Therapists for college students near Cambridge, MA
Fit is essential to good therapy. When the fit is right, therapy can become a practice space for navigating the complexity of relationships in everyday life. I value an open and collaborative approach so that together we can understand the challenges you face; those that are both in and outside of your conscious awareness. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, questions of identity, work difficulties, relationship conflict, going through a life change, or dealing with family-related stress, I believe that together we can understand and address that which holds you back. The following clinicians work in my practice and are also listed with Thriving Campus: Joel Stanley, Mental Health Counselor, and Dr. Shirley Poyau. I specialize in the treatment of complex trauma, a condition resulting from early and repeated exposure to neglect and abuse on the part of caregivers. I strive to create a space with clients where safety, in the context of a therapeutic relationship, can be experienced in order to promote recovery. I bring an awareness of the body and its various forms of communication into treatment, while also listening for layered meanings contained in the spoken word. I integrate psychodynamic principles and body-based approaches into my work. Social justice, equity, and cultural issues also significantly guide my clinical approach.
Therapy is a healing tool that can bring us closer to understanding our cognitive and behavioral reactions to the world around us. Addressing issues in a safe, therapeutic relationship can help us to understand, change and adapt to new thoughts and behavior patterns, confront past issues with compassion and kindness toward ourselves and others. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions. I have over 20 years of experience helping people manage crises, navigate life transitions, and finding a deeper connection to themselves and those they care about. I provide individual and couples therapy to adults. My areas of specialty include concerns related to relationships, attachment, trauma/PTSD, dissociation, mood & anxiety disorders, self-esteem, eating issues, parenting and college counseling. I also work with clients who would like to use psychotherapy to improve their general quality of life. My clients describe me as genuine, active, flexible and attentive to their needs. I enjoy my work tremendously and consider it an honor to support and assist my clients via psychotherapy.
I work with teens, college students, and young adults hoping to better manage life's difficulties and troubles with emotion regulation, unhelpful thoughts, and problematic relationships. Ultimately, I believe that people in treatment want to change and feel more fulfilled at school or work, in relationships, and with their sense of personal growth. Psychodynamic psychotherapy emphasizes that we will work on these issues together within a safe and supportive relationship. We can collaborate on your goals as we explore new perspectives, new meanings, and new ways of thinking about and coping with your overwhelming life stress. As a psychiatrist, I also prescribe medication when appropriate. I invite you to reach out and see if we would be a good fit for starting this work.
With over 10 years of experience, I feel deeply honored by the trust clients place in me when they open their hearts and share their inner world. I have experience with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and relational problems. My passion for working with diverse populations led me to pursue the Global Mental Health: Immigration and Trauma Certificate from Harvard University. I strive to see my clients beyond their diagnoses and to raise awareness of the societal and cultural challenges that may prevent them from fulfilling their true potential I work best with high-achieving individuals who may appear successful outwardly but feel overwhelmed or uncertain internally. Many of my clients are immigrants or from multicultural backgrounds, navigating identity, belonging, and the pressures of academic or professional life, while also seeking to align their success with deeper meaning, purpose, and spirit
College and graduate school can be times of great personal growth, but also times of great challenge. It can be overwhelming to adjust to new living situations, to figure out what you want to do and who you want to be, and build and maintain relationships, all while trying to get your work done. Carrying the weight of it all can feel heavy…and I would love to help you feel less alone. Together we can examine the tough questions and situations. You can have a place to put everything down, rest, and feel okay with not having it all figured out yet.
I divide my time between my private practice and Harvard University’s Counseling Center. I particularly enjoy working with older adolescents and adults who are experiencing difficult and challenging transitions in their lives. My style is direct, interactive, supportive and compassionate. I have found that some people seek counseling for short term solutions, while others are seeking a longer,deeper,transformative experience. Some goals I have helped my patients achieve include: overcoming inhibitions about relationships or career, becoming better self-advocates, managing stressful life transitions, exercising more control over choices and actions, and mourning the loss of a loved one/significant relationship. I often use CBT, DBT, and ERP to help clients maximize functioning.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I am licensed and able to practice in both Massachusetts and Maine. I have immediate openings for in-person and telehealth sessions, and offer free 10-15 minute phone consultations to discuss your goals, areas of needs, and see if you feel we would be a good fit! I have experience working with ages ranging from adolescents to older adults, with my current focus being on early adulthood, college students, and those working in the arts. I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing substance use and recovery, as well as depression, anxiety, trauma, identity exploration, and life transitions. I use a humanistic and client-centered approach to promote trust and comfort within my sessions. I utilize therapeutic modalities including DBT, CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, and Harm Reduction. I encourage client feedback to assess what you are finding helpful within sessions, and tailor my approach to fit your needs. I believe in a collaborative approach between therapist and client, combining psychoeducation, skill building, empathy, and humor within my therapeutic framework. I am available to see new clients with BCBS, United Healthcare, Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, Aetna or self-pay, and am happy to answer any questions you may have about starting therapy.
Striving to balance the demands of modern life is an on-going process. We are ever evolving, discovering new parts of ourselves, facing challenges, confronting health issues, encountering loss, or adjusting to new situations--- it is part of the human condition. At times these demands are too much or too complicated to manage alone. Psychotherapy is both a relationship and a service. Finding a safe, supportive, and comfortable place are just some aspects of the therapist search. I welcome clients to meet with me to decide if my services fit their particular areas of concern. I try to provide a warm, safe and open environment with my clients and believe in a collaborative approach to help find resolution and a better understanding of yourself.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
My goal is to guide you in understanding what interferes with living a fulfilling life. I believe change is possible, no matter the circumstance, and I will support you through your journey of growth and self-discovery. As a therapist with extensive background working with trauma survivors and individuals of all ages, couples and families in crisis, I respect and understand both the challenges and lifelong benefits of having therapeutic alliance. My experience with the healing process has solidified the importance of consistent, genuine care, creating a space to pursue what it is you desire and find to be meaningful. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Life Coach, my approach is primarily relational, focused on the cultural considerations of an individual. Although we cannot avoid suffering, learning to cope with it is possible. As we become curious and explore beliefs, experiences and relationships, we will discover meaning to move forward with renewed purpose. I use theoretical practices such as behavioral, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, psychodynamic, strengths-based with a trauma and attachment lens. Additionally, I am specialized in sexual trauma and utilize techniques to help alleviate symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression, build skills to regulate emotions and transform unhealthy behaviors. I am a Psychodynamic Couple and Family Institute of New England trainee.
Are you feeling depressed or anxious? Are you having difficulty with defining your sexual and/or gender identity? If so, I can help. Using evidenced-based practices from Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, I can help you learn new skills to help improve your mood and overall enjoyment of life. As a gay, non-binary person, I can help you explore your sexual and/or gender identity in a safe and protected space.
Hello! I am a pre-licensed mental health counselor who works with students navigating through life changes, identity exploration, relationships, and past/current trauma. My goal is to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and comfortable, where showing up as your full self is welcomed and encouraged! I bring a warm, down-to-earth approach that's centered in honesty and compassion, with a focus on helping you feel grounded and empowered. I believe therapy works best when it's a partnership, and together, we’ll explore your experiences with a focus on resilience and your inner strengths!
Hi, I'm Dr. Vlahakes and I'm happy to offer both individual and group counseling/therapy sessions! At this time I do have availability for new clients. Please use the contact information on this page to get started. FYI I'm part of a group practice called Brighter Life Therapy.
As a somatic trauma therapist, I specialize in supporting individuals affected by complex childhood and developmental trauma. My approach focuses on helping you tune into the mind-body connection as a pathway to healing and building a stronger connection with yourself. Our work together will be a collaborative effort. We will focus on addressing areas of pain while nurturing your inner strength and resilience. My commitment is to be fully present, creating a supportive environment that allows for personal growth and healing.
Transitioning to a new setting can be a stressful time in your life. There are many new challenges that at time feel overwhelming. If you are struggling with motivation, time management, depression , anxiety and overall stress related to your current situation please call me. We can work together to discuss your goals and come up with a plan to meet those.
My practice is dedicated to helping people develop their capacities for self-awareness, in order to overcome difficulties in their lives and to find greater fulfillment in relationships, work, and creative pursuits. My approach focuses on helping individuals gain insight into ways of relating to themselves and to others that lie outside of conscious awareness. Speaking with a uniquely attentive listener in a consistent, confidential setting helps to bring these aspects of experience into conscious awareness. With time, this process facilitates significant and meaningful change. I work with adults, adolescents, and children with a wide range of difficulties. I have expertise in working with talented individuals who find themselves stuck in unsatisfying patterns, and I have particular experience and interest in issues around creative inhibition and expression. I have experience working in outpatient, hospital, residential, school, community mental health, and day program settings, and have completed advanced clinical training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School.
College comes with a lot of change: career decisions, perfectionism, major life transitions, and the pressure to have it all figured out. If you're dealing with stress, anxiety, self-doubt, or just trying to navigate this chapter of life, I'm here to help. I create a collaborative, judgment-free space where we can work together on the things that matter to you. Whether you're struggling with perfectionism, facing big life changes, exploring career paths, or dealing with that critical voice in your head, my approach focuses on building self-compassion and changing the internal dialogues that fuel anxiety and shame. With experience in college mental health, outpatient therapy, and career counseling in higher education, I understand the unique challenges college students face. I work with students on career development, managing academic and personal stressors, navigating life transitions, and developing healthier ways of relating to themselves. Let's connect and see if we're a good fit!
I use psychotherapy and medications to help people with stress-related conditions. I am interested in not only alleviating symptoms but helping my clients understand the underlying causes that bring them into treatment. If we are able to connect in a way that you feel understood and I can see the world as if in your shoes, then progress has begun. As a prescriber, I try to consider all the concerns expressed by my clients and come up with a plan that feels safe and right. I provide a detailed assessment and really try to include my clients in the decision-making process. As a therapist, I try to create a safe place for my clients to explore their thoughts and express their feelings. I am interested in seeing and understanding the world and especially relationships from my client's point of view. As a relational therapist, I try to help my client communicate more effectively and participate more deeply in relationships. I am trained in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapies and work relationally with clients. I am also trained in mentalization-based (MBT), transference-focused (TFP), accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy (AEDP), and intensive short term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTP). Patients must be in therapy to be seen by me, either with an outside therapist or internally. Any new patient requests must use "scheduling@thoughtfulpsychiatry.com" for outreach.