Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Beverly, MA covered by Aetna

My therapeutic method is tailored to fit your temperament and individual experience. You may be facing a combination of personal, social, and institutional adversity. Discomfort may be unavoidable, but you are not alone; I can help you transform hardship or tragedy into resilience. My process is effective; it evolves as you do. If you experience negative feelings like inadequacy, grief, or shame, I can help you understand the origin of the discomfort and make changes toward ease. Sometimes, worry can be helpful; other times, anxiety and depression lie to us. Having worked in both economically-strained and prosperous communities, I have seen the impact of trauma and neglect on various people. I also understand being a white male can insulate me against the prejudice and discrimination commonly experienced by people of color, women, and the LGBTQ community; I trust my client’s experiences and take responsibility for my blind spots.

I’m Alison (Ali) Pugh, a Clinical Social Worker, USAF veteran, and mom of two. I help adults who are juggling work, family, caregiving, or major life changes that feel heavier than they look on the surface. If you’re feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, you’re in the right place. My style is calm, collaborative, and steady. There’s no pressure to have the perfect words.

Maybe what aches most is not the change itself, but the fear that someone you love is slipping out of reach — even if that someone is you. Everything feels different, yet somehow the same. One minute you are putting on pajamas, and the next you are spiraling because it is the first moment of quiet you have had all day. There is this gut feeling that your heart can no longer be bound with band-aids, but soul-searching is a lot before the alarm goes off tomorrow. You do not have to make sense of it all alone at midnight — that is what I am here for.

Welcome! I provide individual therapy for college/ graduate students, professionals, and adults navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, crises of meaning, and the deeper questions that arise in times of uncertainty. Many of my clients come in feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected- from themselves, others, or a clear sense of purpose. Our work together explores not just symptom relief, but what it means to live more fully and authentically. Together, we reconnect with your values, develop practical skills for navigating life's challenges, and explore the deeper patterns and past experiences that may be shaping your present.

Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or life experiences that have left them feeling disconnected from themselves or uncertain about how to move forward. I believe that healing begins with feeling truly seen, heard, and accepted. I am passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, reconnect with their authentic selves, and build lives that feel more grounded, meaningful, and aligned with who they are.

I earned my Master's degree from Springfield College in 2007 and bring nearly two decades of clinical experience across a wide range of settings, including outpatient clinics, in-home therapy, residential treatment, juvenile justice programs, school-based services, and as a school adjustment counselor. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of how trauma, relationships, and life experiences shape emotional well-being across the lifespan. While my background includes extensive work with children, adolescents, and families, my practice is primarily focused on supporting teens and adults who are navigating life's challenges. I am committed to providing culturally responsive, affirming care that honors each person's unique identity and lived experience.

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker | Certified Dementia Practitioner

Boston, MA | In-Person & Telehealth Sessions

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) with more than two decades of clinical experience helping adults navigate complex emotional, relational, and medical challenges. I hold a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Boston College and have dedicated my career to providing thoughtful, evidence-based care rooted in authenticity, compassion, and the belief that genuine change is possible at every stage of life.

My areas of specialization include anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain, medical conditions, LGBTQ+ identity and relationships, grief and loss, end-of-life issues, and advanced care planning. My integrative approach draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and a Humanistic framework. I believe that movement is medicine, and that healing emerges through the mind–body connection — where awareness, purpose, and action intersect.

As a gay clinician, I am deeply committed to creating an affirming, inclusive space where clients can explore identity, relationships, and resilience with honesty and respect. I strive to help each person cultivate balance, clarity, and a renewed sense of possibility in their lives.

My approach to therapy is rooted in warmth, humor, and empathy. I believe that you are the expert on your life and I am here to guide you towards your goals. Together we will identify your strengths, uncover behaviors and coping mechanisms, and create goals that will help you achieve the life you've been dreaming of. With a decade of experience serving people from all walks of life, I believe that my holistic approach to therapy allows me to identify and connect with clients facing all sorts of challenges.

I help high-achieving, heart-centered adults break free from subconscious patterns, release self-doubt, and create deeply fulfilling relationships—with themselves and others. As a licensed psychotherapist and certified spiritual life coach, I offer a grounded yet transformative space where psychology meets soul work.

Whether you're in the middle of something difficult or just know that something needs to change, this is a good place to start. You deserve a space where you feel truly understood, and that's exactly what therapy here is designed to offer.

I work with individuals facing anxiety, depression, substance use, problem gambling, and those who simply feel stuck or uncertain about their next step. Together, we'll work to uncover what's been holding you back and build toward the life you're looking for.

With a background in athletics and mental performance, I bring a unique perspective to this work, especially for those navigating pressure, confidence, identity, and personal growth.