"As a Couple and Family therapist, I understand that we as humans are beautifully complex and that, when one area of our life changes, it casts ripples that reverberate into all other areas of life."
Benjamin Long is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 4 years of experience in the mental health care field working with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan and with varying needs. In his work in Community Mental Health, Ben learned he enjoyed helping others look at their life holistically and reflectively to develop a non-judgmental approach to address their current struggles and life needs and support their goals in therapy. He enjoys exploring how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the different institutions and systems people engage with (e.g. work, friends, family, community, etc.,) to identify different areas of intervention. This supports his engaging and collaborative approach that strives to bring positive, creative energies into the therapy room. In this way, Ben specializes in treating issues such as relationship dissatisfaction, depression, anxiety, trauma, men's issues, stress management, and family life transitions.
Ben completed his Master of Mental Health Counseling at William James College (formerly the Massachusetts Professional School of Psychology) in 2019 and graduated with a concentration in Couples and Family Therapy. In his studies, Ben found a passion for learning and integrating different evidenced-based therapies to develop treatment plans that are sensitive to the specific needs of each individual, couple, or family that walks through his door. Often, Ben pulls concepts from internal family systems, cognitive therapies (CBT/DBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies to support the needs of the people he serves. Ben believes that, at our core, all people have an innate guiding force that can support living a life of peace and integrity that is aligned with their values. Ben enjoys meeting each person where they are while maintaining unconditional positive regard and respect for all of their personhood. He strives to balance the varying perspective in the room with the goal of shared understanding to work to find common ground. Through exploring in this way, Ben works to guide others in taking meaningful steps toward change that are aligned with their life goals, values, and beliefs.
No matter where you come from, everyone goes through something painful in life. Everyone has their lot. When you're in the thick of things and feel stuck, it can be difficult to see that there could ever be any other way to be. This can bring in a host of feelings including self-doubt and self-criticism that can dissuade you from taking steps toward the life you want to live. Change is inherently uncomfortable. Ben believes that in this discomfort is an opportunity to grow and experience ourselves in a new light. In learning to be comfortable feeling uncomfortable, Ben firmly believes he can support you on your own unique journey. Discomfort is welcome. All feelings are welcome. Ben believes you are the true expert in your life and embraces all forms of self-expression to create care that is truly meaningful to you. If you're ready to do the work, he looks forward to the opportunity to collaborate with your expertise and hopes to schedule an appointment with you soon!