Therapists for college students near Cambridge, MA

Psychological suffering exists on different levels and manifests in different ways, in psyche, body, interpersonally, socially, both consciously and unconsciously. Thankfully, there are many ways to address psychological struggle, ranging from working with symptoms that are consciously experienced to the exploration of underlying non-conscious dynamics, many of which originate during the early years of one's life and impact one's relationship with self and others. My work is social justice-informed and incorporates an understanding of how larger socio-political systems impact our lives. Facilitating empowerment is key in my work. I provide a safe space and relationship in which to listen deeply, to your thoughts, feelings, emotions, memories, fantasies, and bodily experience. By learning to listen in new ways, we expand our capacity to hold more, respond with greater flexibility, clarity and ease, develop presence and compassion, and become empowered to make positive changes. I have advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, somatic psychotherapy, mindfulness and Internal Family Systems. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples, and I specialize in a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, complex trauma, issues around individuation, existential questioning, embodiment difficulties, and relationship challenges.

I am a Harvard-trained physician who practiced Neurology for 25 years before completing a post-graduate psychotherapy fellowship to allow me to help others in a different way. This major life change informs my work as a psychotherapist. No matter where along our life’s path we find ourselves, and no matter how distressed, stuck or trapped we feel, we can always come to know ourselves more fully and to make changes in the service of a more satisfying, meaningful and fulfilling life. I practice a flexible style of psychotherapy tailored to each unique person or couple. Some prefer a shorter-term, more active therapy that focuses on making changes in the here and now. Others benefit from a longer-term, more self-directed exploration in a safe and supportive environment. Although my focus is on helping people meet their goals through therapy, I offer the option to prescribe adjunctive medication when needed. My aim is always to understand each person’s unique life experiences, beliefs, values and goals and to work with each person to promote enhanced self-understanding and freedom of choice in the service of a life that feels satisfying and meaningful. When working with a couple, my aim is to help the couple work through current relationship difficulties and, if both partners are invested in maintaining the relationship, to help them create a partnership where each feels safe, secure, valued and cared for.

I am an experienced clinician with extensive background working with undergraduate and graduate students. I have an empathic, nonjudgmental style and use my experience to clearly and carefully understand the feelings and experiences of the people I work with. My goal is to assist in developing emotional growth and greater stability in life.

Hi, I'm Dr. Vlahakes and I'm happy to offer both individual and group counseling/therapy sessions! At this time I do have availability for new clients. Please use the contact information on this page to get started. FYI I'm part of a group practice called Brighter Life Therapy.

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Striving to balance the demands of modern life is an on-going process. We are ever evolving, discovering new parts of ourselves, facing challenges, confronting health issues, encountering loss, or adjusting to new situations--- it is part of the human condition. At times these demands are too much or too complicated to manage alone. Psychotherapy is both a relationship and a service. Finding a safe, supportive, and comfortable place are just some aspects of the therapist search. I welcome clients to meet with me to decide if my services fit their particular areas of concern. I try to provide a warm, safe and open environment with my clients and believe in a collaborative approach to help find resolution and a better understanding of yourself.

My practice focuses supporting people in clarifying their values and in living lives that realize their deepest values. I believe that there are many ways to be mentally healthy, and I pursue a pluralistic view of mental health, one which varies from person to person. I aim to be a patient and supportive companion for you to determine what is important to you and to make meaningful change. I have worked as a professor at a number of universities in the US and abroad, and I have also worked as a social worker for young adults with mental illness. My academic and psychiatric experience makes me an ideal fit for working with students (undergraduate or graduate) who are facing life transitions or mental health challenges. Therapy is an exciting journey and it is always a pleasure to meet new or potential clients. I look forward to hearing from you.

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I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Thoughtful Psychiatry, P.C. I provide psychotherapy and medication management for children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of stress related conditions. As therapist and prescriber, I try to pave the way for my clients to tell their stories and feel truly understood. I strive to provide a safe environment that allows for self-expression. While diagnosis can be helpful, I believe that each individual enters treatment with a unique set of circumstances, and that it is important to focus on the needs of each individual rather than focus only on his or her symptoms. I am interested in treating patients with all types of conditions, but have a special affinity for working with clients who suffer from anxiety and trauma-related conditions. Currently, I am accepting clients primarily for medication management. Clients seeking medication management should have a therapist in place.

I specialize in substance use disorders and addiction but can help anyone looking to address their relationship with substances, even if you don't think your problem is serious. I also can help with other impulse or compulsive issues such as gaming or internet addiction disorders. I use a Harm Reduction approach, meaning I don't think abstinence from use is the right answer for everyone, and can help identify what skills you need to make the changes you'd like to make. I'm also a trained trauma therapist and have worked with a wide range of clients on addressing numerous types of trauma including combat-related and sexual traumas. My office is located in Harvard Square but I can also provide virtual session (over FaceTime or VSee) for appropriate clients.