Psychodynamic Therapists in Newton Centre, MA

A licensed psychologist practicing in Newton, Mass., I have 15+ years of experience treating individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, eating disorders and relationship challenges. With adolescents, adults, and couples, I use an integrative therapeutic approach, drawing on psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical behavioral techniques. Life can be full of rough patches. Therefore my clients and I work together to shift the ways in which they relate to themselves and others, in order to lead more meaningful, productive, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

As a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work with 30 years experience, I've worked in hospitals, clinics, guidance centers, courts, and on psychiatric emergency teams. I have advanced training in eating disorders&depression and have consulted to the community on issues of ADHD, obesity,alcoholism, grief,parenting, geriatric care and trained graduate students from area colleges in short/ long term psychotherapy. The foundation of my training is psychodynamic. Additional training in cognitive behavior, family systems, and coaching, has created an integrated approach to my treatment of individuals, couples,and families. Careful assessment determines which approach best suits each patient.

I help people who are having a hard time, often because of anxiety, relationships, work, and life transitions. I have extensive experience with a number of approaches that alleviate anxiety and depression and help you feel more in control. I will listen closely to your story, attending to what is most bothersome right now and what your goals are. We'll discuss possible approaches to help you feel better. Then, together we will make a plan. I have extensive experience offering coping strategies and problem-solving skills, as well as CBT, IPT, and other relationship-focused psychodynamic therapy.

Accepting New Patients! My approach as a psychotherapist is to work as a consultant to you, facilitating your intention and effort to live the best life you have envisioned for yourself. This will include exploring personal impediments and challenges to this goal and promoting your unique strengths and resources. My attention is directed to the whole person, incorporating an appreciation for the dimensions of "knowing" that reside in the experience of intellect, physical being, emotion, and the spirit. I am warm, empathic, interactive and professional, and fully respect each person's individual life circumstance and process.

Are you feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed? Are you struggling feelings of sadness all the time? You may be struggling with a major life stressor or perhaps you are feeling you are not where you want to be in your life or how you got there. I am passionate about working with clients to help them heal from the past, cope with the present and repair and grow healthy relationships. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), I specialize in perinatal mental health, anxiety and depression, OCD, alcohol and substance abuse disorders, ADHD, life transitions, parenting and attachment, and relationship issues.

I believe that individuals can improve their relationships and lives through insight and acceptance, and by changing problematic behaviors. I offer support and guidance by creating a collaborative, welcoming, and empathic therapy environment. The relationship between client and therapist is an important part of the work, and I pay close attention to this dynamic as therapy progresses. My clients are typically college students, adults, and parents looking for guidance. My approach is informed by Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) therapies, I also draw from other modalities to customize treatment to each individual's therapy goals.

For over 30 years I've been helping people overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable. I have special expertise in the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, and emotional issues related to physical illness. My dual background in Public Health and Social Work enables me to help people who have both psychological and health issues. I'm a strong advocate for family, peer and community support when acceptable to my clients.

When beginning psychotherapy, individuals often feel vulnerable and in need of a safe space in which to examine their struggles and work towards healing. With over 30 years of experience, and as a Harvard-trained psychologist, I provide such a space. I work with empathy, intellect, and humor to help clients address such diverse concerns as life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, and eating disorders. My approach is grounded in psychodynamic and relational theories, and I use CBT and mindfulness techniques where appropriate to help clients understand themselves, achieve their goals, and find satisfaction in their lives.

I consider that answers are within clients, not in therapists, and I am here to help you find your own answers. My approach is truly eclectic, since I have deeply studied each of various methods, including psychodynamic, humanistic, person-centered, relational focused, Jungian, and cognitive & behavioral approaches. The approach is chosen based on my client's conditions, needs, and the stage of changes at that time. I also sometimes provide information about the connections among the brain, the nervous system, body conditions, and thoughts/emotions/behaviors.

Currently Accepting Clients. Are you struggling? Have you recently experienced a loss or a failure? Is that depression stubbornly refusing to lift? Are you exhausted by anxiety? Re-experiencing grief, trauma symptoms and relationship difficulties? Do you find it difficult to sleep? Mental well-being and physical health are intertwined, so it's critically important to take care of your mental health without delay.

Often, we find ourselves stuck. We repeat ineffective and painful patterns of behavior, and think worrisome and self-critical thoughts. Our past creeps in and impacts our present functioning. We struggle with conflict and communication in our most important relationships. It takes courage to tell your story, whether it is your first time or you have previously engaged in therapy. It is a privilege for me to learn about, and partner with you in pursuit of your goals. I see therapy as a safe and collaborative space to explore yourself, your areas of strength and of growth, and your relationships, without judgement.

A lot of thought can go into choosing a therapist for you or your family member. Therapy starts with a unique personal relationship that has appropriate professional boundaries and allows you to explore your present dilemma and its relationship to your inner life. With children I use play and talk. With older adolescents and adults therapy is primarily verbal but it is always important to keep a sense of playful exploration even when facing difficult or painful issues. If this approach sounds right for you contact me to set up an initial visit. I am only working virtually via Zoom and no longer working with children under 12.

Life is full of challenges and hardships that can leave us feeling lost, overwhelmed and burned out. I firmly believe that every person possesses unique strengths and abilities that can be harnessed to navigate the difficulties they face. By adopting a strengths-based approach, I strive to help individuals identify and leverage their inner resources to develop resilience and achieve their therapeutic goals. I view therapy as a collaborative process, where my clients and I work together as equal partners in exploring their concerns and co-creating personalized strategies for positive change.

Currently Accepting New Patients. Worries, relationship difficulties, sadness are all welcome here. You are tired of feeling irritable. Your feelings about your yourself have begun to dominate your thoughts. Your ability to focus may be suffering. When your phone rings, you don't want to answer. You are feeling like you don't know how to get out of your own way. You know you mean well and are capable, but things are not coming together. You promise yourself things will change, you will get a handle on things this time. However, change remains elusive.

Sometimes things in your life may feel too hard to handle on your own. Too often people don't feel seen or understood by others. If you are tired of working with a therapist who just sits and says "uh uh", if you feel stuck, unable to heal , repair, and navigate the path to make better choices and confront what you have avoided, then my approach which has been highly successful for my clients can help you move forward to feel healthier and happier.. Whether long standing issues or reactions to recent stressors, my role is that you feel welcomed, safe, supported and start building new strategies from our first visit.

I have twenty years of experience providing psychotherapy for couples, adolescents, adults and families. My style is interactive, warm and compassionate. I offer coaching and easily usable strategies along with deeper dives to help improve how a client is feeling. I believe in using clients' strengths to help inform the work we do together. I believe in understanding what is going well as well as understanding where people are struggling. I have a strong respect for all of my clients and believe in providing a safe, trusting environment so clients have space to discuss what feels challenging at this time.

Personal life transitions, relationship challenges, and school or career junctures present ideal opportunities to engage a therapist. By developing self-awareness and committing to improving outcomes in one's work and personal life, individuals often achieve far more than they'd previously imagined. As a psychologist and coach, I integrate the use of inquiry, insight, creative problem-solving, thoughtful self-reflection, hands-on "homework" assignments, and honest conversation. I will fully engage with you as a thought partner, a sounding board, and a confidential resource to help you alleviate stress and reach your potential.

How do I effectuate change? I believe change occurs from a sustained active approach with the therapist. Why is there a need for change? Many people report affective states of anxiety, depression, and stress that are inhibiting them in their work, personal lives, and enjoyment of life. My education and experience put me in a unique position to give people the understanding to find satisfaction from their personal, family and work life. Therapeutic interactions are in the here and now. Understanding often leads to an improved quality of life; alleviating anxiety, depressive feelings as well as fears of being stuck.

I am accepting new clients! Life's journey can be full of crisis, loss, grief and trauma. These experiences activate fear in the primal brain, alter patterns of behavior, limit ones perception, lead to relationship issues, low self-esteem and addictions. If these problems are left unresolved, they can lead to physical and mental health problems as well as a weakened spirit, affecting ones core vitality for life. My spiritual approach provides clients with a safe, nurturing and compassionate environment where trust is easily built within the therapeutic relationship so that healing can take place.