Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Somerville, MA

My goal is to establish a collaborative and trusting relationship with clients that fosters a safe space for them to explore their emotions and experiences. I am committed to using a flexible client-centered and culturally aware treatment approach that is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. My approach to psychotherapy is based in psychodynamics and relational theory and incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions. My trauma-informed therapeutic style is nonjudgmental, empathic, empowering, and warm.

My therapeutic orientation is guided by a psychodynamic, relational approach that emphasizes trust-building and collaboration. I draw on a range of modalities to meet my clients’ needs, including narrative therapy, cognitive-behavioral, and motivational interviewing techniques. I believe treatment should be rooted in a client’s strengths and network of relationships. My approach is anchored in Liberation Health with an explicit anti-oppressive, intersectional, feminist lens, including identifying the emotional and somatic impact of systems like capitalism, racism, heterosexism, and classism.

Most of our struggles are relational in nature. As a relationship expert, I will guide you toward healing your relational wounds; to step into the self-actualized, meaningful, joyful life you dream of. We all sustain traumas which shape our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world. When we understand our protective strategies we can then update our narratives, unburden our traumatized parts, heal attachment wounds, and make room to relate through our highest self. We can learn new skills in communication, somatic regulation, mindfulness, self-awareness, and more fully build the life which best serves our continual growth.

Certified DBT therapist with training in trauma-informed therapeutic (and standard) yoga and Japanese Reiki.

I utilize a psychodynamic (insight oriented) approach, integrating relational therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and trauma informed treatments. I also employ tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mentalization Based Therapy, when clinically appropriate. I strongly believe that our identities and backgrounds, including our culture, sexual orientation, and gender identity, play a large role in our development and identity formation. I value clinical relationships built on trust and aim to foster a safe and judgement-free space that helps my clients gain insight into their feelings, thoughts, and patterns of behavior.

Making the decision to start therapy can be daunting. As a clinical social worker with many years of experience, I have witnessed the human capacity to change and overcome life's most difficult challenges. I utilize trauma-informed care practices to provide a safe space that allows you to process complex emotions, as well as build insight and skills to manage life stressors.

Are you looking for a warm, supportive, and safe space to heal anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, a transition, or difficult relationships? Are you struggling at work because of these issues, or is work causing them/making them worse? I can help you claim the happiness you deserve. Maybe you're experiencing burnout, imposter syndrome, a toxic workplace, work trauma, or job loss. Regardless of what's happening, if you're ready to be happier at work, in life, and in your relationships, I can help you create the life you deserve.

I practice individual psychotherapy with adults, and have experience working with clients from a variety of backgrounds. I specialize in issues related to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, complex trauma, and challenges in social/ romantic/ family relationships. I know you have likely struggled with whatever brings you into therapy for a long time, and that the therapy process deserves care, attention, and time.

Dr. Utley’s primary areas of interest include: General and social anxiety, depression, trauma, binge eating, life transitions, relationship concerns, family difficulties, and bolstering general life satisfaction. He has a special interest in international adoption and minority identity development, Dr. Utley utilizes a client-centered and evidence-based approach that is flexible based on the client’s cultural background and presenting concerns. He incorporates Emotion-Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy frameworks when working with clients.

"Some days you wake up and immediately start to worry. Nothing in particular is wrong it's just the suspicion that forces are aligning quietly and there will be trouble." - Jenny Holzer. What can begin as a vague worry in our daily lives might quickly grow into something more troublesome. We might put off getting help in the hope that "things will get better on their own," but sometimes things don't. Often the most difficult step in addressing areas of concern is the first.

I work with adults with diverse backgrounds and identities who have experienced trauma, loss, difficulties in relationships, or difficulties with self-esteem, anxiety, and stress. I see therapy as an opportunity to enhance joy, spontaneity, meaning, and connection to yourself and others. It’s ideally an inviting, open, and safe place to explore your sense of your identity, and to learn about yourself in the context of a relationship.

I work with adults across the lifespan struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, family issues, work and school challenges. I am trained in Internal Family Systems therapy and draw from psychodynamic and attachment theory, Buddhist psychology and mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Therapy provides a space for us to develop a deeper understanding of our internal world, our patterns, and our suffering. Oftentimes, we might find that concepts and emotions left unattended to are keeping us stuck or unsatisfied. Together, we can be curious about your thoughts, feelings, and fantasies and uncover new meaning and ways of coping. I collaborate with patients to work towards a more fulfilling life and a better relationship with the self. I emphasize that you are the expert of your life, and empower you to make the changes you desire.

As a clinical social worker, I take a holistic approach to help you connect with your own strengths and wisdom. If you are feeling overwhelmed, out of balance, or stuck, let's connect. I integrate compassion and humor in a gentle way to help you understand your emotions and gain control over how you respond to your experience.

I provide a warm, inclusive, collaborative, and supportive environment. I work with clients to address a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use struggles, difficulties in relationships, loss, and balancing work-life demands, among other issues. Integrating multiple models of care based on a patient's need, I utilize aspects of behavioral approaches (CBT, DBT, behavioral medicine), mindfulness-based interventions, humanistic approaches, relational and developmental theory, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic-informed care. [ Weekend hours sometimes available ]

Therapy can be a space for growth, understanding, and fulfillment. You may be looking for support navigating a big life change, making sense of a traumatic experience, working through anxiety or fears that are impacting your life, or figuring out what exactly is holding you back from feeling like your best self. Whatever you are hoping to achieve with therapy, you are not alone.

I have 15 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, across a variety of cultures; receiving my training and practicing in both Australia and the US. I work with adults, couples and families to achieve their goals and specialize in a range of clinical presentations including trauma, relationship and family of origin issues, men’s mental health and therapy for helping professionals, among others.

We may be good fit if you feel overwhelmed and isolated by the impact of past experiences, struggle with relentless worry, are trying to deal with the weight of depression, or facing the complexities of navigating your relationship with food and body image. My approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, and I value creating a safe and compassionate space where you can explore and process your experiences without judgment. We'll work towards understanding the roots of your struggles, developing coping strategies, and fostering a sense of resilience that empowers you in your daily life.

*Currently accepting new clients* Every person has their own story, own internal conflicts, relationships, and ways of making life meaningful. Therapy is a process of creating a trusting relationship, and creating space to explore and understand that story together. Through this process we can find ways to balance feelings of pain and conflict with the potential and desire for well-being.