Therapists in Northampton, MA

A wise therapist once said to me, “life is 10,000 smiles and 10,000 tears.” Such words never rang so true as during these days of loss, fear, and uncertainty due to racial injustice, viral pandemic, and threats to our climate. These events impact us all; although we may not recognize it. Whatever brings you here today, I am here to provide support, compassion, and assistance because life happens…

I provide psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to adults in a thoughtful, warm, compassionate atmosphere. I treat a spectrum of issues ranging from the commonly practical to the loftily complex, including trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief, loss, sexuality, gender, LGBTQ, family, relationships, marriage, professional, identity, existential and spiritual confusion. My therapeutic approach is rooted in psychoanalytic and contemplative theories of human development, function, and dysfunction. I am dedicated to helping my clients grow through their issues in a safe, comfortable, confidential space.

I work well with clients (as couples, or individuals) who sense that their relationships could be much better. I can help you achieve clarity about your relationship's potential, provide a roadmap, and encouragement, for you to realize it. I help people who don't want to lose themselves in relationships, but -- rather -- find their best selves there. I approach my clients with the same kindness and compassion I would want if the situation were reversed. I also work with people who are going through, or have gone through, divorce, via weekend After Divorce workshops (Zoom based). I'm licensed in NY, MA, PA, NJ and NM.

We are all born into life with a story. Sometimes we're the sad kiddo, sometimes the quiet one, the perfect one, the silly one, the list goes on and on. Often these stories stick with us and become our paths but they don't have to define us. Sometimes life just takes its toll. The stress of work, loss, parenthood, health, loneliness, relationships, identity or even making day to day choices can add up and leave us feeling stuck. I've worked with individuals and couples to help amplify what's working and change patterns that are no longer serving them. Let me help get you unstuck. I'm also available for clinical supervision.

— Available in-person & teletherapy including nights and weekends — I work with clients who are struggling with stubborn behaviors and persistent thoughts, but my approach expands beyond targeting known objectives. We also explore the soil underneath: what you want, what you need in order to thrive, and how your relationships can contribute to your growth. Together, we unearth opportunities for transformation by expanding your perspectives and evolving your narratives to shape your responses.

I believe that therapy unfolds differently for everyone. Where for some, the process is about acknowledging painful aspects of life, for others it is about developing coping skills so that the painful aspects of life cease to be so overwhelming. Because of this variation, I offer a therapy relationship that is open and attentive. I balance being empathic and challenging, because ultimately good therapy is about feeling supported in making positive life changes.

By cultivating the qualities of Self in my work with you, we'll open pathways to your health - moving beyond depression, anxiety, trauma - transforming old patterns you realize are no longer effective. Your true strengths emerge. bringing creativity and natural solutions to problems. Being open-minded to your unique and diverse ways of living, thinking and being, we explore the journey toward safe and positive ways of relating to yourself and others.

Looking for a therapist can be challenging. For those looking for the first time, I'd like to offer some thoughts on finding one who's right for you. While credentials and experience have their place, at the end of the day the most important thing is fit. I encourage you to "go with your gut." Do a phone consult. Did they give you space to talk? Did you feel heard? Sometimes what we need is feeling supported by someone who "gets" us. Other times we grow from someone who is able to challenge us in just the right way.

I specialize in relationships and sexuality. That includes addressing themes such as attachment wounds, conflict/conflict avoidance, differences in communication, infidelity, gaps in desire, low desire, difficulty communicating about sex, ENM, polyamory, etc. And to be explicit: LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC folks are most welcome. I primarily work with couples and occasionally work with individuals. Couples sessions are 75 minutes and cost is out of pocket only. Please email to schedule a short consultation call. Do not leave a voicemail.

My name is Elizabeth Bristow and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over twenty years of experience providing psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. I see individuals, couples and families in my private practice. My office is centrally located, I have day and evening hours and I accept most insurances.

I believe that therapy can be a deeply strange, powerful, and intimate experience. As a therapist, I try to cultivate a space that is playful and authentic. Together we can examine longstanding patterns, relationships, and modes of being in the world. First and foremost, I'm committed to creating an environment where you can start to put language to confusing, difficult, and sometimes hard to express feelings and experience. Perhaps even more important than articulating thoughts or ideas about yourself, the hope is that together we can find ways for you to experience a deeper and broader range of feeling.

I have been practicing for 30+ years in both mental health and private practice settings and have had the privilege of witnessing peoples' struggles and their courageous pursuit of health and healing. I work with people who are struggling with a number of common issues such as depression, anxiety,low self esteem and self confidence,addiction, loss of a loved one and trauma. I work with couples who feel stuck in long standing conflict and communication issues that create distance and a lack of connection and intimacy.

*****PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS****** I am an experienced (20 years) psychotherapist with an intuitive, down to earth style. I specialize in LGBTQIA+ issues, relationships, body image and self-esteem, sex and sexuality, working through trauma and family of origin issues, depression, anxiety, first responders and vicarious trauma, creativity and self-expression, and gender variance and transition. My work is relational and is rooted in an awareness of social and cultural realities. I provide a safe, stable, warm environment in which to explore and address your concerns.

My goal is to help you live and act with integrity, increasing ability to respond - while maintaining compassion for the changes that take support, time & practice. My experience lends itself to those touched by abandonment, childhood traumas & addiction - be it those trying to recover from addictions themselves, or those affected by another's. I do not believe in 'fixing' people, but rather dismantling the myths of being broken. Experience shows that our greatest challenges are often unsprouted seeds to the most potent strengths. Our task is to usher that growth.

Ready to take the first step towards a happier and more fulfilling life? It's time to prioritize your well-being and make a positive change. With therapy, you can embark on a transformative journey that can lead to: Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and values. Developing skills for improving your relationships. Finding resolution for the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy. Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety, depression, and other emotional pressures. Improving your communication and listening skills.

Life is hard and life can be beautiful. Your symptoms perfectly reflect your distress. Gentleness, curiosity and developing awareness create a foundation for healing. Life need not be situations and feelings that keep repeating. I work to create positive ways of relating to yourself and others. Real change is possible with respect, courage and an open heart. I am not a managed care therapist - my commitment is to lasting change. I work with heterosexual, non-binary and LGBTQA+ individuals and couples. I also specialize in working with end of life, grief and loss, autism and deaf and hard of hearing issues.

I provide support, insight, and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methods and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each person. With respect and understanding, I work with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples to help build strengths and attain personal growth. Treatment approaches include insight oriented therapy, psychodynamic, focused short- term intervention, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

I blend alternative therapeutic models with the latest research in epigenetics, insights from ancient spiritual traditions, wisdom from earth-based living, and embodied rituals to create processes that shift your relationship to suffering, sorrow, or emotional challenges and open you into deeper connection with your true self and harmony with life. I am affirming of LGBTQ+, poly/ENM, and kink identities. I use anti-oppression, anti-racist, ecopsychology & trauma-informed frameworks to support individual and collective liberation.

I am a creative, compassionate and competent therapist. Trained as a social worker I work to see people in their full integrity and in their full humanity. I see therapy as a time to be heard, seen and understood. I'm dedicated to a practice of social justice and welcome all people.