Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Salem, MA

Catherine Patten is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 12 years of professional experience helping teens, adults, and seniors to work through their anxiety, depression, anger, borderline personality disorder (BPD), poor coping skills, anxiety, dysfunctional relationships, low self-esteem, and more. 

Her past experience includes working in a mental health outreach program with individuals who struggle with chronic mental health issues. Catherine has also provided short-term therapy to individuals while working in this capacity. Catherine understands the importance of striving to understand each individual’s unique life story and how best to support him/her to achieve his/her goals. She's found schema therapy to be effective in working with many individuals across many walks of life.

Catherine enjoys using a strengths-based view with many clients, in which they can separate who they are from the challenges they have been through in their lives. She also uses motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT) at times to elicit goals and self-discovery.

Catherine is here to help you work through the past trauma and any associated negative self-dialogue that is often the result and part of what can cause clients to feel stuck. She's am here to listen, learn, and truly understand where you have been, where you are, and where you would like to be. Catherine believes it is an honor to be able to share in someone’s story and be able to offer support.

Christine Burgess is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who has 15 years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, middle-aged, and older who are suffering from depression, anxiety, and codependence, as well as the consequences of trauma, divorce, life transitions, and relationship troubles. 

Christine completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at Westfield State University and her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Boston College. 

She utilizes mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), boundary development, and others to help the client reach a deeper understanding of themselves; gain an increased awareness around behavioral/emotional/thinking patterns; and discover connections between one’s psychosocial history and current functioning within an atmosphere of nonjudgmental acceptance. Christine embraces the uniqueness of each individual and tailors treatment with that in mind.

As a skilled therapist, Christine’s warm and empathetic demeanor, combined with humor and directness, invites her clients into a collaborative therapeutic relationship, where the client is valued and respected at all times, so as to facilitate a process of openness and transformation into improved mental health and overall wellbeing. 

I am a master’s-level counselor with 8 years of experience supporting children, teens, and adults through anxiety, depression, chronic stress, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, burnout, and major life transitions. I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore difficult emotions, gain clarity, and begin creating meaningful, lasting change.

I earned my Master of Science in counseling from Salem State University. My professional training includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma-informed care. I tailor treatment to each client’s needs, helping them build insight, emotional awareness, and practical coping skills.

You do not have to have everything figured out to begin therapy. If you are feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, that is okay. I will meet you where you are and work alongside you to strengthen resilience, reconnect with your strengths, and move toward a more fulfilling life.

Sarah Murphy is a Resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 2 years of experience working in community mental health and partial hospitalization programs. She focuses on collaborative work with children and their caretakers. Sarah enjoys working with young adults with anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence. She also enjoys utilizing the arts in the therapeutic space, especially visual art.

Sarah received her Master's in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy at Lesley University. She uses multiple approaches to help clients and tailors approaches to fit client needs, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive arts therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Sarah believes in the potential of each individual and promises to meet them where they are and collaborate to help them find their strengths. If you are interested in learning more, schedule an appointment with Sarah today!

I am a master’s level clinician with 7 years of experience supporting adults through anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I provide a warm, collaborative space where clients can explore their emotions, strengthen self-awareness, and develop practical tools to move forward with confidence and clarity.

I earned my Master of Arts in psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, where I deepened my understanding of human behavior and therapeutic change. My approach integrates mindfulness-based, person-centered, and strength-based practices to help clients build insight and create meaningful, sustainable growth.

I am committed to helping you feel seen, supported, and empowered as you work toward a more grounded and fulfilling life. Together, we will identify what matters most to you and create a path that aligns with your values, nurtures healing, and strengthens your relationships with yourself and others.

Lisa Umanita is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience in this field. She is a passionate and compassionate practitioner. She has had the privilege to work with a diverse population struggling with mental health issues, working with individuals from 20-90 years old and assisting them to overcome their unique challenges and obtain their realistic goals towards wellness. Lisa specializes in anxiety, depression, transitional stressors and adjustments, loss, LGBT, relational issues, and stress management.

Lisa completed her master's degree at Boston University. Throughout her career, she has had an insatiable desire to continue learning to find what she feels is the most efficient and highly effective modalities of therapy. Lisa utilizes CBT, REBT, schema therapy, positive therapy, and strengths perspective therapy.

Everyone deserves to be happy; everyone experiences challenges. Lisa is highly capable of assisting you through your journey. Allow her the privilege of guiding you in creating effective coping strategies and gaining new insight into old inefficient patterns.

Kenneth Westerfield is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), working with clients in MA, but have a history of experience working as a licensed clinician in NC. 

He is passionate about helping adults address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Kenneth specializes in depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. Kenneth completed his Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Alabama.

Kenneth utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Kenneth believes that it is important to form a strong therapeutic relationship through understanding, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.

Kenneth is confident that he would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with him today!

Karen Lenahan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 10 years of experience. She specializes in helping those struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, multicultural awareness, and crisis. Karen has always been enthralled by the enigmatic intricacies of the human mind and the emotions that define our experiences. Her unwavering aspiration to compassionately guide and support others is what set her on the path toward a career in therapy. Karen empowers clients to cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and hope on their path to healing by bringing a relaxed sense of compassion, empathy, and humor to the therapy session.

Karen has a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Lesley University. She tailors treatment to meet individual needs and concerns and uses approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, reality therapy, positive psychology, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Karen understands the importance of mental health and is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for her clients. She believes in the power of open communication and is here to help you on your journey towards mental well-being.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 3 years of experience and over a decade as a registered nurse across diverse healthcare settings. I support clients managing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. My approach is empathetic and person-centered, focusing on helping clients achieve their goals through medication management, therapeutic support, and lifestyle interventions that promote long-term emotional well-being.

I earned my Master’s in Nursing from Regis College and transitioned fully into mental health practice. I integrate evidence-based approaches and psychoeducation to ensure clients are informed and active participants in their treatment decisions, creating collaborative plans that honor their unique experiences and values.

I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their healing journey. Whether you are facing daily stressors or navigating complex mental health challenges, I am here to walk beside you as we work together toward stability, growth, and lasting wellness.

Timothy Gau is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Massachusetts who has 15 years of experience working with teens, adults, and seniors who are seeking support in coping with depression, anxiety, stress, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), OCD, low self-esteem, chronic stress, and more. 

He completed his Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology from the University of Rochester and received his Master of Science in Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology from Northeastern University. Timothy uses a person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral approach for all clients, offering a non-judgmental, caring, and empathic space for you to share your experiences.  

He uses humor, warmth, transparency, and compassion to build relationships and is eager to help you on your journey to achieve your therapeutic goals. Timothy is able to create a unique therapeutic relationship with each client with whom he has worked and is ready to collaborate with you on creating strategies for managing life’s challenges.

Chiquana Bryant is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Carolina. She has been employed in the mental health field since 2006 starting as a community supports worker/case manager. She became a licensed therapist in 2012 and has gained a wealth of knowledge from the experiences of those she's counseled. She's come across all walks of life from small children and caregivers with a history of trauma and attachment issues, oppositional and defiant teenagers with behavioral challenges, and adults who are figuring out underlying causes of mental and emotional challenges potentially picked up over the course of their lives.

Most recently, she has been a therapist in a close-custody prison. She experienced what society may consider "the worst of the worst" human beings completely changing their thinking patterns and behaviors to be promoted and/or released from prison after gaining a new level of insight and motivation to succeed.

Chiquana brings knowledge of attachment issues, especially between young children and their primary caregivers. Utilizing play therapy and addressing traumatic experiences will aid in a parent's ability to help their child (and themselves) regulate emotions. The same goes for adults who have faced trauma over the course of their lives — narrative therapy and discussing the circumstances involving the trauma tends to help alleviate symptoms of paranoia and trust issues, depression, anxiety, anger, and mood disorders. Chiquana believes that any situation can be handled with a listening ear, knowledge of how the mind and emotions work, and patience.

Chiquana believes that the most important part of the therapy process is the therapeutic relationship. Being able to relate, empathize with, and understand you without any judgment or bias will allow her to best serve and assist you through whatever mental and emotional challenges you may face. However, without creating a relationship of trust and genuine regard for the therapy process, it will be impossible to see results. Please allow her to assist you by forming a therapeutic alliance that will help you to achieve your goals. Depression, anxiety, stress, behavioral challenges, relationship issues, and trauma can be turned around with the right attitude, persistence, and knowledge!

I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 3 years of experience supporting individuals seeking greater self-understanding, meaning, and connection in their lives. I work with clients navigating life transitions, stress and anxiety, identity exploration, and relationship concerns involving family, friends, and partners. I strive to create an affirming, inclusive, and supportive space where clients of all races, identities, neurotypes, and genders feel seen and respected.

I earned my master’s degree in mental health counseling from Salem State University. I take a collaborative, strengths-based approach to therapy, helping clients explore their experiences, relationships, and life stories. My work considers both mind and body, while honoring the role of culture, context, and personal values in the healing process.

Together, we will work to help you better understand yourself, feel more grounded, and build a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. I aim to support growth that feels self-directed, meaningful, and empowering, while helping you harness your strengths and create lasting, positive change. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey.

Stephen Medina is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has 7 years of experience providing care to children, adolescents, and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders. 

Stephen completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at Bridgewater State University and his Master of Science (MS) in Counseling at Salem State University. He utilizes a variety of approaches to best provide a tailored approach to therapy for his clients. Whether providing and utilizing strength based, cognitive behavioral, or mindfulness techniques, Stephen will provide his clients with a positive and personalized therapy experience.

Stephen would like to work with you, in order to provide assistance in developing your strengths so you can confidently achieve your goals and live the life you deserve.

Eryca Swan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 2 years of experience. She specializes in guiding individuals through self-discovery and healing, helping them overcome obstacles that hinder growth while supporting those facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and emotional or psychological challenges. Eryca is a compassionate and empathetic therapist who values building a trusting therapeutic relationship.

Eryca received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bay Path Univeristy. She utilizes evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and reality therapy to support her clients’ growth and healing.

If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth, Eryca would be honored to support you in a safe and trusting space. No one has to go through it alone—Eryca works alongside her clients to help them create the balance, healing, and fulfillment they deserve. Book a session today to begin the journey toward a better you.

Celine De Santis is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who has been practicing in the field of mental health for over 30 years. Her clientele includes both children, teens, and adults who are suffering from the negative effects of chronic stress, anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, PTSD, phobias, grief, bereavement, and more.

Celine earned her Master's degree in Social Work from Simmons University. Her treatment focuses on individual, family, group, and play therapy approaches. She began her work as a mental health professional in addiction treatment, which she discovered was an excellent segue way into other behavioral health disorders. Post-traumatic stress, major depression, and mood dis-regulation are often present with both the identified client as well as their family members and are issues Celine is particularly adept at helping to manage or resolve.

Celine is available to listen and help work through any barriers that are keeping her clients from experiencing the quality of life they're seeking. As an experienced individual and family therapist, she also respects and recognizes the vulnerability and the strength of taking that first step toward positive change.