Briana Lavacot

I’m a therapist who provides a supportive, collaborative space where you can feel truly understood while also being active in your growth. My work is grounded in evidence-informed approaches, specifically CBT and DBT-informed strategies, which means our sessions are focused on building practical tools like mindfulness, emotional regulation, and grounding skills.

I specialize in supporting people navigating the weight of perfectionism, anxiety, and self-critical thinking. I have a particular interest in helping clients navigate relationship and communication stress, especially when it comes to setting boundaries and feeling more authentically connected in friendships or social settings. Together, we’ll create a space where you can be honest about where you are, while we work toward where you want to be.

My approach is collaborative, warm, and skills-focused. I prioritize a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel safe to explore your story without judgment, but I believe that insight is only half the battle; the other half is having the courage and the tools to do things differently.

I use reflective listening and validation to help you feel seen, while also incorporating structured, practical strategies to help you make progress between sessions. Depending on your goals, our work may include:

• CBT Tools: Identifying patterns like 'black-and-white' thinking and practicing cognitive restructuring to shift self-critical beliefs.
• Behavioral Activation: Creating small, step-by-step plans to support follow-through and reduce the cycle of avoidance.
• DBT-Informed Skills: Using mindfulness and emotional regulation to manage intense feelings and body-based anxiety symptoms.
• Relational Skill-Building: Providing psychoeducation on healthy relationship dynamics, assertive communication, and boundary setting to help you feel more connected in friendships and social settings.

My goal is to provide the support you need to understand your past and the practical 'scaffolding' you need to challenge your present.

The first session is about 'landing.' You can expect a welcoming, nonjudgmental conversation where we clarify what is bringing you in and, more importantly, what you want to be different in your life.

We will spend our time together identifying key patterns—looking at how your thoughts, emotions, and stressors are currently interacting—and begin shaping a practical plan for our work. I believe in the value of momentum, so I often include a small, manageable 'takeaway' or skill that you can try out right away.

My goal is for you to leave our first meeting feeling understood, more grounded, and clearer about the next steps. We will establish concrete goals that we can track over time, with an early focus on coping tools (like grounding and mindfulness) to help you find relief as we begin the deeper work of change.