Narrative Therapists in Somerville, MA

I am currently accepting new clients! Do you often find yourself feeling sad or anxious? Do you worry about yourself or your child? Do you wish you could be your best self? With over fifteen years of clinical experience, my style is fluid and catered to best suit the concerns and experience of my clients. I work with clients of all ages in the context of individual, couples, and family therapy. I offer a goal-oriented and strength-based approach and incorporate CBT, ACT, art/narrative therapy, interpersonal therapy, solution-focused therapy, and play therapy depending on needs and preferences of each client.

Because you are a unique individual, and it is important that the process resonates with you, we will work collaboratively to choose which path to take and which therapy techniques we use. We can discover how to draw on your strengths so you can live life to the fullest. Some of the techniques I offer are ACT, CBT, and Narrative Exposure Therapy. And while I take your mental health very seriously, experience has taught me that bringing a sense of humor to the sessions can give a lift and add perspective. I'd be happy to speak with you so we can get a better sense of whether we might be a good match.

I use a strength-based approach to help clients get from where they are to where they want to be in life (building self-compassion along the way). I have experience working with children and adults who struggle with ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, relationship issues, LGBTQIA+ related challenges, assertiveness training, and low self-esteem.

*Currently accepting new clients (private pay only)* My clients are typically between the ages of 4-19yo and present with a wide variety of needs. My passion is working with children and adolescents, and my goal is to create a space where kids & teens can express themselves and work toward their goals with support. Children & adolescents have experienced a lot in the past year through the pandemic and may have a lot of feelings or needs stemming from stressors related to the last year. My clients often seek support around managing related needs.

My ideal client is someone who is ready to explore their patterns, thoughts, and unique stories. They may be struggling with anxiety or depression or haven't fully processed traumas and attachment issues in their lifetime. This ideal client may be detached from their emotions, have a hard time letting go, or find it difficult to experience joy. This person is motivated for change and seeks more insight about themselves.

My ideal client would be someone who is ready and willing to participate in treatment. I am comfortable with an array of different diagnoses and struggles. Their needs would include working towards tangible goals that we are able to breakdown in the treatment setting. They may want to work on self-esteem, depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms etc. They would want to minimize their symptoms and improve everyday functioning. The goal would ultimately be to no longer need treatment as they have reached their goals.

Feeling nervous or stressed is natural. When these feelings overwhelm us, we need someone to listen, to validate our concerns, and to help us get to the root of our problems with tools that will inspire hope, and help us regain control of our lives. I use Mindfulness Practices to help people sit with, and tolerate what comes up. I use Self-Compassion Practices to help soothe what ails you, and I often use CBT to organize our plan going forward. This gives you tools that you can use immediately, and strikes a fine balance between listening and responding.

I am available for video sessions and in-person. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, my goal is to increase connection. Connection to ourselves by deepening self-awareness, insight, and options for change. Connection to our family members by overcoming the obstacles that cause pain and distress. Connection to our partners by learning how to reach for each other and maintain secure attachment.

I bring compassion and a non-judgmental active approach to assist you in developing a greater understanding of yourself, overcoming challenges, and living your life to the fullest. I have experience treating a range of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also enjoy working with clients who want to explore their identities, personal histories, and relationship issues.

Hi, I'm Bailey! I've been in the social work field for over 15 years, and I am a co-founder of Mountain View Therapy. Christina Peterson and I created this virtual group practice based in the principles of Narrative Therapy. We believe that meaning-making through stories shapes lives, relationships and communities. Our practice hopes to use this knowledge to help the people we serve uncover the stories that support their preferred lives. Although I am not currently accepting new clients myself, we have recently expanded and several of our clinicians have immediate availability!

Hi, I'm Christina! I've been in the social work field for 15 years and I am a Co-Founder of Mountain View Therapy. Bailey Schendell and I created this telehealth group practice based in the principles of Narrative Therapy. We believe that meaning-making through stories shapes lives, relationships and communities. Our practice hopes to use this knowledge to help the people we serve uncover the stories that support their preferred lives.

Hi I'm Henry, a therapist at Mountain View Therapy. Long before I began to work as a therapist, I have believed that narrative has a unique power to help us define both our experience and identity. I graduated with a degree in film and medieval history from Marlboro College, then worked in production and as an actor on independent films, before moving to digital marketing. Eventually I turned to social work. I received my Master of Social Work degree from Boston University in 2022. Before joining Mountain View Therapy, I helped veterans struggling with homelessness, addiction and post-traumatic stress in the Somerville area.

Hi there! My name is Erin and I'm a therapist at Mountain View Therapy. I'm deeply passionate about providing mental health care for all and firmly believe that Narrative Therapy offers the best approach to exploring each person's unique story and the hopes they hold for their lives. Our counseling practice is grounded in the principles of Narrative Therapy, recognizing the profound impact of stories in shaping lives, relationships, and communities. Through Narrative Therapy, we strive to assist our clients in discovering the narratives that support their preferred lives.

As a clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience, my style is described as warm, empathic and open. Many clients begin treatment with a general sense of unease, based on anxiety, depression and loss. We work collaboratively at ways of thinking, feeling and behaving to gain clarity on processing experiences. Then, we carefully build coping techniques and skills to achieve healthier, happier ways of moving through the world.

My clinical orientation primarily emphasizes psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy approaches and is rooted in relational and person-centric models. I have advanced training in psychodynamic approaches as a Fellow at the Boston Psychoanalysis Society and Institute. My style is eclectic and I derive techniques from a comprehensive range of approaches, including solution-focused, narrative, multicultural and expressive models of psychotherapy. I recognize that there are cultural limitations inherent to each of these approaches and endeavor to tailor the therapeutic experience to respect clients’ diverse backgrounds.

My therapeutic approach is informed by psychodynamic and relational theories, as well as somatic (body focused) perspectives, narrative techniques, and anti-oppression principles. I seek to draw connections between clients’ histories and their experience as it unfolds in the here-and-now of the therapeutic exchange, all in service of coming into deeper relationship with oneself. My therapeutic style is collaborative, curious, and compassionate with attention to the relationship between us, as individuals, and the systems that impact us.

My therapeutic orientation is guided by psychodynamic, humanistic, and relational approaches, and founded on a strengths-based model, which emphasizes that each person is the expert of their own story. My style is compassionate, empowering, and accessible, and I focus on meeting people where they are. I draw on a range of modalities including narrative therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Liberation Health, and motivational interviewing. My clinical approach is trauma-informed and collaborative, with a queer, feminist, and anti-oppressive lens.

I practice from a person-centered and strengths based perspective, and I believe therapy should be a collaborative process. I work to create a warm and open environment where my clients can safely explore and process their emotions. My clients would describe me as compassionate, genuine, non-judgemental, and not afraid to use a little humor. Together, we will work to identify your goals and build a plan to help you move forward. You are the expert on your own life, and I consider it an honor to support you on your journey.

As a therapist, I believe our past experiences inform our present: they shape what we see in ourselves and the world around us, and influence how we relate to others. However, I also believe they do not determine our future. This idea serves as the foundation of our work together. My approach involves helping you identify your values, utilize the strengths you already possess, and develop your vision for a life worth living. I assist in examining how our interpersonal relationships can establish and reinforce maladaptive coping, and help to replace what no longer serves you with a fresh perspective and new skills.