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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a Trauma/PTSD can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +21 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, ADHD, Anxiety, Trauma / PTSD

I am an open minded and flexible clinician who doesn't back down from a challenge.

46 more therapist available in Massachusetts

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

Joan Barclay

Hear from Joan Barclay, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

View Joan Barclay's profile

What is your go-to approach for PTSD/trauma therapy?

In working with a client who has a trauma history, the element of trust must be established before any other work can be done. Working to emphasize empathy and unconditional regard for the client’s feelings helps me as a clinician to cultivate this therapeutic alliance. I support my clients’ growth with the acknowledgment that each individual determines the pace at which they traverse their healing journey.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

In working with clients who have a trauma history, one essential tool that I teach my clients is to learn how to access their feelings. We cannot express what we cannot feel. Trauma defense mechanisms can include the “shut down” of feelings, often referred to as “feeling numb.” This avoidance is a maladaptive coping mechanism that protects us from feeling emotional pain. Another essential tool in trauma therapy is to develop an understanding of what feels unsafe to us, which leads to an exploration of why this may be. Trauma healing is a process that includes allowing ourselves to feel safe within our own bodies.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy?

In my work with clients who are on a healing journey from their trauma, I assess progress in different ways. One demonstration of progress is observing how and when the client allows themselves to be vulnerable. Another assessment of progress is the evidence of the client’s growth in self-compassion and self-respect. Progress is often a complicated journey with its setbacks and its breakthroughs. The journey requires patience with no expectations.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement PTSD/trauma therapy?

In therapy, clients may be encouraged to do specific acts to restore a sense of safety and stability. A client who is in therapy due to trauma is advised to refrain from any intentional activity that might trigger a reaction. Watching movies that have violence in them or innuendos of abuse can be triggering. Trauma-focused exposure therapy, i.e. returning to a place of previous trauma (physical location or a memory), can be beneficial if guided by therapeutic support. An exploration during trauma therapy of what would benefit a client outside of therapy is an important part of the work in order to minimize trauma-related distress.

What should someone do to prepare for starting PTSD/trauma therapy?

Prior to starting treatment for PTSD/trauma therapy, I would advise a client to assess their level of care needs for treatment. Sometimes, outpatient therapy is appropriate for a client, be it virtual or in-office. Sometimes a higher level of care might be more appropriate for one’s needs. These programs are known as IOPs (intensive outpatient programs) or PHPs (partial-hospitalization programs). If a client is unsure about the appropriate level of care to best meet their needs, having a first appointment (intake session) with a Thriveworks counselor can help clarify this.

Starting Trauma/PTSD therapy

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Westborough therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Westborough
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.8 Thriveworks Westborough reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Hello all, I just want to tell everyone at thriveworks in Westboro mass office and future customers that I have had the pleasure of a 5 star counselor in donna hayes. Donna helped me when I was at the lowest point in my life. A law enforcement life, with lots of issues. She has helped me immensely. God bless you donna. Hopefully I will see you in fall when I return home. Thanks for your help and sorry for quitting exit today on my last appointment. Best regards always. Brian
Read more Hello all, I just want to tell everyone at thriveworks in Westboro mass office and future customers that I have had the pleasure of a 5 star counselor in donna hayes. Donna helped me when I was at the lowest point in my life. A law enforcement life, with lots of issues. She has helped me immensely. God bless you donna. Hopefully I will see you in fall when I return home. Thanks for your help and sorry for quitting exit today on my last appointment. Best regards always. Brian
Westborough Apr 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve had a wonderful experience. The staff is punctual and kind.
Westborough Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Thriveworks has been wonderful so far. My therapist is very supportive and communicative. The appointment reminders are very helpful, too.
Read more Thriveworks has been wonderful so far. My therapist is very supportive and communicative. The appointment reminders are very helpful, too.
Westborough Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I love my therapist and feel better about my life knowing that I have guidance and direction in my life
Read more I love my therapist and feel better about my life knowing that I have guidance and direction in my life
Westborough Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My therapist is thoughtful, compassionate, incisive in a good way, understands complex trauma, and is full of good humor.
Read more My therapist is thoughtful, compassionate, incisive in a good way, understands complex trauma, and is full of good humor.
Westborough Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
For a first visit, this place set a very good example for what is ahead. Attentive, note-taking, observant I am pleased with the initial visit.
Read more For a first visit, this place set a very good example for what is ahead. Attentive, note-taking, observant I am pleased with the initial visit.
Westborough Jun 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Just met Greg today so far everything went well.
Westborough Apr 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Good chat with Stephanie
Westborough Apr 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Westborough is located at 5 E Main St Suite 3, Westborough, MA 01581, in the same building as Berkshire Bank.

Phone number

(774) 252-7733

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Shown in ET

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