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Discover how starting dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
7 therapists available in Lexington
As a transgender woman, I understand the personal, interpersonal, and systemic difficulties that can arise when living authentical...
About
As a transgender woman, I understand the personal, interpersonal, and systemic difficulties that can arise when living authentically.
Hi, I'm Heather! As a counselor, I aim to bring lived experience and evidenced-based approaches together - deviating from "therapy speak" to help you find solutions in your own words. I can help you reinvent your personal narrative after experiencing trauma or grief, build a foundation to cope with depression or anxiety, or coach you through life transitions or identity exploration. I want to support you in becoming the best version of yourself in a way that is authentic to your needs, wants, and strengths.
I earned my master’s degree in mental health counseling from Cambridge College. My work is grounded in building strong therapeutic relationships rooted in openness, trust, and respect. I have experience supporting individuals across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, as well as parents and adolescents seeking affirming care.
My goal is to walk alongside you as you identify, name, and work through the challenges you are facing. I am happy to connect with prospective clients and invite you to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to begin discussing your needs, goals, and strengths.
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As someone who has experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, I offer a compassionate, supportive, and understanding...
As someone who has experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, I offer a compassionate, supportive, and understanding space for healing and growth.
I am a Master’s Level Counselor with 5 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, emotional and behavioral concerns, and autism spectrum-related challenges. I have worked in outpatient and in-home therapy settings, incorporating strong family involvement to promote growth, resilience, and meaningful progress.
I earned my master’s degree in mental health counseling from Suffolk University and my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in education from Emmanuel College. I utilize person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy to help clients better understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, understood, and supported. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey toward healing and growth.
Hi! I am so happy you're here....
Hi! I am so happy you're here.
Rhiannon Leigh is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with experience working with adolescents and young adults with diverse needs and challenges. Rhiannon has experience working with neurodivergent populations and treating autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. She loves helping individuals build confidence, connections with others, and a positive sense of self. Rhiannon completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Simmons University and has experience working in special education at the high school level, which has given her the opportunity to work with diverse populations in a variety of settings.
Rhiannon utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy. Additionally, Rhiannon uses a strength-based approach and finds joy in helping others build confidence by focusing on their abilities—what they can do rather than what they can't.
Rhiannon seeks to create flexible working relationships with clients built upon collaboration, client strengths, and warmth within sessions. Rhiannon currently has telehealth appointments available and is looking forward to connecting with you!
I firmly believe that everyone deserves to be heard, understood, and supported....
I firmly believe that everyone deserves to be heard, understood, and supported.
Tianyi Zhang is an MA-level clinician seeking her LMHC with 3 years of counseling experience in outpatient settings. She has worked with a diverse population, including adolescents, college students, young professionals, older adults, and couples. Tianyi has assisted individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, adjustment issues, cross-cultural adaptation, communication challenges, PTSD, and more. As a first-generation immigrant, Tianyi understands the challenges of culture shock and navigating confusion, loneliness, and lost connections in a new environment. She is fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and English.
Tianyi earned her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She uses evidence-based therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused, and psychodynamic therapies. Fundamental to her approach is embracing clients for who they are and offering them unconditional acceptance.
Tianyi values an open and honest therapist-client relationship and recognizes the uniqueness and worth of each of her clients. Life can present various challenges, and it's important to know that you are not alone during these difficult times. Tianyi is dedicated to guiding and supporting you on your journey towards healing.
As a survivor of many adverse childhood experiences, I have an authentic understanding of the impact trauma can have throughout ou...
As a survivor of many adverse childhood experiences, I have an authentic understanding of the impact trauma can have throughout our lives, and the healing that is possible in safe, non-judgmental therapy.
I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 13 years of experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I support teens and adults navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, substance use, prenatal and postpartum concerns, and major life transitions. I am passionate about helping clients feel less overwhelmed and more empowered as they work toward meaningful and lasting change.
I earned my master’s degree in community and counseling psychology from Sage Graduate School. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and intentional, grounded in trauma-informed care. I utilize evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is one of the most powerful agents of change. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can strengthen coping skills, deepen self-awareness, and reconnect with your values. I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and inner peace.
I am grateful for the long life I’ve lived so far and hopeful for many more years. Through clients and coworkers, I’ve learned tha...
I am grateful for the long life I’ve lived so far and hopeful for many more years. Through clients and coworkers, I’ve learned that with support, problems can be solved, challenges can be improved, and open conversations can truly enhance quality of life.
Sue Gillis is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 40 years of experience supporting adults and seniors. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, addiction, and family or parenting challenges. Sue has worked in hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential care, and community health settings. Her clinical background includes service with the U.S. Army and the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Brockton, MA. Her approach is grounded in compassion, trust, and collaboration.
Sue holds 2 Master’s degrees in Public Health and Guidance and Counseling from Boston University. She uses evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and acceptance and commitment therapy to meet clients where they are.
Sue values the therapeutic relationship and considers walking alongside her clients an honor. She focuses on building trust and helping individuals enhance their quality of life. Sue believes counseling can support both large and small goals, empowering clients through each step of the healing process.
As a queer-identified woman and first generation immigrant, I empathize with the experiences of those processing complex and nuanc...
As a queer-identified woman and first generation immigrant, I empathize with the experiences of those processing complex and nuanced issues, offering compassion and professional support
Esther Schwartz is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who has over 7 years of experience working closely with teens, adults, and seniors who are faced with grief, anxiety depression, chronic stress, anger issues, dysfunctional relationships, family conflict, and much more.
Esther attended Simmons University and received her Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work. Esther is passionate about helping people live a life full of authenticity and confidence; holding steadfast to the belief that all people deserve a safe and supportive place to feel heard, move through challenges, and develop insight. Throughout the therapeutic journey, Esther guides her clients in the process of identifying, embracing, and integrating new skills and self-understanding. She focuses her treatment on maintaining a collaborative, respectful, and mindful relationship with her clients.
Esther will work closely with you to achieve freedom, space, and objectivity from pain and suffering; central to her practice is the belief that each person has within them a profound and innate ability to heal. Esther uses a collaborative, evidence-based, holistic, and strengths-based approach to treatment. In doing so, she is able to guide her clients to achieve their clinical goals. Esther is also a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and brings this into her practice as an ally and advocate. Additionally, as a first-generation immigrant, she draws upon these experiences to inform compassionate, personalized, and culturally competent care.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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My general approach with dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is to carefully assess whether a structured skills-based approach is helpful for a particular client. If I believe the skills would be helpful, I introduce DBT to the person, educating them about the various skills, my approach, and different ways we could structure sessions to include skill building. I also emphasize the need for practicing the skills between sessions, which helps clients make a good decision about their own preferences in treatment.
In DBT, I teach the following tools:
I can tell when a client is making meaningful progress in DBT when they are able to give examples of times between sessions when they used a particular skill or skills and found it helpful. Over time, with repetitive use of some skills, clients often begin to internalize them and use them automatically, which is one of the goals.
Clients can supplement their time in DBT by practicing the skills and using a workbook-based approach to expand their skills.
To prepare for their first DBT session, an individual can review the provided materials ahead of the session and write down any questions they would like addressed in the session.
At Thriveworks, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) primarily concentrates on assisting individuals in emotion regulation, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and acquiring effective coping strategies for managing stress and emotional difficulties.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) targets your personal challenges. You may work with your DBT therapist to maintain diary cards to monitor progress, emphasizing validation and support in the therapeutic relationship. DBT follows a stage-based approach, prioritizing crisis reduction initially and life satisfaction.
DBT was initially developed to address the needs of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, its versatile approach has enabled its application to a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, and anger issues.
The 4 pillars of DBT are mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have distinct purposes and aren’t inherently superior or inferior to one another. DBT is most effective for managing emotional regulation, personality disorders, and interpersonal challenges, while EMDR is specifically tailored for individuals with trauma-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with therapists at Thriveworks in Lexington, MA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The duration of a standard DBT program is typically around 24 weeks, which is roughly six months. The actual number of sessions will vary depending on the issues you wish to address.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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