Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Franklin, 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 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.

My name is Autumn, and I was a peer support for 10 years before I became a clinician. I received my master's of social work from Salem State University, and I enjoy working with people who are creative and emotional. I have worked with people managing depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma/PTSD, bipolar, and schizoaffective disorder. I love to see my clients connecting to social supports, exploring their interests, and building relationships. 

My primary focus is on client empowerment. This includes helping to identify environmental factors oppressing your growth and healing, how to navigate imperfect systems to meet your needs, and community building—because healing is not individual work. Healing happens with other people, within communities and relationships. Modalities I use include CBT, DBT, ACT, solution-focused brief therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. 

I can't wait to find the spark of inspiration that lights you up and helps you feel confident to follow your heart. Even one session might help you begin making amazing changes.

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.