Therapists in Everett, MA
![Photo of Elisabeth V Moreno, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2fca4177-8180-4b7b-aecf-588dadede262/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elisabeth V Moreno
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Everett, MA 02149 (Online Only)
Life is amazingly beautiful, full of experiences, teaching us life lessons. A journey that can be encountered with road blocks, finding us stuck with lack of mental clarity as to how to move forward. I believe in working with clients therapeutically to find the liberation of the mind and the spirit to allow you to re-engage in the life you were meant to live. I have over 15 years of experience working with individuals throughout the life span, specifically with life transitions and phase of life issues.
Life is amazingly beautiful, full of experiences, teaching us life lessons. A journey that can be encountered with road blocks, finding us stuck with lack of mental clarity as to how to move forward. I believe in working with clients therapeutically to find the liberation of the mind and the spirit to allow you to re-engage in the life you were meant to live. I have over 15 years of experience working with individuals throughout the life span, specifically with life transitions and phase of life issues.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Carol Bittenson, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2be007dc-ac80-4fa3-9a26-2635d6ea8fad/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carol Bittenson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420 (Online Only)
My experience includes coping with medical issues such as chronic illness of a family member, fertility problems, genetic risk, parenting, family conflict, divorce, peer relationships, loss, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, coping skills, and life transitions.
My style is direct, active, and supportive, listening with caring and empathy, and providing effective feedback. I want to understand who you are and the challenges you are experiencing, such as coping with serious illness, loss of a loved one, stress resulting from difficulty conceiving a child, a primary relationship that isn’t working, or a work related issue. You may be experiencing symptoms associated with anxiety or depression. As we work together, you will learn strategies that will help you create the changes you desire and to feel better.
My experience includes coping with medical issues such as chronic illness of a family member, fertility problems, genetic risk, parenting, family conflict, divorce, peer relationships, loss, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, coping skills, and life transitions.
My style is direct, active, and supportive, listening with caring and empathy, and providing effective feedback. I want to understand who you are and the challenges you are experiencing, such as coping with serious illness, loss of a loved one, stress resulting from difficulty conceiving a child, a primary relationship that isn’t working, or a work related issue. You may be experiencing symptoms associated with anxiety or depression. As we work together, you will learn strategies that will help you create the changes you desire and to feel better.
![Photo of Elena Crisp, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c3de8c5e-23db-41ec-b58b-81ff30ae104c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with those who suffer from chronic pain, helping them to reclaim healing and empowerment.
Welcome. It takes courage to start therapy. As you enter this process of exploring yourself, I can offer expert guidance to help you untangle the messiness of life and move forward with greater authenticity and fulfillment. My approach to therapy focuses on building a trusting and interactive relationship that offers a safe place to explore and uncover truths with clarity. I offer empathy, curiosity, humor and accountability to foster collaboration and hope. I deeply believe in one's resiliency and my goal is always to help my clients more clearly see their innate strengths as the building blocks for change.
I specialize in working with those who suffer from chronic pain, helping them to reclaim healing and empowerment.
Welcome. It takes courage to start therapy. As you enter this process of exploring yourself, I can offer expert guidance to help you untangle the messiness of life and move forward with greater authenticity and fulfillment. My approach to therapy focuses on building a trusting and interactive relationship that offers a safe place to explore and uncover truths with clarity. I offer empathy, curiosity, humor and accountability to foster collaboration and hope. I deeply believe in one's resiliency and my goal is always to help my clients more clearly see their innate strengths as the building blocks for change.
![Photo of Sara Leo, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf5d9eda-5610-4952-a5dc-6b58ba5db2e8/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical health psychologist at Cambridge Psychology Group. I specialize in treating people coping with anxiety, chronic pain, stress, medical issues, mood disorders, and difficulties adjusting to life changes. I believe that each person is unique, and therefore no one approach is right for everyone. I strive to integrate a variety of techniques and perspectives from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness based therapies, relaxation training, biofeedback, clinical hypnotherapy, and supportive therapy to create a treatment that is tailored to the individual I am working with.
I am a licensed clinical health psychologist at Cambridge Psychology Group. I specialize in treating people coping with anxiety, chronic pain, stress, medical issues, mood disorders, and difficulties adjusting to life changes. I believe that each person is unique, and therefore no one approach is right for everyone. I strive to integrate a variety of techniques and perspectives from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness based therapies, relaxation training, biofeedback, clinical hypnotherapy, and supportive therapy to create a treatment that is tailored to the individual I am working with.
![Photo of Janet Lacourse, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c8a0f78-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Janet Lacourse
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Reading, MA 01867 (Online Only)
My hospice experience influences my ability to provide comfort and direction for those living with a terminal illness, as well as caregivers, family and friends who are supporting a loved one with a life limiting diagnosis.
Finding and asking for help is not easy. I understand that trust and opening up to a complete stranger...a therapist, can be unsettling. One of my greatest strengths is creating a safe, empathic and non-judgmental space for us to begin our work together. Collaboratively and at your own pace...we will identify patterns of behavior, shifts in thinking and identify what is working for you and what is not. We will explore skills that will help you to create the change you desire within yourself or your environment.
My hospice experience influences my ability to provide comfort and direction for those living with a terminal illness, as well as caregivers, family and friends who are supporting a loved one with a life limiting diagnosis.
Finding and asking for help is not easy. I understand that trust and opening up to a complete stranger...a therapist, can be unsettling. One of my greatest strengths is creating a safe, empathic and non-judgmental space for us to begin our work together. Collaboratively and at your own pace...we will identify patterns of behavior, shifts in thinking and identify what is working for you and what is not. We will explore skills that will help you to create the change you desire within yourself or your environment.
![Photo of Pam Greenberg, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c1b5645-2ccd-4619-a90d-6626a8c8e3cb/4/320x400.jpeg)
Our pain is there for a reason, to point out patterns and behavior that are no longer working, and to open the gateway to a greater sense of happiness and wholeness.
I strive to get to know you in your totality— your strengths as well as your vulnerabilities, your dreams as well as your disappointments. Whether you are an adult seeking counseling for yourself or looking for support for a child or teen, I bring a wealth of experience working with issues ranging from depression and anxiety to behavioral concerns or school resistance. My approach is warm and compassionate, yet focused on helping each client make the changes needed to live a happier, more fulfilled life.
Our pain is there for a reason, to point out patterns and behavior that are no longer working, and to open the gateway to a greater sense of happiness and wholeness.
I strive to get to know you in your totality— your strengths as well as your vulnerabilities, your dreams as well as your disappointments. Whether you are an adult seeking counseling for yourself or looking for support for a child or teen, I bring a wealth of experience working with issues ranging from depression and anxiety to behavioral concerns or school resistance. My approach is warm and compassionate, yet focused on helping each client make the changes needed to live a happier, more fulfilled life.
![Photo of Alison Shaw, RN, HNB-BC, CBHS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b2b21f83-b0d9-4ecc-880c-b1cb9a8840ee/3/320x400.jpeg)
This work can help you find freedom from repeating patterns of pain, struggle & trauma; a deeper connection & peace with who you are; a sense of possibility and energy to create the life you chose with easy boundaries, self expression, self authorship and self compassion; and the ability to live knowing that you are enough, safe & OK right here, right now.
Do you want to go beyond the limits of conventional psychotherapy to heal the deepest roots of your emotional struggles? I'd love to help. In my practice, I bring together somatic (body -centered), trauma and energy based therapies in a unique model that creates more effective healing than talk therapy alone. This integrative approach helps you uncover & release the deep unconscious lifelong "Bodymind Patterns" that live in the psyche AND body & can perpetuate unhappiness and keep you stuck or returning over & over to the same struggles, anxiety, shame, depression, unfulfilling relationships, low self esteem disconnection and pain.
This work can help you find freedom from repeating patterns of pain, struggle & trauma; a deeper connection & peace with who you are; a sense of possibility and energy to create the life you chose with easy boundaries, self expression, self authorship and self compassion; and the ability to live knowing that you are enough, safe & OK right here, right now.
Do you want to go beyond the limits of conventional psychotherapy to heal the deepest roots of your emotional struggles? I'd love to help. In my practice, I bring together somatic (body -centered), trauma and energy based therapies in a unique model that creates more effective healing than talk therapy alone. This integrative approach helps you uncover & release the deep unconscious lifelong "Bodymind Patterns" that live in the psyche AND body & can perpetuate unhappiness and keep you stuck or returning over & over to the same struggles, anxiety, shame, depression, unfulfilling relationships, low self esteem disconnection and pain.
![Photo of Ilene H Rudman, MPA, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce1da0b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My specialties include helping with: low self-esteem, the desire to change careers; managing stress, balancing work/family life, and the impact of illness on life/work.
As psychotherapist, coach, and career counselor, I'm committed to helping you find wholeness through cognitive, insight-oriented, behavioral, mind-body and mindfulness approaches. I have worked for over three decades assisting clients with both the practical and emotional issues change often requires. During Covid-19 you may decide to focus on: contingency planning if your organization should fold; work on your resume; ramping up virtual networking; learning additional stress management techniques; support with emotional challenges; creative ways to deal with isolation and loneliness.
My specialties include helping with: low self-esteem, the desire to change careers; managing stress, balancing work/family life, and the impact of illness on life/work.
As psychotherapist, coach, and career counselor, I'm committed to helping you find wholeness through cognitive, insight-oriented, behavioral, mind-body and mindfulness approaches. I have worked for over three decades assisting clients with both the practical and emotional issues change often requires. During Covid-19 you may decide to focus on: contingency planning if your organization should fold; work on your resume; ramping up virtual networking; learning additional stress management techniques; support with emotional challenges; creative ways to deal with isolation and loneliness.
![Photo of Shane MacDonald - OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW , LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/730cab78-f0c8-4500-a869-97fd1ab8b4a2/1/320x400.jpeg)
OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472 (Online Only)
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
![Photo of Aviva R Bock, MA, EdM, CCMHC, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be175d9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Claim your right to a live a fulfilling life today unburdened by the past? The ability to cope and respond more effectively, even in the face of ongoing stress and pain, can make a huge difference.
From self criticism to self compassion. An open calm curious genuine exploration No shaming, no judgment only a question: What happened? What curve balls did life sent your way? My approach is holistic integrative and relational. If it works for you I will introduce you to a tool box of resources: somatic, energetic, EMDR, Flash etc as together we make sense of where you are now, what you are feeling, how to help you shift to a place of renewed empowerment and control, to be who you want to be and feel how you want to feel? A system/soul update to a renewed place of joy peace and harmony.
Claim your right to a live a fulfilling life today unburdened by the past? The ability to cope and respond more effectively, even in the face of ongoing stress and pain, can make a huge difference.
From self criticism to self compassion. An open calm curious genuine exploration No shaming, no judgment only a question: What happened? What curve balls did life sent your way? My approach is holistic integrative and relational. If it works for you I will introduce you to a tool box of resources: somatic, energetic, EMDR, Flash etc as together we make sense of where you are now, what you are feeling, how to help you shift to a place of renewed empowerment and control, to be who you want to be and feel how you want to feel? A system/soul update to a renewed place of joy peace and harmony.
![Photo of Alice Clark, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c31da0b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/8/320x400.jpeg)
It's finally time to make changes... It takes great courage to recognize that you're caught in patterns that keep you stuck and unhappy. And even more courage to reach out for support. I have worked with many people during difficult times to create meaning, ease and clarity in their lives, even in their darkest moments. I specialize in working with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, chronic pain, and eating disorders as well as those who suffer in the aftermath of trauma. I also work with the GLBTQ community.
It's finally time to make changes... It takes great courage to recognize that you're caught in patterns that keep you stuck and unhappy. And even more courage to reach out for support. I have worked with many people during difficult times to create meaning, ease and clarity in their lives, even in their darkest moments. I specialize in working with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, chronic pain, and eating disorders as well as those who suffer in the aftermath of trauma. I also work with the GLBTQ community.
![Photo of Alyssa Schutte, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ace2ed0d-0ea8-43d4-bd83-95220d3a2067/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa Schutte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02115 (Online Only)
Alyssa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Indiana (LCSW) and Massachusetts (LICSW). Alyssa specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and middle adulthood; folks who are family planning, prenatal, perinatal, postnatal, and parenting; and folks who experience chronic pain and/or are affected by chronic/complex medical conditions; folks in the LGBTQIA+ community; and folks who have experienced trauma.
Alyssa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Indiana (LCSW) and Massachusetts (LICSW). Alyssa specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and middle adulthood; folks who are family planning, prenatal, perinatal, postnatal, and parenting; and folks who experience chronic pain and/or are affected by chronic/complex medical conditions; folks in the LGBTQIA+ community; and folks who have experienced trauma.
![Photo of Myra Durkin, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/514941a0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I also use my expertise to treat stress/anxiety, eating disorders, pain, illness, smoking/habit cessation, performance issues and more.
I am a clinical social worker and sex therapist in Davis Square, Somerville with over 30 years of experience working with individuals and couples. I trained and worked for five years as a staff therapist at the Institute for Sexuality and Intimacy, formerly at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School. I also have expertise with eating disorders, anxiety, performance issues and more. Clients say I am warm, compassionate and practical, and provide a comfortable, relaxed and safe environment. My approach is eclectic; I collaborate with each client to find the right treatment approach uniquely tailored to his/her/their needs.
I also use my expertise to treat stress/anxiety, eating disorders, pain, illness, smoking/habit cessation, performance issues and more.
I am a clinical social worker and sex therapist in Davis Square, Somerville with over 30 years of experience working with individuals and couples. I trained and worked for five years as a staff therapist at the Institute for Sexuality and Intimacy, formerly at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School. I also have expertise with eating disorders, anxiety, performance issues and more. Clients say I am warm, compassionate and practical, and provide a comfortable, relaxed and safe environment. My approach is eclectic; I collaborate with each client to find the right treatment approach uniquely tailored to his/her/their needs.
![Photo of Megan Mountcastle, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4592911c-e6b0-4b9a-ab35-08b7fd76aaf8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Mountcastle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02139 (Online Only)
You're grappling with painful grief and can't make sense of a loss or sudden life change. You don’t feel like yourself anymore and have lost track of where you’re headed. You have a health challenge like IBS that keeps you stuck in a painful cycle of emotional and physical turmoil and you feel resentful, frustrated, and angry with your body. Your worries about your symptoms flaring up rule your life and you’re stuck on a spin cycle of physical and emotional pain. You're lost. You’re paralyzed by anxiety, worry, overthinking and self-criticism and you can't focus. Stress, worry and panic have taken over the joy and meaning in life.
You're grappling with painful grief and can't make sense of a loss or sudden life change. You don’t feel like yourself anymore and have lost track of where you’re headed. You have a health challenge like IBS that keeps you stuck in a painful cycle of emotional and physical turmoil and you feel resentful, frustrated, and angry with your body. Your worries about your symptoms flaring up rule your life and you’re stuck on a spin cycle of physical and emotional pain. You're lost. You’re paralyzed by anxiety, worry, overthinking and self-criticism and you can't focus. Stress, worry and panic have taken over the joy and meaning in life.
![Photo of Shane MacDonald - OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW , LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8273c72e-f6d3-43ef-83cb-91493e4503cb/1/320x400.jpeg)
OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02201 (Online Only)
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
![Photo of Shane MacDonald - OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW , LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b11ca82-dbd8-4cdc-bdbd-7f4edbf1fc72/1/320x400.jpeg)
OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Malden, MA 02148 (Online Only)
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
![Photo of Mya Fonarov, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ebf01a6f-1d87-4a44-85e0-899ccd64ad4d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mya Fonarov
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138 (Online Only)
I provide therapy to adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, grief, post-partum depression, pregnancy loss, infertility, eating disorders, relationship problems, family issues, academic and occupational stress, life transitions, and physical illness. My background is eclectic. I have a masters degree in social work, education, and engineering. I also am a certified yoga teacher which I incorporate into my practice through mindfulness and relaxation techniques. I love to learn and always pursue advanced trainings to stay current in my practice. I am passionate and committed to my work with clients; it has enriched and deepened my life.
I provide therapy to adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, grief, post-partum depression, pregnancy loss, infertility, eating disorders, relationship problems, family issues, academic and occupational stress, life transitions, and physical illness. My background is eclectic. I have a masters degree in social work, education, and engineering. I also am a certified yoga teacher which I incorporate into my practice through mindfulness and relaxation techniques. I love to learn and always pursue advanced trainings to stay current in my practice. I am passionate and committed to my work with clients; it has enriched and deepened my life.
![Photo of Shane MacDonald - OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW , LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e0ce4a4-fd55-40ec-b6ef-4ec6f3700e94/1/320x400.jpeg)
OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Medford, MA 02155 (Online Only)
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
![Photo of Life Centered Therapy Institute - Life Centered Therapy Institute, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b770fd3-d39b-4c13-b75f-607e628ab74d/1/320x400.png)
My team and I help individuals and couples. Our ideal client is someone who's interested in both healing and growth, who is goal oriented, and knows that how we make sense of things is fundamental. The symptoms about which we suffer are also an invitation to remember what we couldn't handle so that we heal and grow. I'm best suited to treating you where you're stuck, be it physical (like chronic pain, auto-immune), mental (like anxiety), emotional (like depression), relational (partners, children, parents, people you work with), and spiritual (like alienation).
My team and I help individuals and couples. Our ideal client is someone who's interested in both healing and growth, who is goal oriented, and knows that how we make sense of things is fundamental. The symptoms about which we suffer are also an invitation to remember what we couldn't handle so that we heal and grow. I'm best suited to treating you where you're stuck, be it physical (like chronic pain, auto-immune), mental (like anxiety), emotional (like depression), relational (partners, children, parents, people you work with), and spiritual (like alienation).
![Photo of Shane MacDonald - OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW , LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bf18807-0543-4746-abb5-7d360f4a7e42/1/320x400.jpeg)
OCD Specialist, Shane MacDonald, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Woburn, MA 01801 (Online Only)
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
Our broad goal––of course––is “the end of unnecessary suffering.” Sound about right? While we all strive for this, I specialize in helping folks with a very-unique kind of suffering: OCD. I can tell you that few people understand the pain and complexity of OCD—(even most therapists). I will listen intently to your unique story. Just know that I can introduce you to an arsenal of tools that can help: mindfulness, ERP (exposure and response prevention) and on and on. Yes, thoughts can be “sticky.” But––with hard work––if (or when) those thoughts come back around…they can be as quiet & as harmless as a yellow post-it.
See more therapy options for Everett
Nearby Chronic Pain Therapists Searches for Everett
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How does chronic pain therapy work?
Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?
Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.
Are there new treatments for chronic pain?
Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.
How long does therapy for chronic pain take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.