Therapy
857-202-9099
The Keys to Successful Therapy
A successful therapy outcome is determined by three key factors:
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The client-therapist relationship: A strong, trusting bond is essential.
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A shared understanding: Both the client and therapist need to be aligned on what the client wants to work on.
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Belief in change: Both parties must believe that progress is possible.As Irvin D. Yalom once said, the therapeutic process should be an “installation of hope.”
Hope and Connection in Therapy
Many of my clients come to therapy feeling unsure, ambivalent, or even skeptical. Believing in change can be difficult, especially for those who have tried different methods, including therapy, to address their challenges.
However, simply seeking therapy suggests that hope exists. Through a supportive, positive relationship rooted in my genuine regard for you and my sense of hope, we can create the foundation needed for real progress.
The Science Behind Anxiety
Velcro for the Bad, Teflon for the Good
Neuroscience teaches us that our brains are wired to be:
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Velcro for the bad – We tend to hold on to negative experiences.
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Teflon for the good – Positive experiences often slip away.
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As Dr. Rick Hanson explains, this predisposition toward worry and anxiety was once crucial for survival, helping our ancestors remain hyper-aware of potential threats. However, in today’s world, this wiring can cause unnecessary anxiety and stress.
My Approach: Building Resilience Through Positivity
I incorporate several evidence-based approaches in therapy:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Reframing negative thought patterns.
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Mindfulness – Increasing awareness and presence in the moment.
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Positive Psychology – Focusing on strengths and building a positive mindset.
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The Strengths Model – Leveraging your existing resources and abilities.
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The goal is to build up reserves of positivity in your mind, so that during times of stress, anxiety, or negative thinking, you have positive experiences to draw upon. We achieve this through:
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Cognitive restructuring
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Gratitude practices
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Mindfulness exercises
Therapy is About Changing the Future, Not the Past
People come to therapy to shape their future, not to change their past.
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As James Clear wisely said:
“People get so caught up in the fact that they have limits that they rarely exert the effort required to get close to them.”
The Stages of Change
When changing a behavior, most people go through the following stages:
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1. Precontemplation – Ignoring or denying the problem.
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2. Contemplation – Weighing the pros and cons of making a change.
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3. Preparation – Deciding on a course of action.
4. Action – Taking steps toward the goal.
5. Maintenance – Sticking with the change for the long term.
6. Relapse – Setbacks happen, and people must decide to keep going.
How Change Happens: Building Habits That Last
Many clients know where they want to be and how they want to feel, but the challenge lies in building habits that support those goals. My approach focuses on:
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Habits of mind
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Habits of behavior
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Habits of reaction
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Habits of judgment
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Habits of heart​​
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Together, we’ll assess your current habits and identify which ones need to change. We’ll break your day into manageable routines:
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Morning routine
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Midday routine
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Night routine​
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By creating this structure, you’ll strengthen your discipline and determination, leading to meaningful, lasting change.
Self-Control and Structure: The Secret to Success
“When scientists analyze people who appear to have tremendous self-control, it turns out those individuals aren’t all that different from those who are struggling. Instead, ‘disciplined' people are better at structuring their lives in a way that does not require heroic willpower and self-control.”
— James Clear
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By focusing on positive habits, routines, and a strong sense of hope, change is not only possible—it’s within reach.
Therapy for Adolescents, Teenagers, and Young Adults in Boston
Social and emotional development for adolescents, teenagers, and young adults happens in the context of relationships. When something disrupts access to those relationships—whether it’s due to learning challenges, depression, ADHD, or other factors—it limits an individual’s ability to develop in a healthy way. My mission is to help young people reconnect with their emotional learning and relationships through psychotherapy.
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I believe deeply in the potential of a therapeutic relationship for all individuals. It can help develop healthier connections, empower them, and provide the support they need to thrive.
Focus on Experiencing Success
Each stage of development requires a sense of mastery, and young people need to experience success to grow. My goal is to help them get there by:
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Breaking down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps
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Identifying and leveraging personal strengths to promote change
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Helping them achieve a sense of accomplishment
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When struggling, it’s often hard for people to see the big picture. They can become consumed by specific challenges. My role as a therapist is to:
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Keep the broader scope in mind for them
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Help identify new options and solutions
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Reinforce strengths they may have lost sight of
A Partnership Approach with Parents
As a parent or guardian, you play a critical role in your child’s therapeutic journey. A key factor in success is creating a collaborative working alliance.
You know your child’s abilities and can recognize when something is hindering their progress. Together, we will:
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Find solutions tailored to your child's needs
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Co-create a long-term plan for their success
Parental involvement can vary from occasional discussions to ongoing family sessions. I offer a safe, trusting relationship where we can work together to ensure your child reaches their full potential.
Tailored Treatment Goals and Milestones
At the outset of therapy, we will develop specific, personalized goals for your child. Along the way, we’ll set clear milestones to track progress together. These goals will empower both young people and their parents throughout the therapeutic process.