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.

Alyssa Quann is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist with 5 years of experience in mental health. She is committed to helping both individuals and couples navigate the world around them, equipping them with skills to excel in an ever-changing world. She is passionate about creating an authentic therapeutic space and encourages her clients to lean into the discomfort that comes with healing to make room for growth. Alyssa specializes in anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and women's issues. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Williams College and her master's degree in clinical psychology from UMASS Dartmouth.

Alyssa values creativity, reflection, and humor as pathways of collaboration and connection. She uses several treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and motivational interviewing.

Life is unpredictable and presents each individual with a unique set of challenges. If you are interested in building a therapeutic relationship based off of mutual respect and trust that will enable you reach your goals, book an appointment with her today!

Toni Vegiard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 6 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents and adults address their unique challenges and live a more fulfilled life. Toni specializes in depression, anxiety, major life transitions, grief, and trauma work. Toni has a background working in intensive juvenile services, residential, and outpatient facilities.

Toni completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at William James College in Newton, Massachusetts. Toni utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

We all go through difficulties in our life. Toni is someone who can listen, support, and validate you as you cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to reach out and schedule an appointment with her, she is ready to support you on your journey.

Christopher Hawkins (AKA Topher) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). He has spent years honing his skills in different settings working with children, adolescents, adults, and their families struggling with the impact trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, and other mental health disorders can have on the individual, family, and their behaviors.

This experience, combined with the Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling earned at Lesley University, has shown the importance of working collaboratively with the individual, family, and community resources to create a complete picture of the client’s needs. Using both evidence-based practices and expressive therapies, Christopher works with the client to strengthen the apparatus they may require for growth and change.

Christopher’s goal for every person and family that he works with is for both the individual and family dynamic to increase their ability to enhance communication, access coping skills, and gain a deeper understanding of self and their relationship to self and others to promote healing and become more self-reliant. If you are ready to begin this journey, schedule an appointment with him today.

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.