Therapists in West Brookfield, MA

Life in our modern world can feel both overwhelming and isolating. It takes a lot to simply survive; working, raising a family, navigating relationships of all kinds, and expectations of instant communication with others. As we go through the motions of daily life, we can become disconnected from our-selves; the part of self that feels excited about life, that dreams, and feels wonder. When we are disconnected from ourselves, it is difficult to be connected to others in a way that feels fulfilling. This feeling of separateness can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Emotions like anxiety, sadness and shame are so overwhelming that it feels like your body could shatter from all of your feelings. A painful childhood, challenging relationships, loss or another distressing experience has left you feeling hopeless. You've never been able to explain what feeling abandoned is like, or why it's so hard to trust, so you feel more isolated in being misunderstood. You have some regrets on how you've responded or acted in the past while you were just trying to survive or feel connection.

For over 25 years I have helped adults, couples, teens and children find ways to manage anxiety, depression and trauma in order to achieve an increased capacity for enjoyment in relationships and life. I strive to create a safe environment, where taking risks to connect with emotions leads to increased insight and motivation to change. I take an active approach to help clients achieve their goals and resolve their problems. When treating children, I work closely with parents, providing careful guidance about how to help their child develop and thrive.

I work with individuals to strengthen their sense of choice and meaning in their lives. I believe we can emerge more whole when we get curious about the parts of us that seem inglorious. I do not believe in oversimplifying the human condition into "good" or "bad" because there is more truth in the spectrum. I want therapy to be accessible, helpful and grounded in the reality that we live our day-to-day lives outside the therapy office. Good therapy extends beyond one hour a week; good therapy informs how we relate to, engage with and move through the real world.

I am a Boston-based Clinical Psychologist that takes a relational, empathic approach to treatment. I assist couples, adults, and young adults in achieving psychological and interpersonal health and wellness by fostering a safe and trusting space where they can explore, process, and move through life's difficulties. I understand that each of us have unique strengths, challenges, identities, and life experiences. I work with each client to tailor treatment to their individual needs so they can reach their personal and relational goals, address concerns impacting their well-being, and move towards personal growth and healing.

In my 30+ years of experience as a therapist, clinical supervisor, researcher, educator and writer on complex trauma, I have come to believe that we are shaped as much by the good things that went missing from our lives as the bad things that happened to us. My clients have often endured severe abuse, neglect, oppression, and other forms of life adversity. They have learned to cope and survive in ways that get misunderstood and misdiagnosed, and that can cause profound stigma, shame and social rejection. Their courage and resilience inspires awe. Finding a therapist who can see and accept all parts of them is one key to recovery.

You may be seeking therapy to ease the pain of depression, anxiety, trauma or loss; or because you are struggling with relationship and other interpersonal issues. Maybe something just does not “feel right,” preventing you from moving forward. Perhaps, you are challenged by existential questions and wish to explore your identity or find greater meaning in your life. What is causing you pain or holding you back may be a known challenge or problem, or an unexamined part of yourself that causes you to feel stuck. Whatever brings you here, you already possess the courage to seek help and the hope that your life can be better.

Are you interested in disentangling from longstanding patterns or opening up to what's next in your life? In my therapy practice, I use a supportive yet challenging stance to help people gain new perspective and learn strategies to allow them to have their temperament and strengths work for them, rather than against them. I aim to work with clients to create an engaged, dynamic therapy experience that can allow people to comfortably explore and deepen their understanding of thoughts, behaviors and feelings and disentangle from habits and thoughts that get in the way of experiencing life and relationships fully.

Does it feel like nothing truly works to ease your anxiety? On the surface, you're a person who has it all together, but in reality you never actually feel at ease. You're struggling with self-doubt, people-pleasing and you put everyone else before yourself. Maybe there are things that happened to in the past that you've minimized for years because "others had it worse." You’re ready to drop the struggle of needing to do everything "right." You’re ready to stop needing to always be the one to handle the messes and instead be the one who gets the support. Most of all, you’re ready to finally feel okay with saying you need help.

I'm a licensed clinical social worker and certified coach and believe that at our core, we are resilient and possess the strength and power needed to live our best lives. But sometimes we need help. Life may present us with curve balls and feel bumpy and hard at times. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your personal life or professionally, l am here to partner with you to find clarity and a sense of relief. My work draws on Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), trauma theory (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS).

I offer holistic & evidenced-based psychotherapy services informed by Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Together we would help you build a more authentic relationship to yourself by cultivating greater self-acceptance and self-compassion. In freeing yourself of inner conflicts, you can shed symptoms/psychological suffering and embrace a fuller life that is more in touch with your personal values. To help build a healing relationship with you, I will carefully consider your social/cultural background and how it has shaped both your strengths and struggles.

Struggling with anxiety about a stressful world and uncertain future? There’s a voice in your head that is desperate to do it all perfectly, to stay four steps ahead, not make any mistakes. You have a persistent feeling of "not good enough" that follows you from work to relationships to family. Your mind races with thoughts about what you could have done better or how you disappointed someone. You feel paralyzed, self-critical, and overwhelmed. Yes, it's partly due to the state of the world right now. But to be honest, you've felt this way a long time.

Rollins Counseling Center offers individual and family counseling to adolescents and adults. We offer Telehealth! In-person visits are available in our Westford location and will be available in our Marlborough location in December, 2021. We have a team of licensed clinicians that utilize evidenced based therapies to effectively treat a wide range of issues that affect one’s quality of life. Treatment modalities include psychodynamic therapy, CBT, family systems, mind-body approaches, hypnotherapy and EMDR.

As a therapist, I work to understand how each person’s particular struggles and stuckness come about. Our struggles, as well as our stories, emotions, and values, have a lot to teach us. I believe that everyone knows something important about what they need to heal, and we can access the strongest, most creative parts of ourselves through authentic and safe relationships. I support individuals in addressing the impact of trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and psychosis. I often work with folks navigating intersections of attachment experience and queer, trans, or neurodivergent identities.

I bring a nonjudgemental, warm presence to therapy, helping you to move through suffering and heal from difficult experiences. I strongly believe that each of us is capable of more than just “getting by,” even if we sometimes struggle to access a sense of wholeness, contentment, or connection in life. Allowing ourselves to hope for a better experience, a better life, takes courage. However, I firmly believe that every human has the innate capacity to move through anxiety, depression, trauma, and dis-ease into spaces of freedom and joy.

I am a well known, respected psychologist and sex therapist with a national and international reputation, AASECT certified since 1996. Clinically, I am warm, innovative, active, and effective. Multiple certifications in types of therapy, including EMDR, Sensorimotor therapy for trauma. Training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, hypnosis, and AEDP for couples. Author of 3 commercially published books, I have been cited by my peers in the literature on sexuality and relationships since 1992. You will know if I am right for you in one session, promise! See website for a wealth of information and articles. SexSmart.com

Currently only accepting clients of Ketamine Assisted Therapy. Are you struggling with fear, sadness, loneliness and/or relational difficulties? Do you feel stuck, lost or aimless and aren't sure how to break free? If you're at a point where you are ready to heal and develop the capacity and skills to build the life you want you've found the right therapist. I believe you already have what you need inside you and my goal is to help you access that so that you can build a meaningful, connected and joyful life.

I provide trauma-informed therapy for individuals with anxiety, low self esteem, and Highly Sensitive People. Through our work, you will feel more comfortable with your emotions, strengthen your mind-body connection, and gain clarity about what you want and need. We will bring a focus to your strengths, resilience, and adaptiveness, helping you feel more empowered and connected to yourself. These internal resources will create more ease in navigating life situations and relationships while providing you with relief and healing.

In Person and Online Sessions Available. Each of us wants more from life and from ourselves, but often we get in our own way. Usually, this is when people seek psychotherapy. From our very first meeting, we will focus on clarifying your concerns and addressing the emotional blocks that interfere with your happiness and sense of purpose. Through a collaborative, emotionally engaged process, we will work together to achieve your goals. Whether your struggles are of a recent or longstanding nature, I am committed to helping promote the changes and well-being you seek.