John Pinkham
I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts with specialized training in EMDR, Written Exposure Therapy (WET), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), CBT, and DBT. My background includes developing group and program curricula for combat veterans and veterans living with substance use disorders, which shaped my passion for trauma, addiction, and the complex spaces in between. My approach is grounded, collaborative, and practical. I bring evidence‑based tools to the table, but I also show up as a real person—someone who listens closely, asks thoughtful questions, and works with you to create meaningful change. Whether you’re navigating trauma, addiction, or the ripple effects they leave behind, I’m here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
First session
During our first session, we’ll complete a thorough but conversational assessment so I can understand your symptoms, history, and goals. I’ll walk you through how trauma and stress can show up in the body and mind, and we’ll discuss which evidence‑based approaches might be most helpful for you. You’ll have space to ask questions, set priorities, and get a sense of my style. The focus is on building a foundation of safety, clarity, and collaboration so we can move into deeper work at a pace that feels right for you.
Strengths
My greatest strengths are my trauma‑informed lens and my ability to stay steady in difficult conversations. I’ve worked extensively with combat veterans and individuals with substance use disorders, and that experience taught me how to hold space for intense emotions while still keeping therapy structured and purposeful. I’m collaborative, direct when it’s helpful, and always focused on helping clients build real, sustainable change.
Ideal clients
In my years of practice, I have worked with children as young as 5 years old in community mental health settings and 75 year old Vietnam War veterans in intensive trauma therapy programs. I specialize in treating addiction and trauma, but the client I am best positioned to serve is anyone willing to show up and put in the work.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Understanding the relationship we have with our inner experience may inform reactive or unhelpful behaviors that move us far from our goals.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I am trained in CPT and utilize techniques of CPT to help clients interrupt trauma related stuck points.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
The basic unit of our psychology is this relationship between our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Dysfunction in one area can lead to challenges across life domains. However, improvement or strengths in any of these domains can be leveraged to promote change.
EMDR
I am a trained EMDR therapist and utilize its protocol and core principles to support clients processing traumatic experiences when appropriate.
Trauma-Informed Care
I am trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Written Exposure Therapy (WET) and have successfully implemented these protocols in my work with a range of clients, from combat veterans to survivors of sexual trauma.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Licensed in
- MassachusettsLicense LICSW1121225