Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in Newtonville, MA

My therapeutic approach is warm, collaborative and solution-focused. I incorporate mindfulness techniques to increase awareness of harmful thoughts and behaviors, and skill building exercises to increase emotion regulation, resilience, and psychological flexibility. I hold an advanced certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from Boston University and have extensive training in mindfulness-based therapies.

As a former teacher turned therapist, I have developed a strong counseling tool box. I specialize in supporting adolescents/teens and adults find ways to cope with trauma and loss, manage anxiety and depression, develop problem solving strategies and social skills, overcome substance abuse and low self-esteem, and manage family conflict. I am also able to help the individuals I work with to develop executive functioning and advocacy skills at school, home, and in the community. I utilize humor, unconditional positive regard, and curiosity to create a safe and productive space for you to grow.

Accepting new clients for February! I am a licensed clinical social worker who has been in the field for over 15 years. I have worked in medical settings, youth empowerment programs, social justice nonprofits, and most recently at Massachusetts General Hospital in the Department of Psychiatry. I most often work with clients around anxiety, relationship concerns, family dynamics, job stress, body image, major medical events/illness (including end of life), and substance use concerns. I've completed 200HR yoga teacher training and use mindfulness in my therapy practice if it's of interest to my client.

As a dedicated and compassionate licensed mental health counselor, I am committed to meeting individuals and couples where they are on their journey to healing within a safe and supportive environment, as well as fostering a space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make positive changes. My approach to therapy is integrative; and with a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness practices, I strive to empower individuals to help themselves achieve positive changes in their lives.

If you are struggling with a life transition or find that your anxiety and depression get in the way of you having the life that you want, I would be happy to help you work toward feeling better. Currently, my work is focusing on anxiety and depressive disorders, life transitions, stress management, health concerns, food allergy anxiety/trauma, adults, young adults, as well as college students. Please feel free to reach out. I'm happy to discuss if I am the right fit via free phone/telehealth consultation.

Life is not easy and sometimes people go it alone. The opportunity to heard, to be understood, and to be accepted is a very powerful one. My aim as a therapist is to provide that opportunity. In over 40 years of practice, I have helped people to understand that survival strategies of the past may now be the source of struggle in their lives. With that understanding in mind it is possible to make changes, alleviate suffering and move through life with greater ease and appreciation. To that end, I incorporate Focusing, Mindfulness, and Cognitive approaches where they may be useful.

I work well with with adolescents, young adults, and adults struggling with a wide range of issues including social and generalized anxiety, OCD, panic, depression, self-esteem and emotion-regulation. I also enjoy working with individuals going through significant life transitions, such as adjustment to college, parenting, or divorce.

I often hear my clients say, “I wish I had started therapy sooner!” That doesn’t have to be you. Is therapy hard at times? Absolutely! It’s also an extremely rewarding personal growth opportunity that many define as “Life-Changing.” For over a decade, I’ve helped clients thrive personally & professionally as they learn to heal/manage: 1) Mental Health 2) Self-Confidence 3) Imposter Syndrome and 4) Relationships. Through experience gained in the US & abroad, I’ve developed a therapeutic style described as empowering, collaborative & interactive. I truly believe each client is HUMAN & not their symptoms, life stressors, or illness.

I am an independent Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts. I received my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy from Lesley University. I have worked with adolescents and adults in a multitude of settings including school, crisis stabilization, residential, and inpatient settings. I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing difficulties around anxiety, depression, substance use, life transitions, and trauma. I bring authenticity and transparency, creativity, unconditional acceptance, and humor to the therapy space.

I am interested in working with clients who want to show up to make gradual improvements in their personal and interpersonal relationships and lives. Ideally, my clients come from a variety of backgrounds and carry vastly different experiences; however, all possess a desire for exploring and healing wounds.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice and in the Waltham area. As a psychologist, art therapist, and an educator, I have devoted myself to helping others create meaningful, fulfilling lives. My approach is relational, psychodynamic, mindfulness-based and research informed. I am astute in understanding the clinical process that underly change and therapeutic components that promote healing. I believe in a collaborative therapeutic relationship, while supporting individual strengths and meeting specific needs of the person. I welcome clients from all backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities and sexual orientations.

From the very first session, I collaborate with clients and families to address their current challenges so that they can bring greater joy, peace, and acceptance into their lives. So often, our difficulties stem from unhealthy, long-standing patterns that weave through development and influence how we see ourselves, relationships, & the world around us. I help clients to deepen their understanding of their challenges and strengths in order to more effectively reach their goals.

Reaching out for help and support is often the hardest step to healing. No matter what your struggles are, how tired you are, how many negative thoughts you have, or how hopeless you feel, we will work through these struggles and find a solution that will allow you to live “your very best life”.

Dr. Ramakrishnan supports clients in tuning into their own inner voice and their own intuition. She enjoys working with clients who are exploring questions about meaning and purpose in their lives. Dr. Ramakrishnan draws from the fields of positive psychology, person-centered therapy, self-compassion, mindfulness, and interpersonal psychotherapy. Dr. Ramakrishnan additionally integrates skills from therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She has experience working with clients who are interested in spirituality/religion and meditation.