Our therapists provide couples therapy in Amherst, MA

I am a Master’s Level Counselor with 13 years of experience providing direct care and outpatient counseling. I work primarily with adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, and stress related to work, family, or identity. I also support individuals navigating complex medical or developmental concerns, helping them build emotional stability and stronger coping skills.

I earned my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Merrimack College. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive, integrating evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and strength-based therapy to support emotional regulation and insight.

In our work together, you can expect a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we move at a pace that feels safe and empowering. I am committed to meeting you with empathy and respect as we develop practical tools to help you heal, grow, and create a more balanced life.

Afreen Nizami is a resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 5 years experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping children, adolescents, young adults, and adults, and couples address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Afreen specializes in depression, anxiety, PSTD, grief, trauma, school stress, relationship problems, and life transitions.

Afreen completed her Master's degree of Counseling Psychology at Northeastern University. Afreen utilizes multiple approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and many more.

Afreen is confident that she would be able to support you in your journey to live a more fulfilled life by helping you gain new techniques, perspectives, and coping skills. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

Shari Gelfand is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LISW) who has 30 years of experience working with different age groups in various settings. Shari has helped individuals navigate challenging times in their lives, faced with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, substance abuse, and relationship problems. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Simmons College.  

Shari works collaboratively with clients using cognitive behavioral techniques, family system approaches, and reflective listening. She encourages clients to recognize patterns of behavior and how those patterns may have filtered down from earlier generations. Clients may see how one thing leads to another, sometimes in surprising ways. Self-improvement starts with self-understanding.

Shari appreciates the courage it takes to reach out for help when confronted with difficulties. She is sensitive to the importance of establishing a comfortable and safe environment and looks forward to working with you on your journey for continued growth and healing.

I'm Sarah, LCSW (she/her), with a background in anti-poverty, child welfare, and family systems work. Much of my professional experience includes supporting individuals and families navigating financial stress, caregiving roles, system involvement, and intergenerational challenges. I often work with young people and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or disconnected while seeking stability, advocacy, and more sustainable paths forward for themselves and their families. 

My approach is trauma-informed, relational, and systems-aware. I draw from family systems and strengths-based frameworks, centering safety, collaboration, and self- and community-care. I help clients reflect on patterns, navigate complex systems, and build practical tools rooted in their values and lived experience. 

So many people arrive in therapy carrying stress shaped by systems, relationships, and responsibility. I work to create a space where you feel supported, understood, and encouraged to take the next step at your own pace. 

I am a dedicated mental health clinician supporting individuals across a broad spectrum of conditions, including generalized anxiety, panic attacks, depression, trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, grief and loss, self-esteem struggles, family conflict, and major life transitions. I also work with individuals navigating stress related to school, work, relationships, and legal or systemic involvement. I offer a steady, compassionate presence while encouraging accountability, resilience, and growth—meeting each person where they are and supporting them at a pace that is realistic and sustainable.

My approach is grounded in person-centered care, clinical structure, and practical skill-building. I integrate CBT, strengths-based interventions, and trauma-informed care to help clients build insight, emotional regulation, and healthier coping strategies. I'm someone who listens deeply and helps you build real tools for life outside of sessions.

If you've been quietly carrying more than most people realize, I want you to know that I see that. You deserve a space where you don't have to perform or overexplain. Wherever you are—overwhelmed, numb, motivated, or hesitant—you are worthy of support. Change doesn't require fearlessness; it simply asks that you be willing.