Therapists in Fall River, MA

I work with all people who identify first and foremost as being human, and who are imperfect by nature even if this is hard to admit to self and others; adults, couples, children, teens and their families. My approach is unique in that it involves individual self exploration and discovery rather than diagnosis and treatment plans. My work is based on relationship building which always begins with the relationship with self. My work with children and teens has a strong family component since improving these family of origin relationships supports life long wellness in all members of the family.

My goal is to provide solution focused and compassionate treatment. I draw upon my more than twenty years of experience to work with each client, to address those primary issues which brought one into treatment and to join with my clients on their path towards greater functioning and stability.

Not every dilemma is a disorder, not every sadness a sickness. While the pandemic, climate change, political polarization, all increase the awareness of existential threats, my clients seek to move toward value, value in relationships, in work, play, in nature. While acknowledging some validity of the concept of “mental disorders” and benefiting from my past working with it, they wish to move beyond the constraints of a diagnosis. Working collaboratively, we engage constructively with the full range of emotion while challenging automatic attachment to our default interpretations. Indeed, we are research guided, relationahip driven.

My ideal client is aware that something is wrong, has some idea that they contribute to part of it, and are willing to try something new to see if things improve. The three groups of people who come to me the most are: substance users or the people who love them, people who have a trouble communicating, sometimes due to anger, and people who have suffered from trauma. I have been a therapist for > 30 years, and use a number of techniques depending on the situation. The most important factor is the relationship itself, both of us want 'a good fit'.

In my practice I focus on behavior change and motivation development. I also place an emphasis on client identification of thought patterns that may cause present and future difficulties. My goal is to work with you to find the best solution to your problems.

I am interested in working with people who are looking for ways in which to improve their lives, to learn how to become happier, healthier people leading meaningful lives.

I have more than twenty years working with all populations & ethnic groups in individual, group, couples and family therapy. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders , trauma, anger management ,depression, post traumatic stress disorder, autism spectrum disorders and substance use. I have experience in conducting sex offender evaluations, anger evaluations, and trauma evaluations. I have experience working with court involved youth. My methods of therapies are cognitive behavioral, psycho-dynamic & motivational interviewing. I accept most major insurances including all Mass Health Plans. I am accepting new clients. My office is located in a professional building near downtown New Bedford.

When life becomes stressful and you're feeling overwhelmed, it's important to remember that help is available to you. I am a Boston University trained cognitive behavioral therapist. I use a strengths-based approach to tailor the work for each individual client. I have a wide range of experience working with individuals and couples. I, also, have an extensive history of working with people experiencing panic attacks, anxiety, depression, anger management issues, and those experiencing grief/loss issues.

Now excepting MBHP products including Steward Health along with all other major insurances. Experience with children, adolescent and adults who struggle with mental health and substance abuse. Don’t wait another day to ask for help! Unable to see 20 and under with mass health due to not being CANS certified. But can see all ages if private insurance

It is hard sometimes to enjoy and to be grateful for the present moment when you feel like there is a lot on your plate or when you just can’t get yourself out of bed. Your to-do list is overwhelming and daunting, you procrastinate, and you avoid doing something in fear of making mistakes. You feel discouraged, powerless, and emotionally drained, and these feelings stop you from achieving the things that would help you feel better about yourself. You have thought about therapy or have tried it before, but you feel you can’t fit it in with your busy schedule. You are ambitious and a go-getter, making it hard to fit it in the day.

Healing begins in the relationship - this is the very foundation of my practice. It can be scary to share the most vulnerable parts of ourselves. I believe in building a foundation of trust, acceptance and meeting clients where they are at. Wherever you are in your journey, I am here to guide you to your truth, whatever that means for you. I have worked with adults at various points in their lives utilizing several modalities, including CBT, DBT and psychodynamic therapy. Together, we will find an approach that is tailored to you.

Is it difficult facing your day? Does stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use or family discord interfere with your well-being? Does the thought of having to make changes in your life feel overwhelming? Change is difficult to think about, however, without positive change...nothing will change. Do you want to learn ways to think, understand and cope with the situations in your life in a way that can allow you to feel productive and have a more positive outlook on life?

**Video/Telehealth available** We all experience it at one time or another...that feeling of "being stuck". It could be in our career, our job, our relationships, or our health. No matter if it's in one area of life or several, these difficulties can leave us with a loss of purpose, drive, and self-confidence, making us even less prepared to help ourselves get unstuck and move forward. As a licensed counselor for almost 20 years, I have worked with hundreds of individuals and couples to support them in navigating their problem areas, finding their own solutions, and experiencing desired personal growth.

Go to WWW.AVIV.LIFE to contact us about booking and availability!

Are you feeling anxious, stressed, lost, and looking for direction? You are not alone; however, there is help. I have seen many clients that suffered from the same issues including anxiety, stress, PTSD, phobias, and lack of direction. Here is an example of the clients that have benefited from my services: "I had for the first time something called neuro linguistic programming (NLP). Can I say my mind is blown away with the results. She worked on 3 traumatic experiences that happened in my lifetime." Maria 7-11-20

Accepting new clients as of March 2023. Please join me for accessible, safe, supportive, and holistic therapy services for adults of all ages. I believe the best therapy is non-judgmental, laid back, and forward-looking in a larger journey to wellness and personal excellence. Many private insurances are accepted as well as private payment. Sessions can be in-person or over telehealth. Reach out today. It's hard, but worth it! And you deserve it.