Nicholas Brisbon
I am a research psychologist and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with over two decades of experience working with adults in a range of clinical settings. I earned a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in 2008 from Springfield College and a Ph.D. in Social/Cognitive Psychology in 2016 from Brandeis University. My academic research has focused on clinical quality in hospital settings and also on the concept of mindfulness, and how the cultivation of attention to the present moment can improve problems with stress, sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and memory. Since 2005, I’ve worked in addiction counseling, psychiatric crisis evaluation in clinics and emergency departments, community outreach, and residential programs. Although my career has included advanced education and research, my roots are working class. Before entering the mental health field, I worked alongside my family in the trucking and diesel service industry. I’ve recently returned to helping run our family’s diesel service company and now divide my professional time between that business and private practice. These experiences inform my approach to counseling: I value directness, practical problem-solving, and an understanding of the everyday pressures people face. I recently opened Athelas Counseling & Consulting in Swansea, Massachusetts, with plans to expand my work into consulting and teaching. I live in Rhode Island with my family. Outside of work, I enjoy boating, playing guitar, going to concerts, riding motorcycles, browsing used bookstores, and the occasional video game. Learn more at www.athelascounseling.org
First session
In the initial session, I introduce myself to clients by discussing my background, experience, and training. This introduction ensures that clients are well-informed about the professional they are entrusting with their care. During this session, I also collect comprehensive information about the issues prompting them to seek counseling, as well as details about their broader life context, recognizing that all aspects of a person's life influence their well-being and are crucial to effective treatment. Finally, I explore the clients' goals or expected outcomes, and we discuss potential strategies to achieve these objectives.
Strengths
I bring over two decades of clinical experience to counseling, combining a research psychologist’s analytical perspective with a practical, down-to-earth approach. My background in addiction treatment, psychiatric crisis care, and scientific research helps me navigate complex challenges while keeping sessions focused on your goals. Above all, I value directness, collaborative problem-solving, and helping you turn insight into meaningful changes in everyday life.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients want more from life and are ready to better understand themselves, challenge unhelpful patterns, and make meaningful changes. They may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or anxious about their careers, education, or relationships—and unsure how to move forward despite their efforts. They’re looking for a direct, supportive approach that helps them gain clarity, build practical skills, and turn their desire for growth into lasting change.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use a practical, evidence-based, and structured approach grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a logical and collaborative counseling approach that helps us understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. At times, we can respond to life in ways that are unhelpful or overly rigid, and counseling can help us recognize those patterns and replace them with more balanced, effective ways of thinking and acting. The goal is not simply to “think positive,” but to develop a clearer and more flexible way of responding to challenges. In addition to CBT, I may also draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), mindfulness, and selected principles from Stoic philosophy (the ancient Greek philosophy that CBT is based upon), depending on your needs and goals. This approach can help identify thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and behaviors that get in the way of the life you want. My style is direct but collaborative: I focus on what helps you function better in daily life, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions1241 US-6, Swansea, MA 02777