Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Norwood, MA

Hi, I’m Jessica, psychotherapist and founder of A Wholehearted Way Counseling. I work with individuals and couples who are moving through periods of anxiety or depression that often show up during life transitions, including perinatal and postpartum experiences, grief and loss, identity shifts, and relationship challenges whether in monogamous or non-monogamous partnerships.

I know that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, and I aim to offer a warm, grounded space where you don’t have to navigate these experiences alone and can begin to feel more supported, understood, and connected to yourself.

Rooted in my graduate training at the University of Rhode Island, I developed expertise in both general clinical and health psychology. I developed a programmatic line of research in health promotion (adoption and maintenance of multiple health behaviors including exercise, smoking cessation and nutritious eating) with a particular focus on exercise motivation as a gateway to adopting other health behaviors.

During my internship and postdoctoral training at VA Connecticut and VA Boston, respectively, my research evolved towards integrating health behavior change (e.g., exercise adoption and maintenance) with veterans suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain and PTSD. As I learned more about the biopsychosocial model of these medically and psychiatrically complex disorders, my ultimate goal became to help veterans better manage their pain and PTSD symptoms, utilizing health behavior change as a complementary component of their overall treatment program. With this approach, the ultimate goal was to help them improve their overall quality of life and well-being, long-term.

My patient oriented research experience, over the past thirteen years, directly informed my approach to my clinical work with individual patients. In fact, I worked for Newton-Wellesley Eating Disorders and Behavioral Medicine for the past fifteen years. As part of this work, I focused on helping individuals suffering from the full continuum of eating disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder) to sustain their recovery long-term and achieve "recovery maintenance" through establishment and achievement of additional life goals and to move beyond their "eating disorder" identity to a "whole person" identity to create a more meaningful life post-recovery. Additionally, as part of this practice, I treated patients suffering from anxiety, PTSD, chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression as well as veterans from the community.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals navigate trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I’ve worked in community mental health, school systems, and private practice, and I’m deeply committed to providing culturally affirming care that honors the full complexity of who you are.

Alan-Michael (Professor C.) honors individuality and celebrates personal gains.

You know what you want to accomplish, but getting started or staying on track can feel harder than it should. Whether you're managing ADHD, anxiety, panic attacks, or feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns, I'm here to help you understand what's getting in the way and build strategies that work in your everyday life. I work with adults 18+ and provide a supportive, affirming space where you can gain insight, strengthen your confidence, and make meaningful, lasting changes.

I have worked in the field of psychology for over 25 years and hold two Master’s degrees as well as a PhD in Neuropsychology. I provide psychotherapy for individuals across the lifespan and specialize in the treatment of mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

I also work with individuals who are navigating major life stressors such as divorce, career transitions, and other significant changes. In addition, I help clients address concerns related to anger management, chronic stress, and the psychological impact of health issues.

My goal is to support clients in developing effective coping strategies, gaining insight, and making meaningful changes that improve their overall well-being and quality of life.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe wholeheartedly in empowering and enhancing one's capacity to address your own needs. You have the power and expertise within; it is a matter of finding a way to maximize it.