Therapists for college students near 02138
I believe therapy is a place not only for understanding and working through struggles but also for growing and creating more joy and connection. I love working with people who are curious about themselves and may label themselves as a highly sensitive person (HSP). Those who feel intensely and are acutely aware of the hurts of others. Those who find themselves giving time and time again to others while sacrificing their own needs. I also have a special interest in complex and childhood trauma (those who were hurt, neglected, abused, or not loved properly as a child). Together we can work to notice, identify, and tap into your inner strengths. We will challenge messages you may have gotten growing up that no longer serve you (you have to take care of others, you are too sensitive, you don't belong). And we will help you develop greater self-compassion so that you can take better care of yourself, do the things YOU want to do, set boundaries with others, and ultimately foster more joy and connection in your life.
I believe therapy is best treated with positive support and with a strong professional relationship. Therapy should consist of empathy and sensitivity for your needs and goals. I approach all of my clients in a strength based supportive modality. You will find me to be a passionate, motivated and educated therapist that will help to reach your goals. I am available days and nights for your convenience. I understand starting therapy can be difficult and lengthy. As well, setting up an appointment can be frustrating, so I make it a point to call all intake appointments back within 24 hours. I work with all ages in a variety of services, however specialize in children/adolescents, anxiety disorders and trauma. I have a separate license as a school adjustment counselor which brings experience working in the school system. My years working as a therapist has helped me create contacts within various organizations should you need referrals.
I view therapy not only as a means of reducing emotional distress but also as an approach to personal growth. However, I believe that therapy should not be a way of life and I therefore support clients in developing concrete skills, with emphasis on working with emotions: promoting a better understanding of emotions and emotion regulation. I view therapy as a collaborative process of exploration. I bring to this process an attitude of compassionate curiosity and non-judgment. I also draw on my own bi-cultural experience - I was born and raised in Prague, Czech Republic. I practice emotion-focused therapy, which emphasizes the positive, adaptive roles of emotions. Sometimes, however, due to stress, trauma or adverse life events, emotions can become a source of distress. Through empathic, collaborative exploration I help my clients identify their authentic emotional needs and develop strategies for managing and regulating distressing emotions. If you are located in Western Mass (Pioneer Valley) I also offer walking therapy and animal assisted therapy. Therapy is my 2nd career. My PhD is in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) and my therapeutic work is informed by 25+ years of research in AI and cognitive & affective science. I am thus very familiar with academic environments and draw on this knowledge when working with students, both undergraduate and graduate.
I believe therapy can make a profound, positive impact, helping you heal and becoming the best version of yourself. My approach is collaborative—getting to know you, understanding your concerns, and working together to create treatment goals that improve your mental health. I support clients facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, prenatal and postpartum depression, and substance use. I also work with clients around racial and immigrant identity, and life transitions in young adulthood. In our sessions, I provide a safe, inclusive space where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings. I’m a social person who enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring creativity through stand-up comedy and improv. My warmth and humor help create a relaxed environment where you can feel at ease while we work through your challenges. If you often hold your feelings in, struggle to find someone to talk to, or cope with trauma through unhealthy habits like substance use, now may be the time to seek help. Therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness—taking the first step toward healing is brave and empowering, and I’m here to support you in becoming a happier, healthier version of yourself.
Pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood can bring unexpected emotional shifts - anxiety, guilt, sadness, or changes in identity and relationships. If you're feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, you're not alone - and you don’t have to navigate it alone, either. With advanced training in perinatal and postpartum mental health, I'll work to help you feel more like yourself again. Together, we’ll create space for what you’re feeling and build tools to manage it. When helpful, we can incorporate movement-based practices to support nervous system regulation and body-based healing. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where therapy feels both meaningful and manageable. When you’re ready, I’m here. Reach out to schedule an intro call - I’d be honored to support you.
I create a positive and empathetic environment where you can feel validated and empowered. My approach is to support you in breaking cycles to create healthier patterns of behavior. Together, we can explore how intergenerational patterns of trauma may inform and repeat in your life and learn how to shift the narrative. I can help in learning techniques for better communication and boundary setting, as well as how to put yourself first. I specialize in trauma-informed care, including complex, childhood, and sexual trauma. I focus on PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflict, and gender identity and sexuality. I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques including IFS, psychodynamic, relational therapy, and mindfulness practice.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I offer a free 20 minute phone consultation to help figure out if we are a good fit to work together.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Life can be incredibly stressful and lonely, at times, especially during the college years. I believe in the ability of therapy to help people heal and change. Often, this process starts when we feel at our lowest—lost and overwhelmed. An experienced therapist, I provide a warm, compassionate space to talk about the things that matter to you, explore what might be holding you back, and create a plan together to make the changes you desire. People say I put them at ease and quickly bring a new perspective to the way they have been thinking about a problem. I have a holistic, individualized approach—weaving together therapeutic interventions tailored to your unique needs. It would be an honor to help you navigate a difficult challenge or circumstance.
I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies in 2013 from Colorado State University before going on to earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Wheelock College in 2016. I currently hold licenses in Massachusetts as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) as well as a School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor. I hold a certificate of Clinical Treatment of Relational and Multi-Contextual Trauma. I have over 10 years of professional experience and have worked in a variety of settings with a diverse population including those experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma, foster care, adoption, grief/loss, poverty, homelessness and incarceration. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, elderly, couples and families. I utilize multiple treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I believe that therapy looks different for each person and I strive to provide a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic setting based on compassion, trust, and honesty where we can work together to utilize your own individual strengths to reach your goals and to be able to better manage the stressors in your life.
Samantha Leary is a licensed mental health counselor and masters level art therapist. Samantha's approach is through a trauma focused lens and specializes in anxiety, depression, life transitions, and men's mental health. She has worked in various behavioral health settings and has a wide range of skills and knowledge to help clients achieve their goals.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I am a clinical social worker with over thirty years experience using a wide range of evidence based therapeutic interventions to facilitate improvement in anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and every day stressors in children, teens, and young adults.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
The transition to college or graduate school can be a time of tremendous change. Adapting to new environments, relationships and levels of independence can feel overwhelming in even the best of circumstances. For those who are navigating mental health challenges, complicated family or friend dynamics, shifts in identity, grief, or loss, that transition can generate feelings of anxiety, panic or paralysis that may affect daily functioning. I was a client long before I became a therapist, so I know how daunting it can be to open yourself up to a stranger – to let them see those private parts of yourself that might have been a source of judgment, fear, pain or shame. It took me many years to ask for help, in part because I viewed it as a sign of weakness. Now, through the lens of both my professional and lived experiences, I see this first step you are taking for what it is – one of the ultimate signs of strength. I honor the courage it took to access that strength. I can’t guarantee that the work ahead will be easy – but you won’t have to do it alone. My goal as a therapist is to meet you where you are and walk with you as you move toward where you want to be. I strive to create a therapeutic space that is authentic, safe and non-judgmental. My approach to our work together is relationship-based and trauma-informed. I believe that therapy is most effective when the connection between client and therapist is grounded in trust and compassion. I invite you to reach out so that we can explore, together, whether I might be the right person to join you on your journey toward new insights, self-awareness and growth. Please note that discounts are available to full-time students on a case-by-case basis.
I work collaboratively with my clients to foster resiliency, promote meaningful growth, develop their innate strengths, and empower them to set and achieve their goals. My trauma-informed practice draws from solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems theories, and therapy is tailored to the individual growth of those with whom I work. Together we will unearth negative thoughts and behavior patterns that may be holding you back. I am looking forward to helping you expose the beauty that already exists within you.
