In today's world, mental health support is needed more than ever. Mental health IS health. It's time to end the stigma and realize it's okay to not be okay. Finding a therapist can be a daunting process but congratulations on taking the first step! As a therapist, I aim to foster an environment that is warm, collaborative, supportive, and nonjudgmental. I'm a licensed independent clinical social worker in Massachusetts and earned my Masters in Social Work degree from Boston College. I also have a Bachelor's degree in history. I view the counseling process as an alliance between client and therapist and consider the clients experts of their lives. Within the structure of the therapeutic relationship, clients can access their inner strengths and promote change. I use a combination of modalities that include but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. My theoretical approach is based on the belief that clients are in charge of their counseling experience. They will learn the bounds of aspects of their life that they can control and what they cannot. Clients will understand that the therapeutic relationship is a partnership in which they will be expected to put in the effort for homework, be accountable, and present within the counseling alliance. Please note: I am only licensed in Massachusetts. Therefore, I can only see clients in Massachusetts. If you are on college break in another state, or on vacation in another state or country, I can see you once you return to the state. There are other clinicians who are licensed in more than one state that may be more suitable if you are someone who travels outside of the state often.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe environment where we can explore your primary interests, develop goals, and determine and promote strengths as you move toward your aspirations. In the first session, I strive to make you feel safe and comfortable. We'll start with brief introductions and discuss your specific challenges. This will help me tailor a plan for us to work through in follow up sessions. We'll only discuss issues you feel comfortable talking about.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
The core of any successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. I aim to create a safe environment where the client and therapist can work through whatever issues have brought them to therapy together. I believe that the client is the expert on their own life and experience and that their right to self-determination comes first. Through a strong therapeutic alliance, clients can gain insight and create lasting changes. I am both empathic and non-judgmental and believe the client is the one that is in the driver's seat, while the therapist is there to help navigate and provide skills and techniques that the client can utilize.