Dr. Marie Donabella Sauro

I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in Providence, RI. Before I became a clinical psychologist, I was a professor and research scientist studying the biology and experimental treatment of high blood pressure. At one point, I decided I didn’t want to work with rats anymore, but I did want to learn more about stress, health and well-being, from a more psychological perspective. So, I retrained in clinical psychology. I was able to shape and build a career that gave me a unique perspective, opened the door to new opportunities, and allowed me flexibility and growth. Most important, I am passionate about, and love what I do.

Over the course of the last 20 years, I’ve worked in a variety of outpatient and inpatient settings. Besides working with college students in a university psychological services center, I’ve had experience in hospital rehabilitation psychology providing psychoeducation (e.g., stress management, exercise, pain management, diet, weight control) to individuals after an injury, concussion or stroke. I am constantly striving to deliver culturally-competent clinical services, and to better my understanding of the issues and needs unique to diverse populations.

I have published over 30 articles in the areas of stress, high blood pressure, and women’s health, and have given over 50 talks on my research and other topics related to stress and anxiety management. As a black belt in Tae Kwan Do, and a student of Zen, balance and mindfulness are an important part of my life. As a triathlete, I have learned how mental discipline can push one beyond what they thought was physically possible. My newest endeavor is learning electric guitar to challenge my brain and again, push myself waaaay out of my comfort zone. My apologies to Bruce Springstein and Pearl Jam for butchering their songs 😉

My research and clinical work combine my training in both medical sciences and clinical psychology, embracing the biopsychosocial model of health and disease. I help individuals lower stress and anxiety levels caused by a variety of life stressors, using techniques that have been scientifically shown to help you:

• Reduce your stress and anxiety in general and related to post-surgery
• Cope with unique mental health challenges such as rehabilitating a sports or other injury
• Decrease your performance anxiety (e.g., work, school, sports)
• Cope with the symptoms and stress related to perimenopause
• Improve your health and wellness

1. First, I provide a safe, accepting space so that you will feel comfortable sharing your struggles with me.

2. Through hearing your story, I will start to get a picture of what your challenges and goals for therapy are.

3. We will start by helping you with immediate concerns like managing physical symptoms of anxiety or stress.

4. Keeping your unique goals in mind, we’ll figure out what’s needed to help you reach them, typically learning to challenge negative thought patterns, as well as learning how to relax your body.

5. Over the course of our sessions, you’ll start feeling less stressed and more in control.

Research shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can positively change your thinking, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. It can help you let go of what’s holding you back and help you to feel less overwhelmed.