluator for children, youth and young adults. I have helped families coping with trauma, divorce, behavior problems, substances, alcohol, eating disorders and other health-related difficulties, cognitive disorders or PDD. I have successfully helped individuals with anger, depression or anxiety, including OCD and PTSD. I work closely with families and schools treating those with ADHD, LD, and Developmental Disabilities, including Autism Spectrum disorders. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Family Therapy. Finally, I have a special interest in issues concerning adoption and individuals in the GLBTQIA+ community.