Therapists in Worcester, MA

I work collaboratively with clients in facing challenges related to life transitions, relational issues, anxiety and depression. I am committed to supporting clients in gaining greater insight and self awareness about feelings, thoughts and internal conflicts that may impact your living a more satisfied life. My approach to therapy is compassionate, ethical and non-judgmental with a focus on encouraging self-compassion/acceptance, identifying strengths and changing non-adaptive patterns. I believe that we all possess the capacity to change and with the right support and guidance, make changes we may have not thought possible.

I work well with individuals who need a seasoned, expert outside perspective to help them with locating their hidden blind spots, developing new solutions and skills, and inspiring the changes that will create serenity, peace, connection, and happiness.

You have taken your first step towards discovering something new about yourself. You are searching for a counselor/therapist who can support you in understanding your present reality and guide you to a tomorrow with greater hope, courage and self-knowledge. I am here to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore those areas of your life that are keeping you from maximizing your potential. My specialties include Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Trauma (PTSD), Substance Use Disorders, and Pastoral Counseling. I am an Adolescence Community Reinforcement Approach (ACRA) certified clinician and trained in Trauma Focused CBT.

Know thyself, wrote the Greek scholar. My aim is to assist you toward effective and functional self-understanding so that you might pursue and achieve the life goals worthy of which you, as a unique person, are most worthy. Harry Truman had on his desk, whatever job he held, these 10 words: "Know right from wrong. Do right. Do your best." I shall always use these words in your service.

To be human is to have joy and struggle. Without struggle, we know not joy. That being said, sometimes when people make every effort to do their best, they still have hard times in life for many reasons. Sometimes people seek out a professional counselor for help with mental health issues, substance abuse issues or other aspects of life that are difficult to manage alone. Hopefully, by engaging in counseling you will get help in developing and meeting your individual goals and finding solutions to many facets of life that have been difficult, e.g., anxiety, depression, substance abuse, life transitions, etc.

I am a bilingual (Español/English), bicultural, Mental Health Counselor with more than 20 years of experience working in both private practice and community health centers with diverse client population and multi-stressed families. I am specialized in treating anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress symptoms in which I often use the newer techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) where the resolution is sometimes rapid and symptoms no longer dominate your life.

Life is sometimes met with challenges, disappointments, confusion, loss, betrayal and fear; these feelings, thoughts and experiences have proven difficult for us to navigate at times and thus may require professional help to find a path forward. The focus is to assist clients in developing the necessary skills to be mentally resilient, better function in relationships, explore/own sexual -self, develop a healthy sense of self and be confident with their own identities.

My approach with clients recognizes that most people are looking for tangible help, don't have a lot of time between work and family, and want to feel like they are moving toward a better understanding of solutions to address their difficulties. My work with clients acknowledges these issues. I take a very active role in counseling to explore the options with my clients, provide new knowlege of issues where relevant, and help an individual to reach their potential. Issues related to marital/partner, parenting/child, family,work,school,stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are all areas I work with.

I specialize in working with children and adolescents and understanding their emotional needs. I believe that building a safe and trustworthy environment is essential for all therapeutic relationships. I also believe in the value of family systems and support as they are important in a persons life and essential for progress. I use a variety of treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Play therapy to mention a few and also believe in letting the person receiving treatment direct their treatment.

Do you struggle with getting tasks done? Are you chronically late to classes or meetings? Are you disorganized, forgetful, or constantly misplacing items? Executive Functioning Coaching is for you! Executive functions are cognitive skills that are critical in managing daily life and achieving goals. Individuals can struggle with these skills for a number of reasons, including life transitions (e.g. going to college, first jobs), stress, or a number of different diagnoses (e.g. anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism). Problems with EF skills can negatively impact schooling, career, and relationships.

I believe that most people, even young children, possess inner knowledge of how to solve their own problems. I view my role as a clinician who can help improve self-awareness, teach skills that bring an inner sense of peace and self-control, and assist in providing real world solutions to a multitude of mental health challenges that prevent an individual from functioning at their very best. In treating children and adolescents, their improvement often includes establishing a trusting connection not only with the client and parents but sometimes a team of supporters (i.e. teachers, PCP, and often psychiatrists).

Life's demands are sometimes extreme and things can get out of balance. I strive to offer individualized counseling and techniques customized to help you confront challenges and reconsider behavioral patterns and perceptions that may be interferring with your leading a fulfilling life. Difficult situations from the past can also block your developing to your true potential. These can be resolved.

My ideal clients are interested in improving their self awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I treat any of the following issues: depression, anxiety, anger, substance abuse, relationship issues, sexual behaviors, trauma, domestic violence, low self-esteem, eating disorders, attention deficit difficulties, autism, schizophrenia, stress management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, child behavior and attitude problems, school behavior, low motivation, weight loss, quitting smoking, grief and loss of a loved one, divorce, parenting issues, co-dependency, pain management, social skills development, bi-polar disorder, abusive family situations, work problems, shame/inappropriate guilt, and negative thinking but treat many more issues.

My focus and expertise in treating substance use is based on a family systems approach, working closely with the family to empower each member to be informed, supported, and effective in making changes in their own lives and in their relationships, working toward recovery.

I believe in second chances. Everybody can have a set back and they can be overcome. I'm in long term recovery, 16 years to be exact . I have never looked back since. I firmly believe in the peer model and have been coaching since 2014. I support the Recoveree in removing the barriers to their recovery. The beauty is in meeting people where they're at so that they can meet their desired goals.

I have over 25 years working with adults, families, couples and groups to release current stress and old issues to build happier, smoother more satisfying lives. My work includes anxiety, depression, parenting, trauma, substance use and compulsive behaviors including food and relationship addictions. I work with most ages and combinations of people depending upon the issues at hand.