Effective & Caring Therapy in
Wakefield, MA
In-Person Therapy on the North Shore in Wakefield, MA or Online Therapy in MA, VT and CT
Tired of Feeling Overwhelmed? A Therapist in Wakefield Can Help You Feel Like Yourself Again
You feel like you live two lives: the one everyone sees, and the one inside of you filled with anxiety, depression, worry, insomnia and stress. Honestly, it's getting exhausting, but shoving down the bad feelings is the only thing that seems to keep everything from falling apart.
People around you seem to be keeping it together better than you and you might not remember the last time you felt truly content and at peace. You put a massive amount of effort into trying to feel better with gratitude journaling, meditating, trying to exercise...these things are nice but they only dampen your discomfort.
You’re Not Alone – A Wakefield Therapist Who Understands
It feels embarrassing and you worry that people would look at you differently if they knew what was really going on inside. You try to tune out your distress and convince yourself you’re okay, but you feel like you are losing control and wonder how much longer you can go on like this. You don’t want to keep missing out on what should be great parts of your life. You are ready for a change.
Hi, I’m Michelle – Your Wakefield therapist
As a therapist in Wakefield, I help people who feel stuck in their heads, down on themselves, lost in the swirl of anxiety and frustrated to reconnect with genuine, intentional enjoyment of life.
I meet you when you feel like you are on the edge, like there is nothing more to try and you are losing hope. I navigate you past that edge and into the deep, lasting change that you had started to doubt was still within reach.
What to Expect from Therapy in Wakefield With Me
Imagine laughing more freely, softening the way you talk to yourself and others, making decisions with ease, or getting clear on what you want and being able to step away from the things you don't. With therapy, I take you from what you know you can be to actually experiencing it. I love when clients realize that they can change in ways they didn’t think were possible.
Whether it’s finding self-compassion or moving through years of avoidance to a place of emotional security, I’m here to help you navigate the messiness of healing and growth. I understand how daunting starting therapy can feel, especially if past attempts left you stuck or frustrated.
Why Choose Me as Your Therapist in Wakefield?
One of the things that sets me apart in my approach to therapy is that I take the time to build a relationship that feels real, supportive, and unique to you while ensuring you feel momentum quickly build within our first sessions together.
As a clinical social worker with twenty years of experience, I look at you and your life as a whole, considering your relationships, environment, culture, health and all the aspects that make you who you are today. I work with people inclusive of all genders, sexuality and cultures and I have a deep understanding of the ripple effects that trauma can have throughout life. Yes, I throw in scientific and well-researched approaches and yet I also believe deeply in you and your capacity to grow. I keep therapy straightforward, yet dynamic and focused on your individual needs. Throughout therapy with me, you will know that you are supported, without judgement, to make meaningful and lasting changes.
In-Person and Online Therapy in Wakefield, MA
I meet with people in my office in Wakefield, MA or online throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont.
Contact me for a free consultation for therapy in Wakefield, MA
You deserve support from someone who can truly help you. Click below to book a free 15-minute consultation for therapy in Wakefield, MA. I will guide us through the simple steps to connect, so you don’t have to worry about what to say or how to start. Let’s figure out together how you can start feeling deeply fulfilled in life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy in Wakefield, MA
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Research has shown again and again that the quality of the relationship with a therapist is the best predictor of success in therapy. There are certainly instances when therapeutic models matter more, but most of the time, finding someone who resonates with you is going to get you closest to what you need. You wouldn’t take advice from someone you don’t respect, so receiving guidance from a therapist you don’t trust won’t work either.
You can read more about my background and approach on my About page. We start with a (free) phone consultation so I can get a general sense of what help you are looking for and if that is something I feel prepared to provide. If not, I will refer you to a colleague who may be able to help better than me.
If we appear to be a fit, we will try it out for the first few sessions! You will likely know within a couple sessions whether or not I feel like a good fit to you.
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There is a lot of overlap, so it can certainly be confusing! While there is more nuance, a therapist is generally anyone with specialized training (usually a Master’s degree or higher as well as internships, clinical supervision and exams for licensing) in therapy. A therapist can be trained as a social worker, mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist or psychologist, though this list is not exhaustive. There is a whole alphabet of acronyms to go with these titles as well!
A psychologist has received a doctorate degree, generally a PhD or a PsyD, and depending on training, may be able to do things beyond therapy, such as conduct research or do neuropsychological assessments.
We can all be trained in different forms of therapy and have professional experiences beyond formal training that influence our work.
To read more about my approach and training, check out my About page or book a free consult to discuss further!
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Absolutely! I admit that when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and therapy had to move online, I was skeptical. Yet personal experience (and co-authoring a research paper on the topic) showed me and many others that online therapy can be as effective, if not more effective for most people. If you prefer face-to-face for any reason, it is always really nice to have that connection. Yet if your schedule, the commute or simply your preference is to meet online, you can trust you will get the same great outcomes.
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Yes! There are no issues like prior authorization needed for therapy with me. You do not need a recommendation from your doctor or anyone else. Wanting to feel different emotionally is enough to get started directly!
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I am what is considered an out of network provider, meaning I do not contract directly with any insurance companies at this time. You will be responsible for the full session fee (typically $180). Many insurance companies have out of network coverage and can reimburse you for a portion of this. I work with a company that helps you navigate the reimbursement process if desired.
In-person therapy in Wakefield, MA
My office is located north of Boston in Wakefield, MA, conveniently serving communities of Wakefield, Melrose, Stoneham, Saugus, Reading, Woburn, Winchester, Lynnfield, Burlington, Peabody and more.
My office suite is elevator-accessible with a comfortable waiting area, a gender-inclusive bathroom, free parking lot. It is easily accessible from I-93, I-95 and Rte. 1 and a 5-minute walk from the Wakefield commuter rail station.
Online therapy in MA, CT and VT
Unable to make it to the office? No problem – I can see you for online therapy/telehealth if you are anywhere in Massachusetts, Connecticut or Vermont.
