Sandplay Therapists in Wellesley, MA

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Expressive Arts Therapist practicing in Wellesley, MA. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and behavioral patterns that may be holding you back from experiencing a meaningful and fulfilling life. I use an integrated approach, incorporating elements of Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Expressive Therapies.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Expressive Arts Therapist with more than 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. I am a strong believer in the ability of creativity and the arts to connect and support individuals, families, and groups through different life events and needs. I offer a warm, person-centered approach that meets individuals where they are.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who values individualized, person-centered psychotherapy where the therapeutic relationship is the catalyst for change, growth, and healing. I have worked with varying age groups across residential, in-home, and outpatient settings. I specialize in treating adolescents, young adults, and adults struggling with OCD, substance use, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, and difficult life circumstances.

Whether it be social or emotional struggles, challenging behaviors, trouble relating to others in positive ways, or working through fears, depression, stress, trauma, or a family crisis, I meet every child and their family where they are at. I use a strength-based approach and interactive, hands-on, and creative interventions, including play and expressive arts, in addition to talk that allow kids to communicate freely, naturally, and in ways that build confidence and a sense of mastery over their struggles.

I love to work with kids and adolescents and their families. I believe people don't have "problems" but rather "challenges" they learn to move through or re-frame. Together we learn new ways of doing things; new ways of looking at things; find a new path of our own choosing that feels better than the one we were on; relate to ourselves and others in a healthier way; learn to smile and laugh more; find the things we are good at doing; make a contribution; stress less; be who we are meant to be, and love who we are as a person!

I specialize in supporting individuals eager for personal growth, particularly those navigating trauma, identity, and emotional challenges. Though I work with all ages, my practice is a haven for children, families, and couples, offering a compassionate space for healing and self-discovery. I also try to make space for men seeking support for challenges they might face.

Dr. Salusti received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 1998 at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, Boston, MA., with specialty training in clinical neuropsychology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Department of Behavioral Neurology, Boston, MA. Her post-doctoral training included a fellowship in clinical psychology at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA., and in clinical psychology and forensic evaluation at Children’s Charter, Waltham, MA. She holds a Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology, with subsequent clinical work at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA.

Thank you for your interest in my page. As a licensed mental health clinician, I have worked within a variety of settings with clients from all different backgrounds in terms of race, ethnicity, age, education, and socioeconomic status. My goal as a therapist is to help you face your challenges with grace and dignity, gain clarity into your problems, and strengthen your mental and emotional health. With me, you will be able to explore and process your issues in a non-judgmental and safe environment, and foster growth through increased inner awareness and perspective taking.