Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Framingham, MA

I’ve spent most of my career as a social worker in the field of child welfare, mostly working with children and families in a variety of ways. I’ve learned through these experiences, to struggle is human and to get stuck sometimes is universal. At times, when the emotional distress is such that it interferes with your functioning, goals, relationships and living a satisfying life, therapy can help. I use a range of treatments modalities, personalized to the individual or couple, to assist with helping you to feel better and to make positive changes in your life. I’m warm, curious and compassionate and have an interactive and engaged style. I believe in a balanced, holistic approach to treatment.

"As a Grief-informed Expressive Arts Therapist, I am passionate about co-creating a therapeutic relationship that best suits your individualized needs."

Cameron Burke is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Expressive Arts Therapist with 5+ years of experience in the field, supporting children, adolescents, and adults. Cameron is committed to fostering safe spaces for therapeutic growth with his clients with needs ranging from bereavement, depression, anxiety, parenting challenges, relationship issues, stress management, self-esteem, men's issues, and more. He has a wealth of experience in supporting people who are grieving a significant death or loss across a wide spectrum of ages, and is also enthusiastic about working with caregivers, couples, and individuals navigating life transitions. 

Cameron completed his Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy at Lesley University. His therapeutic approach is collaborative, recognizing that each person is the expert of their own experience, while offering warmth and goal-aligned guidance. Cameron utilizes expressive arts therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered, and compassion-focused approaches in his work with clients.

Cameron's hope in supporting your mental health needs, is to co-create a therapeutic space that you are proud of, that offers permission to explore and discover, and that empowers you to continue to care for yourself, just as you deserve. He understands how personal a process this can be and invites you to schedule an appointment to see if he might be a good fit.

"Having had an upbringing in the suburban Midwest of the United States where uniqueness was often minimized rather than celebrated, I look forward to searching carefully for what is unique and precious within every individual's experience. Fitting-in helps us to feel secure and is often necessary in society: nonetheless what you feel, think, or experience outside of culturally sanctioned contexts is important, meaningful, and likely points to strengths you may not even know you have. My hope is that in working together you come to feel empowered in your unique perspectives and capabilities. "

Gretchen Witt is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the states of Massachusetts and New York. Her prior clinical experience includes working with adults (ages 18 to 80+) encountering divorce, job loss, bereavement, physiological changes linked with aging, gender-identity transition, and diagnosis with chronic diseases (Diabetes, Lupus, Lyme, Chron’s, etc.); young adults (age 18+) who are leaving home for the first time to enter college or choose a career path; individuals who have recently become new parents; parents managing a work-life balance; parents encountering “the empty nest syndrome”; women who have recently returned to independent living following prison release; terminally-ill individuals in hospice and end-of-life care; individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (including those on the autism spectrum, those recovering from a stroke, those with traumatic brain injuries) and intellectually and developmentally disabled (IDD) men and women navigating intimate relationships involving domestic violence.

Every individual deserves to find a meaningful sense of purpose, direction, and belonging. Many individuals find themselves wanting the support of counseling following loss or change; presenting to therapy without an identified catalyst does not preclude Gretchen’s thorough understanding of and support for individuals living with the everyday burden of managing major depressive disorder, bipolar depression, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, personality disorders, eating disorders, alcohol and substance abuse problems, and more. Individuals questioning their sexual identity, LGBTQ, and BIPOC clients are welcome and will be affirmed as their authentic selves.

Gretchen is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She has found the DBT approach to be widely, and wildly, helpful for clients with treatment-resistant depression and mood disorders. Gretchen has leadership experience in group settings, having led two (2) DBT groups for more than three (3) years, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy groups, Social Skills Groups, and The Skills Systems (emotion regulation techniques for those with different abilities).

In addition to DBT, other therapeutic modalities used in individual sessions with Gretchen include psychodynamic techniques, narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Culturally Sensitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), creative arts therapy, and expressive arts therapy. Clients interested in mind-body based philosophies (yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, QiGong), clients engaged in twelve-step recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Al-Anon, and clients whose religious faith is a strong source of support, are welcome to discuss and incorporate these (or similar practices) into their larger treatment plan while working in therapy.

"As an older woman with 30 years of clinical experience, I understand there are major hurdles for us to overcome, and that life, at times, can be overwhelming and challenging."

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 am dedicated to helping adults and adolescents navigate life's challenges and achieve personal growth through compassionate and evidence-based therapy."

Caryn Alberini is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Clinician with 18 years of experience. She specializes in trauma, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, OCD, self-esteem, body dysmorphia, anger management, ADHD, bipolar, and personality disorders. Caryn has a background in forensic psychology and employment in corrections and juvenile detention and has directed inpatient and outpatient programs. Caryn uses a trauma-based lens to assess clients and discover where their thoughts and behaviors originated. She assists clients in learning new ways of thinking to replace maladaptive coping skills.

Caryn received her Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Boston College. She utilizes evidence-based modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, positive psychology, and motivational interviewing.

Caryn offers a safe space for individuals to explore their struggles without judgment and guides them to find new connections and skills to achieve changes and growth. If you are struggling with past trauma or current stressors that are impacting your daily functioning, please reach out today.

Lena Nganga is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with more than 15 years of experience assisting teens, adults, and seniors struggling with mood dysregulation, negative self-talk, anxiety, relationship issues, family concerns, life transitions, and trauma or abuse.

Lena graduated with her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Denver. She has worked in several clinical settings, including residential, outpatient settings, and in schools with various ages and diverse backgrounds. Her approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), client-centered, solutions-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing (MI).

Lena knows that it takes courage and strength to make the first steps towards improving your well-being. She enjoys working collaboratively with each client to determine individual needs and believes in treating others with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Lena looks forward to working with you in achieving your goals. 

"As a compassionate therapist with diverse experience in clinical psychology, I'm dedicated to helping you navigate life's challenges and achieve mental well-being through evidence-based practices tailored to your unique needs."

Utsavi Bhimani is a Resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 6 years of experience. Her multicultural experience and diverse training equip her to support clients struggling with stress, anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD, ASD, positive parenting, and challenges with relationships, school, and careers. Utsavi has a rich background in clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and applied behavior analysis.

Utsavi received her Master's in Applied Clinical Psychology from Pennsylvania State University and her Master's in Clinical Psychology from Gujarat University. She utilizes an eclectic counseling approach to target the client's needs using cognitive behavioral therapy along with mindfulness, psychodynamic, and person-centered methods.

Utsavi combines evidence-based techniques with empathetic understanding to help clients develop coping strategies, improve self-awareness, and cultivate resilience. Whether they need assistance managing daily stressors or building healthier thought patterns, Utsavi is committed to guiding her clients towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.

"One thing I have learned in my 30+ year career of helping people is that we are all more alike than we are different. I look forward to meeting you and maybe even sharing a laugh or two along the way. "

Sue Shearer is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who has worked as a social worker in the Framingham community for over 30 years, helping countless parents and children impacted by trauma, substance issues, mental health issues, and domestic violence. Sue is known for her positive energy, creativity, and compassion. She is easy to talk to, interactive, and likely to share a laugh or two in sessions. Sue will work with you to find your strengths and build upon them to help you move forward through your life challenges.  

Sue is a holistic practitioner with a focus on wellness and the mind-body-spirit connection. She will collaborate with you to address your treatment needs through a variety of therapeutic modalities (CBT, EFT, solution-focused, mindfulness). Sue is also a registered yoga teacher and is happy to offer some techniques for anxiety and depression if you are interested.  

It can be scary to reach out for help, but Sue will provide you with a safe and welcoming experience. She considers it a privilege to work with you and looks forward to helping you begin to feel better.

"I believe individuals have an innate sense of what they need and I am here to help you tap into that inner wisdom."

Maggie O’Brien is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 8 years of experience helping those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. She has worked in environments including schools, emergency services, residential programs, and community care. Her career has engendered the skills to develop rapport with clients, navigate community resources, and help individuals and families build on strengths and cultivate hope. Maggie believes a person-centered approach is essential for helping clients improve their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Maggie received her Master’s in Counseling from Boston College. She uses treatment methods including dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused brief therapy, and positive psychology. Maggie also incorporates wellness strategies such as mindfulness, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy sleep habits and routines.

Are you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, unmotivated, or stuck? Are these difficulties impacting your ability to engage in life to the fullest? Reaching out for help is often the hardest step. Maggie is ready to work alongside you to discover your innate strengths and opportunities for growth.

"Transitions, losses, feelings of being stuck, and many other surprises find us on life's journey. "

Anastasia Doulamis is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has worked therapeutically with adolescents in many different contexts since 2011, and with adults since 2012. Anastasia is especially experienced in working with young people who have faced difficult transitions and trauma. She also has an extensive background in working with individuals who suffer from addiction. 

Anastasia completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) at Northeastern University and her master’s degree in Counseling at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis. With training in psychoanalysis and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), she helps clients process difficult experiences to come through them more adaptable, insightful, and resourceful, so that even the most painful things in life can make them stronger.

Anastasia provides a safe space to support you through these transitions and uncertainties, facilitating growth through the challenges life brings.

Courtney Council is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health and a second Master’s in the Art of Teaching. She specializes in relationships, LGBTQIA+ issues, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Courtney has been committed to providing significant services for individuals. She believes in providing a safe space, to express and explore emotions as they relate to daily experiences. Through the use of self-exploration activities and interventions, Courtney facilitates an environment where you are free to discover or create your ideal self.

Courtney’s clinical experience includes direct work on inpatient units for adults, children, and adolescents. Courtney has worked at the only mental hospital for children in the state of Virginia as an activity therapist providing therapeutic interventions for a wide range of diagnoses. Courtney has provided in-the-moment interventions for school-age children that support regulation and reintegration. Courtney has also worked as an intensive care coordinator which enables her to pay specific detail to resources and wrap-around care. Through her diverse experience with groups and individuals, Courtney has been responsible for implementing many interventions that create an enhanced understanding of diagnoses, impart effective coping skills to manage symptoms, and increase one’s ability to self-regulate.

Courtney is practically passionate about supporting others to reach their full potential. Through the use of resources, she empowers in a nonjudgmental environment. Courtney’s person-centered and strength-based approach makes her suitable to the client who is driven but feels stuck or unsure where to start. Those clients navigating the challenges of adversity experiences could benefit from Courtney’s specific skill set. 

"As an LGBTQ-identified woman of color, I understand the unique issue of identity exploration and intersectionality."

Alethea Amponsah is a Resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience in various settings. She is dedicated to helping youth, adolescents, and adults overcome mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, stress, work-life balance, behavioral issues, trouble with the law, depression, PTSD, family conflict, LGBTQ development, and self-esteem. Alethea believes in creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel respected, valued, and understood. She enjoys instructing clients in mindfulness, self-compassion, and exploring their emotions.

Alethea completed her Master’s in Human Development & Psychology at Harvard Graduate School. She uses multiple evidence-based approaches to best support each client, pulling from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing to ensure client-centered treatment.

Alethea is passionate about empowering clients to build the lives they want to live by identifying the inherent strengths they possess. Together, you can overcome transitions, changes, and challenges and achieve a higher quality of life. Schedule an appointment today!