Teletherapy for West Newbury, MA
Gaia Counseling Center, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
West Newbury, MA 01985 (Online Only)
My name is Michael and I have worked as a clinical social worker and behavioral health therapist for the past 7 years. I attended BU and Simmons where I received my bachelors degree in Psychology and my Masters in Social Work. After graduation, I was hired at Lahey Hospital. I worked in the outpatient oncology department and inpatient liver transplant unit. I provided 1 on 1 mental health counseling to patients and their families newly diagnosed with cancer and end-stage liver disease. I have also worked in several virtual settings including Thriveworks and Better Help. I love my job and feel honored working with people everyday.
My name is Michael and I have worked as a clinical social worker and behavioral health therapist for the past 7 years. I attended BU and Simmons where I received my bachelors degree in Psychology and my Masters in Social Work. After graduation, I was hired at Lahey Hospital. I worked in the outpatient oncology department and inpatient liver transplant unit. I provided 1 on 1 mental health counseling to patients and their families newly diagnosed with cancer and end-stage liver disease. I have also worked in several virtual settings including Thriveworks and Better Help. I love my job and feel honored working with people everyday.
We all have a unique path, an unfolding story to tell, and various crossroads to navigate on our journey through life. At times the path may be difficult; we may feel lost and unable to find our way or change direction alone. It may be a crisis in a family or relationship, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, grief/loss, difficulties with work or school, or an inner sense that something is just not right. I believe our natural state is one of joy and well-being but experiences in life can cause suffering and distance us from feeling whole. I take a holistic approach based on the premise that the mind and body function as one.
We all have a unique path, an unfolding story to tell, and various crossroads to navigate on our journey through life. At times the path may be difficult; we may feel lost and unable to find our way or change direction alone. It may be a crisis in a family or relationship, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, grief/loss, difficulties with work or school, or an inner sense that something is just not right. I believe our natural state is one of joy and well-being but experiences in life can cause suffering and distance us from feeling whole. I take a holistic approach based on the premise that the mind and body function as one.
Your child and I may be a good fit if they do not seem to “fit the mold” emotionally and/or behaviorally and you would like to support them with a therapy process. In sessions with me, children who are neurodiverse and/or experience anxiety, social skills challenges, trauma, and other needs will find a safe space to be themselves and explore ways to make changes at their own pace. I offer an emotionally supportive environment whether in- or outdoors which fosters deep therapeutic work. I even make sessions fun! Let’s work as a team to support your child on the journey from where they are to where they’d like to be. Email to Inquire.
Your child and I may be a good fit if they do not seem to “fit the mold” emotionally and/or behaviorally and you would like to support them with a therapy process. In sessions with me, children who are neurodiverse and/or experience anxiety, social skills challenges, trauma, and other needs will find a safe space to be themselves and explore ways to make changes at their own pace. I offer an emotionally supportive environment whether in- or outdoors which fosters deep therapeutic work. I even make sessions fun! Let’s work as a team to support your child on the journey from where they are to where they’d like to be. Email to Inquire.
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Online Therapists
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
Numerous studies suggest that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. However, further research is needed to determine if online therapy provides the same benefits across all client populations. Individuals with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or those who may benefit from in-person check-ins, like those with eating disorders, may not experience the same level of benefit from online therapy. Nonetheless, the success of online therapy, much like in-person therapy, often hinges on the quality of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client rather than the specific modality of therapy used.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of therapy conducted online?
One of the main advantages of online therapy is its convenience for both clients and therapists. It also allows clients who require specialized therapy to access a wider range of professionals than they could with only in-person sessions. Additionally, online therapy may be a more affordable option in some cases and often offers the same insurance benefits as in-person therapy. However, online therapy may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who value face-to-face interaction with a therapist. Therapists may find it more challenging to assess clients accurately in an online setting due to reduced nonverbal cues on camera. There is also the increased risk that disruptions caused by external factors, such as technology malfunctions, can hinder the therapy session. For these reasons, many therapists offer a "hybrid" therapeutic approach, alternating between seeing clients in-person and online.
Is online therapy suitable for children and adolescents?
Just like with adults, the accessibility and convenience of online therapy can greatly benefit children and adolescents. In fact, children and adolescents may be more accustomed to navigating online platforms than older adults, making online sessions feel more natural for them. Teens might also be interested in using additional online tools, such as therapist-recommended apps, as an adjunct to online therapy sessions. Apps for developing CBT skills, practicing mindfulness exercises, or tracking thoughts and moods can be helpful for teens receiving therapy. However, it's important to note that not all therapeutic modalities are well-suited to online therapy, especially those used with younger children. For example, play therapy, which helps younger children express their emotions, often requires in-person sessions to be fully effective.
Can I receive prescriptions and medication management with online therapy?
The ability for psychiatrists to prescribe medications through online therapy varies based on the medication and the states where the medical professional and client are located. While many prescribing regulations were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, some states still enforce rules, especially concerning controlled substances, which may mandate an in-person visit before prescribing. Generally, however, medical professionals can prescribe non-controlled substances through online therapy sessions just as they do during in-person sessions.