Mac Newman
Hi, I'm Mac. Clients tell me I'm a good listener, have useful skills and suggestions, and am really good at explaining things. I bring healing modalities from the Self-help field with 35 years’ experience prior to becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in 2012.
My style may be a little more direct and directive than some therapists: I will listen and empathize, I will also show you paths that lead to healing and let you know when you're doing something that won't work.
I'm a trauma-trained therapist: Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) Certified, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training levels I and 2, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapist level 1.
First session
This is our first chance to get to know each other. In the first session we will do a standard evaluation, which will give me a basic understanding of you (and fulfil insurance and legal requirements.) You get to ask me questions and address anxieties and concerns about our work. We begin working with your concerns in the following sessions. If trauma is a primary concern, one or more sessions may focus on learning the way TIST thinks about trauma, and begin applying it as you feel ready to dive in.
Strengths
As a life-long seeker I have experienced and worked with a wide variety of modalities, have many tools in my tool-box, and have done my own emotional homework. I know what works, what doesn't work, and what works better. I know that one size does not fit all, and the work needs to fit your life experience and your style. My style may be a little more direct and directive than some therapists: I will listen and empathize, I will also show you paths that lead to healing and let you know when you're doing something that won't work.
Ideal clients
I love working with people who are not afraid of change and who want to live more authentically. My ideal client is motivated and engaged, and willing to work with skills and insights beyond the therapy session. Whether your concern is emotional reactivity, relationship issues, gender and sexuality issues, or you have a previous diagnosis of PTSD or complex PTSD, if you want to create change, come see me. You may be new to therapy or have had standard therapy and are ready to go deeper. Be aware that I cannot heal your significant other, parents, children, siblings, or friends. But I can help you heal yourself so you can be better with them and maybe they will get interested in healing themselves. Regarding substances, some use of alcohol or marijuana is ok, active substance use will have to be evaluated. Substance and behavioral addictions respond well to this work. I am familiar with AA and can talk steps if you want to.
Treatment methods
Trauma-Informed Care
Have you ever considered depression, anxiety, panic attacks, anger, perfectionism, or relationship issues to be products of trauma? Something you're doing distresses you but you're unable to change it no matter how hard you try? That also may be a product of trauma. A new form of Parts work called Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) uses compassionate and curious noticing to help you identify the Trauma Parts that are keeping you stuck and transform them. Part Mindfulness, part somatic (body centered), and Part guided conversation with your Parts, TIST can help you resolve your traumas and change your behaviors. I am a Certified TIST clinician.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Understanding and compassionately challenging our thoughts and beliefs and identifying our values can be powerful transformational processes. I often use some CBT work (ACT, The Work, The 4 Agreements) as a compliment to the TIST process.
Mind-body approach
As a compliment to the TIST work or by itself, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy can work from somatic (body-based) experiences to bring release, healing, and a greater sense of calm. I am a Sensorimotor Psychotherapy level 1 clinician.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions110 N Hillside Rd, Deerfield, MA 01373, Suite 24, Deerfield Business Center/in-person available Wednesdays only
Identifies as
Top specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- MassachusettsLicense LMHC9712