Preteen Therapists in Northampton, MA

Life is forever changing. We look for purpose, a passion + a sense of belonging. Difficulties arise and suffering is inevitable. Adapting or accepting circumstances is a process. Therapy offers a space to talk, consider options, acknowledge pain + find new perspective. The slightest shift of the mind can inspire hope, with this, possibility emerges.

Thank you for considering my profile. I am licensed both as a Mental Health Counseler and a Marriage and Family Therapist. A guiding belief in my work is an unconditional regard for the individual value of each person. I have a variety of training (Pyschodynamic, cognitive behavioral, relational EFT, EMDR etc.)and use an ecelectic approach. I have been working with children and their families in a varity of settings, for almost 30 years. I have extensive experience working with a variety of diagnosis. I also have a bachelor degree in working with Young Children with Special Needs.

By cultivating the qualities of Self in my work with you, we'll open pathways to your health - moving beyond depression, anxiety, trauma - transforming old patterns you realize are no longer effective. Your true strengths emerge. bringing creativity and natural solutions to problems. Being open-minded to your unique and diverse ways of living, thinking and being, we explore the journey toward safe and positive ways of relating to yourself and others.

My background as an educator and an artist informs my clinical work, as I believe therapy to be a deeply creative process. My work with clients is influenced by relational and psychodynamic approaches to therapy. I invite exploration, curiosity and meaning-making to bring greater awareness to relationships, histories, patterns and obstacles, and support my clients in becoming more congruent in their lives. I have experience working with college students, children, adolescents and adults of all ages.

I work with kids, teens/young adults, families, parents (including perinatal and early child/parenthood), and systems to nurture emotional and systemic wellbeing. I also enjoy work with folks in helping professions, especially educators.

Life is hard when there is too much unhappiness, worry, anger or frustration. I have been psychotherapist since 1994 and have a deep respect for the process of growth and change that individuals and families can accomplish. I treat children, adolescents and adults who are stuck in patterns that keep them from feeling happy, peaceful and healthy. If you are interested in listening to the way I think about therapy, here is a link to my podcast: www.theartoflistening.me/episodes/sarah-abel

I work with adolescents and with adults at all stages of life who are seeking a collaborative approach to navigating life stressors, deepening self-awareness and insight, and processing trauma. I work from an anti-oppressive lens, with the understanding that systemic harm and inequity impact and are often the root cause of mental health challenges. I welcome clients from all backgrounds, races, gender identities, cultures.

Clients and myself are on a journey, to explore and notice the things that bubble up, the things that stay stuck beneath, the parts of themselves that enter the therapy room: the grieving parts, the sad and scared parts, the joyful ones. I work with clients who are seeking for meaning and understanding in their responses to the relationships in their lives: those with family, with partners, with spirituality, with creativity, with work and life's purpose, and beyond.

**Practice currently full** I offer individual and family therapy, working with children, adolescents, and adults. My approach is relational, attachment-focused, and trauma-informed. I believe that each person is the expert of their own experience; I work collaboratively with clients to tailor treatment to best meet their needs and to identify strategies to improve their daily lives. I strive to remain attentive to social identities, dynamics in family systems, and the larger cultural landscape that impact a person's sense of self and shape their experiences.

The world is wonderful! But it can also be challenging, confusing, overwhelming, and stressful. Every person on this planet, at any point in their lives, can benefit from mental health services. Whether you are looking for advocacy, exploration, guidance, or other forms of support: we are here to provide it! The hardest part about starting counseling services is recognizing that you need help. So please take a second to acknowledge this fact, you've earned it! If you decide to reach out to work with me, then I look forward to helping you continue your journey towards growth and life improvement.

I focus on empowering people to connect with their values and strengths and to heal and grow through challenges. You may be suffering with stress in a relationship, school, or work. You may be transitioning through a difficult stage of life, or wrestling with issues of identity. You may feel stuck in old patterns that hold you back while you are yearning to move forward. Drawing on mindfulness-based practice, informed especially by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental and collaborative approach to psychotherapy.

I provide support, insight, and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methods and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each person. With respect and understanding, I work with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples to help build strengths and attain personal growth. Treatment approaches include insight oriented therapy, psychodynamic, focused short- term intervention, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

I have been a psychotherapist for over 30 years. I have been trained in numerous modalities including CBT, DBT, and trauma focused treatment. I enjoy working with children and adults suffering from the symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders. I am also a 500 hr. Registered Yoga Teacher. Together with my clients, I create a customized treatment plan that often includes Cognitive Behavioral Techniques and mindfulness /Yoga skills. The approach is often remarkably successful in treating sleep problems, anxiety, depression, trauma and loss.

Tired of being afraid all the time? Looking for support with anxiety, OCD, scary intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, or phobias? I provide neurodivergent-affirming and LGBTQ-positive care. My approach is warm and engaged. I can support you in managing fear, trusting yourself more, unmasking, and recovering from or preventing burnout. I see therapy as a creative and collaborative process. You know yourself best; I am here to share the tools I have learned and work with you to meet your specific needs. No silent head nodding here; we will try specific skills to use between sessions.

I offer individual, relationship and family therapy. My areas of interest include: nonbinary and trans identities, alternative family structures, issues concerning sexuality or sexual practices, queer family planning, fertility issues, trauma, grief and loss. I was clinically trained at Smith and have recently worked at a nonprofit primarily with adults with extreme mind states and major life disruptions. Additionally, I am the co-director of Translate Gender Inc, we offer trainings and education around gender identity and expression as well as run psychotherapy groups for trans and nonbinary individuals, relationships and families.

I work with clients from all walks of life, and especially love working with those who are embarking on a new chapter in life, whether it be examining relationships, starting a family, exploring their identity and values, or starting to unpack their past. I am a pre-licensed professional who will be working under the supervision of Shannon Sennott at the Center for Psychotherapy and Social Justice.

Sometimes when life is difficult, we try to take on everything ourselves. I am here to let you know that you do not have to do it all alone.When the pain become too heavy, I will be here for you as you speak your truth.I believe that we are the experts of our own lives and story. I will provide validation, where you can become your own catalyst for change.Our therapeutic work will be an empowering safe place for healing, self-discovery and navigating life’s challenges. I use therapeutic modalities specific to a client’s individual needs.

Asking for help is not easy, and finding the right therapist can be even more difficult. I am passionate about helping individuals and families move towards a path of well-being and health. In a safe and caring environment, I work with clients who struggle with a range of issues: anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship difficulties, separation and loss, low self-esteem, lack of motivation, family conflict and parenting. My work is trauma informed and strengths-based. It is important to me that clients feel heard and valued.

Tarn was adopted and raised in Southern Vermont on a farm. She has always loved helping others so the decision to become a therapist came easy. She first attended Community College in Vermont before continuing on to earn a BA in Sociology from Smith College in Northampton, MA. Tarn then attended the Smith College School for Social Work where she earned a Masters in Social Work (MSW). She has since worked in a variety of positions throughout her career which have assisted her in becoming an eclectic therapist with a wealth of knowledge in several facets of social work and life.