Therapists in Wayland, MA

I'm currently not accepting new patients. My name is Fernanda Alves, and I am originally from Brazil, where I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2006. After graduating, I immigrated to the US to pursue my master's degree in mental health, which I completed in 2012. Since then, I have worked as an outpatient therapist for two nonprofit organizations, where I obtained experience working with children, adolescents, and families. At the beginning of 2020, I opened my practice, where I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I'm licensed in Florida and Massachusetts.

I am driven by directness and efficiency. My approach is unencumbered by therapeutic conventions of insurance approval, clinical setting, and therapy tropes. I offer a novel approach to short and long term therapy in a location of your choosing, such as your home or office, or remotely at your discretion. I do not accept insurance, such that only you will determine the visit frequency. Please inquire if you wish to utilize aspects of my expertise as a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutritionist, and/or Registered Yoga Teacher (200-hr) to augment therapy.

MY PRACTICE IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO NEW CLIENTS. For over 30 years, I have had the privilege of working with and learning from hundreds of individuals, couples and families as they have wrestled with the personal and professional challenges of their lives. I believe that my clients find me to be very down to earth and human so it is easier for them to open up and be real with me. Every person's story and circumstances are unique but if someone is helped by the work we do together, it is generally because we form a relationship of trust and connection.

I am dedicated to helping and encouraging my clients to identify issues/obstacles and work towards applying this knowledge to find solutions and relief. Whether it be anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, sleep problems, stress or just feeling overwhelmed with life, I will listen to and collaborate with you to determine an effective therapeutic path.

My goal is to help clients gain confidence in their ability to handle life's challenges. Through an interactive exchange we will build awareness of how you are currently coping, then work on moving towards more effective ways of being. I have worked for 20 years with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, addiction and personality disorders.

I consider it an honor to guide people on their journey through this life, to help them release old patterns of thought, feeling and behavior that interfere with their sense of well-being and wholeness, resolve the effects of lingering pain and/or past trauma, explore what is important and meaningful in their lives, and find new purpose and depth in themselves and in their relationship to the world around them. If you find yourself lost, in your relationships and/or your life, in a world that makes little sense, we can find a path and way of being that feels right for you in the most fulfilling way.

NEW PARENT'S GROUP STARTING NOW: I am starting a parent group that provides a positive alternative, as effective as individual therapy for your child or teen. The group experience will energize you with insight and support so you can restore your child's own natural self-righting capacities. I have been a child and family therapist for 35 years. I offer psychotherapy without the psycho-babble, liberating people of any age to use common sense and their family's love to make the most of life's opportunities.

As a seasoned and dedicated therapist, I specialize in providing therapy to those navigating mid-life, as well as those in their mid-20's & 30's. My clients often come to me in state of distress, grappling with a myriad of questions & overwhelmed by doubt & anxiety. I offer empathy in a safe space to build trust & feel heard.

We all face challenges, whether it’s with relationships, loss and grief, illness, parenting issues, work-life balance, or the realization that we may not be reaching our full potential at work, school, or home. We often develop problem-solving strategies but may encounter roadblocks in our quest to overcome our challenges. Seeking guidance from a therapist to examine & refine our approach could be a step toward living a happier, more productive & meaningful life, one that is consistent with our values. I recognize that asking for help and being open to change requires strength & courage, and choosing the right therapist is crucial.

About Me and the Weaver Center Team: ME: Having been diagnosed with dyslexia, attention deficit, memory and organization problems in 1962 at Mass General Hospital in Boston and with the term for my disorder was Minimal Brain Damage (MBD) and Reading Retardation, some thought the hopes for me were going to be very complicated at the very least. so I have created an amazing group of highly trained and skilled professionals to work in a multidisciplinary center, the Weaver Center www.weavercenter.org please visit us

Life can feel overwhelming, whether our distress stems from not getting what we want, or getting exactly what we wanted and yet somehow still feeling unfulfilled. Anxiety, depression, or battling addiction can lead to feelings of frustration and hopelessness. The process of talking in a therapeutic setting is essential in cultivating self-awareness and obtaining the wisdom to make healthier choices. Each person is unique, and I am committed to finding what works best for every person who seeks my support.

Perhaps you are seeking therapy due to feeling discouraged because you’ve worked hard to make things better and you haven’t noticed a major difference. Maybe overwhelming events from the past continue to deeply impact you. You could be reaching out because you’re experiencing anxiety, sadness, disconnection from others, difficulty navigating life transitions and managing stress. Maybe you’re aware of your child’s emotional dysregulation and a decline in their school participation. You might desire to have greater self-esteem and more fulfilling relationship, or just to feel more connected to yourself, to grow, and enjoy life.

My goal is to support and guide you into living your best life. I believe in the inherent ability of all of us to change and grow if we are motivated, educated, and supported. I will help you find and develop your strengths and investigate new strategies for healing and growth. At some point we all experience life's stressors; I have particular experience helping people move through depression, life changes, grief, loss, workplace issues, anxiety and fertility challenges. I also enjoy working with people in recovery from alcohol misuse. I also do well helping people in their mid-late twenties navigate their challenges.

I have extensive experience and skills with adults dealing with many different challenges and life circumstances. My approach is active, collaborative, and sensitive to each individual or couple's needs and goals, provided within a caring and supportive environment. In a goal focused and collaborative way I help my clients understand and modify ineffective habitual relationships and behavioral patterns. I seek to help clients better understand themselves in the context of their histories.

Immediate Openings for Telehealth appointments! If you are ready to make some changes in in your life, I am here to help. I work with individuals who find that everyday stress, anxiety, life transitions, work or home related concerns, women’s issues and/or symptoms of ADD/ADHD get in their way and make them feel overwhelmed. If you are ready to learn more about yourself and use your strengths to help you make lasting changes, I am here to provide a safe and supportive space to help you work on personal growth. I believe change is always possible if you’re willing to take the first steps. Please email for a faster response time.

I do not believe in the "ideal client." Regardless of circumstance, all people seeking guidance and support can be their best selves. All people in need who are open to suggestions and willing and able to engage in the therapeutic process can succeed.