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Robert Fera, LMHC - Massachusetts Therapist at Grow Therapy

Robert Fera

Robert Fera

(he/him)

LMHC
40 years of experience
Virtual

I have been most fortunate to have worked in the field of psychology, human services and higher education for four decades. Initially, I worked in a college counseling center while maintaining a private practice. Later, I became a professor and chairperson of the human services department while continuing to see clients privately. Through these years, I was able to balance teaching students about psychological principles and techniques while practicing therapy. I have developed programs and courses in Substance Abuse Counseling, Health Psychology and Positive Psychology and have been able to use these methods in counseling. I have learned much over the years sitting and listening deeply and unconditionally to those in therapy. I can offer a safe and open place to explore personal issues, helping to uncover sources of conflict, find clarity, a sense of purpose and meaning, as well as discover individual talents and strengths. I use psychodynamic, humanistic, existential, and mindfulness practices. Personally, I have survived serious illness and assisted and supported family members with very serious illnesses and believe I can help others in similar situations. I take the motto ‘that which does not kill me, makes me stronger’ into my sessions as a a guiding principle. As a lifelong learner I have also moved from focusing on psychopathology to a strengths-based model, specifically positive psychology, highlighting one’s strengths and talents and striving towards meaning and purpose more that the condition or diagnosis of an individual.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

The initial counseling session is phenomenally important. Clients can expect an open and inviting place, a non-judging zone where any and all issues may be presented safely. Clients can expect a place to identify and describe specific issues and goals, as well as possible strategies to achieve those goals. They can also expect identifying ways that have worked in the past or new ways to move through a difficult time or change self-defeating behaviors. Finally, they can expect a place where hope is unwavering.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I bring decades of practical experience to the counseling session. I believe this experience is invaluable as I have been able to witness substantial changes in clients over this time. My strengths come from both personal and professional experiences and fit nicely within the humanistic model as I strive to create an accepting and supportive environment, valuing and communicating empathy, genuineness, unconditional positive regard and congruence. I have an unwavering belief that the client can successfully work towards their goals, and have been fortunate to have seen this at work countless times.

About Robert Fera

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Free consults, virtual

My treatment methods

Eclectic

I am inclined to combine a variety of modalities and strategies into therapy which allows flexibility in tailoring the work to the needs of the client. I am inclined to be open to, and utilize, a variety of approaches backed by research for that specific issue, and aligning ways to work with clients that fit their communications and learning style. It has been my experience that some individuals prefer to look at their past and explore early influences and defenses while others are more pragmatic and concrete, focusing on the present and short term goals.

Humanistic

I have been trained in the humanistic- existential model. I have found it extremely important to establish and develop a therapeutic relationship largely based on trust, unconditional positive regard, genuineness, empathy and congruence. Within these pillars, I have found impressive results encouraging clients to explore personal meaning and purpose, and goals. It has been my experience that individuals are inclined towards growth and self actualization. Where many of us have been influenced to react to conditional cues, experiencing unconditional positive regard, empathy and support helps the individual to experience a sense of freedom and clarify what is valuable to move forward.

Psychodynamic

A key to our growth development lies in the understanding of our past influences, defenses and unconscious thoughts and emotions. The more we can uncover and bring to consciousness past injuries and defenses, allow them to be integrated into our lives instead of denying or acting out, the greater the chance we can lessen troubling emotions, relationships and behavior and increase pleasure, healthy behaviors and relationships. I have found this approach especially helpful for individuals who have had very difficult childhood experiences.

Positive Psychology

It is a an occupational hazard to overly focus on pathology, or one’s problems and weaknesses. In my work I use ways I uncovered and practiced in a college course I created in Positive Psychology. I have found it invaluable to find and focus on personal strengths and values, practice gratitude, generosity and mindfulness.