Dr. Map-dbt is a compassionate psychologist at the Psychological Services Center at UMass, skilled in navigating the complexities of emotional shifts and challenging relationships. For individuals aged 18-60 experiencing impulsivity or self-destructive behaviors, she provides a unique opportunity to engage in a study that explores the most effective forms of therapy. Participants located in the Amherst, MA area may be eligible to receive up to $135 and access to six weeks of free telehealth group therapy, allowing them to experience one of three evidence-based treatments alongside a complimentary diagnostic assessment. Dr. Map-dbt is dedicated to advancing psychotherapy by studying how to create more effective, accessible treatments that genuinely improve lives. By participating in this important research, individuals not only receive valuable therapy but also contribute to the future of effective psychological care.

James Barry, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist since 2010, is deeply passionate about guiding individuals through the complexities of various intellectual, cognitive, and mental health disorders. With a decade of experience, he specializes in working primarily with adults, addressing the intricate challenges they face in their social relationships with friends, family, romantic partners, and colleagues. These adult issues can often feel overwhelming, contributing to heightened anxiety and emotional distress. However, James believes in the power of therapeutic tools and approaches that promote mindfulness, allowing individuals to make informed decisions and strive towards their fullest potential. In his sessions, he fosters an environment where clients can step back, re-evaluate their thought processes, and understand their feelings, which ultimately influence their behaviors. With a strong emphasis on self-acceptance, James inspires his clients to commit to the necessary work for real change. He reassures them that, despite past beliefs, every individual holds the capacity for transformation. With his compassionate guidance, he helps clients access the inherent tools within themselves to become the people they aspire to be.

Scott Barvainis is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist who recognizes the interconnected experiences of self, authenticity, identity, regulation, and relationships as vital components of therapy. He engages with his clients—ranging from preteens and children to teenagers and adults—in an empathic, challenging, supportive, and relational manner, guiding them towards life changes and the development of tailored coping skills. Employing a relational, psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, and attachment perspective, Scott takes a holistic view of each individual. He also offers comprehensive child assessments to evaluate the impact of the COVID pandemic on developmental milestones. Additionally, Scott utilizes the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), which provides a developmental, neurobiological, and traumatological perspective, enabling a thorough understanding of his patients' neurodevelopmental, psychological, and social functioning. Through an integration of a neuropsychoanalytic developmental lens, a biopsychosocial assessment framework, and psychodynamic psychotherapy, Scott emphasizes the complex and overlapping ways in which minds, emotions, neurobiological processes, and social relationships shape personal experiences in the world.

Ken Bernstein, LICSW, is a Clinical Social Worker and therapist who works with individuals of all ages, including preteens, teenagers, adults, and elders. His expertise lies in assisting men to enhance their communication skills within intimate relationships and parenting, helping them to better identify and express their feelings while cultivating empathy for others. A dedicated Psychoanalyst, Psychotherapist, and Clinical Supervisor, Ken has been teaching Japanese martial arts and Zen Meditation since 1975. He uniquely combines Mindfulness Meditation with psychodynamic psychotherapy, drawing from both Eastern and Western philosophies. With over 30 years of experience in Men's work, he fosters a holistic development of body, mind, and spirit. Ken is also known for providing clinical services to performing artists and professional college athletes, making his approach adaptable and comprehensive.

Dr. Steven Brown is a highly regarded clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience specializing in a broad spectrum of mental health concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, identity issues, grief and loss, and relationship difficulties. With a focus on adult clients, Dr. Brown operates a small, one-day practice, emphasizing that true healing often occurs within the safe and collaborative environment of a therapeutic relationship. He believes that while various techniques can be effective, they must be grounded in a strong and trusting working relationship to truly make an impact. Dr. Brown's approach is deeply rooted in psychodynamic and family systems orientations, yet he also integrates practical techniques such as mindfulness, Somatic Experiencing (SE), relaxation training, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and parent training to enhance his clients' healing journeys. His areas of expertise include psychological trauma, problematic sexual behavior, and the unique challenges faced by boys and men. Beyond his private practice, Dr. Brown serves as the Director of the Traumatic Stress Institute of Klingberg Family Centers in New Britain, CT, and is an esteemed faculty member in the Risking Connection Training Program, an international initiative aimed at equipping public mental health workers with trauma-informed care strategies.

Barbara Burkart, LMHC, is a highly skilled and compassionate psychotherapist dedicated to supporting adults of all ages as they navigate through challenging life issues. She specializes in addressing emotional, personal, work, and relationship difficulties, providing a safe space for clients facing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, identity issues, and PTSD symptoms. Utilizing a range of therapeutic modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, culturally sensitive approaches, and strength-based techniques, Barbara guides her clients toward a deeper understanding of themselves and their circumstances. As a certified IFS therapist, she helps individuals accept and heal conflicting parts of themselves, enabling them to work through unresolved pain and embrace their complex human experience. Through one-on-one sessions, Barbara is committed to dedicating the time necessary for clients to foster personal growth, confidence, and compassion.

Rebecca Castro, LICSW, is a devoted Clinical Social Worker and therapist who believes in the transformative power of change. She understands that taking the first step toward therapy can be daunting and deeply respects those ready to embark on an introspective journey. Passionate about supporting survivors of trauma, Rebecca specializes in working with individuals facing self-harm, addictive behaviors, substance use, and complex relationship dynamics. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in a non-judgmental perspective, creating a safe space where all topics can be explored without fear. Trained in psychodynamic methods, Rebecca helps clients uncover how early emotional attachments influence their present-day experiences and relationships. Recognizing and addressing unhealthy dynamics is a pivotal part of her healing philosophy. As a strong advocate for mindfulness and recovery, she believes that acceptance and compassion are essential tools for achieving greater peace, especially regarding the uncontrollable aspects of life. Rebecca warmly welcomes individuals seeking support and understanding on their path to emotional well-being.

Abbigail Chickering, a licensed mental health counselor with expertise in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), is dedicated to fostering a supportive therapeutic environment for students and adults from all backgrounds. She utilizes a harmonious blend of techniques including expressive therapies and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to guide clients in processing trauma and overcoming recurring patterns that hinder their personal growth and relationships. Through her trauma training, Abbigail assists individuals in understanding themselves better by restructuring their neural pathways and engaging in effective memory processing. Her approach involves evaluating the aspects of life that require strengthening and collaboratively identifying the resources necessary for development. With extensive experience working with clients in individual and group settings, Abbigail addresses various issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, trauma, codependency in relationships, self-esteem challenges, and family conflict. By leveraging EMDR, she provides clarity to her clients and supports them in forging a pathway toward healing and healthier relationships.

Michael Chunyk is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist with an MSW and LCSW, dedicated to supporting individuals through various life challenges, from mild depression and anxiety to the impact of traumatic events on daily functioning. He recognizes the importance of storytelling, a timeless tradition often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world, and invites clients to engage in deeper conversations that facilitate healing and personal growth. Michael employs a combination of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) to explore, process, and refocus life's challenges, enabling clients to move forward with renewed purpose. He specializes in working with teens, adults, and elders, and also offers couples therapy, with a particular emphasis on LGBTQIA+ and non-heteronormative relationships. Michael understands that therapy requires trust, patience, and a measure of courage. He believes that this essential act of self-care is critical to the mental well-being of all individuals. He warmly encourages sharing your story and having a meaningful conversation about how psychotherapy can lead to positive change and healing.

Amherst Cognitive Therapy is a compassionate group practice, founded by Caroline Aller, LICSW, dedicated to addressing stress, anxiety, and mood disorders through the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This practice serves individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and elders, providing essential guidance to parents and caregivers of children facing anxiety and mood challenges. In response to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Amherst Cognitive Therapy has swiftly adapted to offer video therapy support, equipping clients with CBT strategies to manage fear, worry, depression, loneliness, and difficulties in adjustment. Treatment is focused and typically short-term, emphasizing practical techniques that clients can implement immediately to regain control over their lives. The practice also provides flexible daytime and evening hours to meet the diverse needs of students and professionals alike, ensuring accessibility to high-quality mental health support.

Alden Cox is a dedicated counselor with credentials including a Master's in Education and licenses as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). He believes that every human life is grounded in the intelligent creative vitality of our own life force. To live confidently from one's deepest nature and purpose, he emphasizes the importance of having free access to one's internal guidance. By engaging in a direct exploration of inner territory, clients can work comfortably with present moment associations and the belief systems that shape their experiences. Through kind and respectful attention, the whole self naturally organizes towards authentic, spontaneous ease and wellbeing. Alden's therapeutic work centers in the present moment, where body and mind converge to provide the resilience necessary for clients to reorganize, regulate, and refresh their complete selves. He is an active and engaged therapist, creating a therapy session that is a space for exploration, respectful engagement, and experimentation. Acknowledging that when clients feel bound by difficulty, the best approach is often to engage gently, take it easy, and incorporate playfulness into the process.

Jamie Daniels is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist, holding an MSW and LICSW certification. Located in the vibrant heart of downtown Amherst, she provides trauma-informed therapy rooted in a social justice framework. Jamie's approach is relationship-based and culturally responsive, addressing critical issues such as race, gender, sexuality, and class oppression fluidly, while integrating identity development and social position into treatment. Her clinical orientation blends psychodynamic and relational techniques, utilizing cognitive and behavioral strategies when appropriate. Having engaged with a range of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational concerns, Jamie is particularly passionate about supporting LGBTQAI individuals, people of color, and those who navigate the margins of society. She skillfully engages the intrapsychic dimension while paying close attention to environmental and political forces that shape individual realities. A graduate of Smith College School for Social Work and currently pursuing her doctoral studies, Jamie's commitment to diversity and equity is profound. Her personal experiences—as a teen parent, a Black woman, and a first-generation college student—deeply inform her practice, fueling her dedication to serving the most vulnerable populations. Jamie is a fierce and compassionate practitioner, wholeheartedly supporting those who seek her guidance.

Colette Dugas is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist specializing in adult treatment, particularly addressing issues related to anxiety, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. Known for her genuine and collaborative style, she works closely with her clients to help them build on their strengths, promoting the growth and healing they seek. Colette understands that many may struggle with feelings of fear, loneliness, or general dissatisfaction in life, and through their therapeutic journey together, she facilitates the transformative changes they desire. Drawing upon current neuroscience, she believes in the brain's inherent capacity for change, emphasizing the profound significance of a supportive therapeutic relationship. By integrating various methodologies, Colette offers a personalized approach tailored to individual needs. Time after time, she experiences the privilege of guiding individuals on their path toward meaningful change in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.