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

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.

I am at my best when I am a guide for others. I start by listening and developing understanding of who you are, what you value, and where you struggle. I will help you to find your way back to yourself and develop the trust you need in yourself to live your best life. I use an approach that is very collaborative offering tools and resources, but assisting you to choose your own direction.

We all struggle at times, especially in the way we live these days. I can help you understand how and why you may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected and develop strategies to move through this to a happier, more grounded, and more confident version of yourself.

Many of the adults I work with grew up feeling unseen—whether because of childhood trauma, emotionally unavailable parents, or painful relationship patterns. Those early experiences can stay with us, shaping the way we see ourselves and connect with others. Over time, it can feel like you’re stuck in the same cycles, questioning your worth, or struggling to build the relationships you want.

Becoming a therapist felt like a natural calling: a way to combine compassion with practical tools to help people heal, grow, and find balance. Over the years, I’ve seen how therapy can transform lives—restoring hope, strengthening relationships, and helping clients rewrite the stories they tell themselves. That transformation is what inspires me every day to do this work with warmth, empathy, and genuine care. I absolutely love what I do and I feel very blessed to do this work everyday.

Life can bring moments that feel heavy, confusing, or overwhelming—whether from anxiety, trauma, relationship strain, or loss of direction. You may feel stuck or unsure why certain patterns keep repeating. Therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore what’s holding you back and create a path toward emotional clarity, healing, and growth. Together, we’ll uncover the “why” behind your challenges and help you move toward a calmer, more balanced, and empowered version of yourself.

My name is J.J. Mull -- I'm a clinical social worker and therapist in private practice. I trained and Smith College School for Social Work and received advanced training in psychoanalytic treatment at Cambridge Health Alliance through Harvard Department of Psychiatry. Since finishing my training, I have worked in a wide range of settings with people struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, substance use disorders, significant trauma, and many other issues. In addition to my clinical work, I am a writer, poet, and researcher and have been a professor in the Masters in Social Work program at Smith College for 4 years.

I believe mental health care should feel safe, compassionate, and deeply human. My approach combines psychiatry with a whole-person perspective, recognizing how stress, relationships, lifestyle, physical health, and past experiences can all affect emotional wellbeing. I strive to create a calm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported. I especially value honesty, kindness, and building a genuine connection with the people I work with.

Whether you’re dealing with a long-standing struggle or a new crisis, finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. I offer a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel supported from the start. Whatever you’re carrying, we’ll work through it together and find a path forward that helps you feel better.