Boston Evening Therapy Associates, LLC

Bios

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  Anindita Bhaumik, LICSW

  Clinical Director

  Therapy Approach I strongly believe that establishing a warm, trusting relationship between the therapist and the client is crucial. My approach is empathic, holistic and non-judgmental. I use a relational framework as well as down to earth psychotherapy techniques so that one can not only connect but also feel comfortable enough to unburden and heal. I work with adults, couples, the elderly, teenagers and families facing a wide range of challenges and assist them to connect with their inner strength. I understand that faith and spirituality can be a source of support for many at times of need so I am open to discussing faith/ spiritual resources that can facilitate one’s journey to wellness. My areas of expertise include: Years of experience in working with individuals facing mental health challenges like bipolar, borderline personality disorder, oppositional defiance disorder, depression and many others. I specialize in working with teens who are depressed and have resorted to self-injurious behaviors as well as suicidal tendencies. Years of experience working with women, children and families caught in the vicious cycle of domestic and family violence. Leaving an abusive relationship is difficult as many are trauma bonded with their abusers. I assist such individuals in their quest for emotional freedom and personal safety. I assist adult survivors of child sexual abuse, incest survivors, as well as survivors of rape. I work with teens and young adults who are questioning their sexuality and have issues coming out to their parents and families. I help guide them through the process, making it easier for both the individual as well as the families to relate to each other in a respectful and understanding way. I have extensive experience working with individuals and couples facing infertility issues, infidelity, lack of intimacy and marital separation. I specialize in working with women in transition, facing separation, menopause, changes related to aging and empty nest. Migration trauma is often ignored and not talked about. Using strength-based perspectives, I create a welcoming space for individuals to talk about their experiences and take pride in their accomplishments. Areas of Specialization I specialize in working with victims of domestic violence, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, incest and couples going through infidelity issues as well as with children who have witnessed domestic violence growing up. In other words I work well with victims of trauma. I use trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and use tools like books, pictures toys to work with children as well as adults.

  Link: Anindita Bhaumik, LICSW

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  Michael Foran

  LICSW

  Works with: Adults, Couples Therapy Approach: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Person Centered Therapy Get to Know: I provide therapy to adolescents, adults, families and older adults struggling with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, conduct and adjustment issues, addiction, life transitions, relationship problems, family issues, academic and occupational stress. I also provide support for families of Alzheimer’s’ and Parkinson’s’ patients who are dealing with the daily stresses of caregiving, grief and loss issues. My area of specialization includes assisting adolescents, adults, families and older adults to deal with grief, loss, identity and attachment issues with counseling due to early parental loss as the result of adoption, foster care placement, death, divorce, abandonment, addiction or persistent mental illness. I also work with adoptive families and birthparents to help them cope with the complex emotions which often arise during the pre and post placement period. In addition to my work with adoptive families I have also provide therapeutic support to adult adoptees, throughout their search and reunion with their birthparents. Therapy, at its most effective, will assist the client in achieving their maximum potential. Often people are thwarted in fully achieving their potential by a crisis, the cumulative impact of stressful life events, or early life experiences which have resulted in models of thinking, behaving and relating that are ineffective or damaging. Regardless of what motivates an individual to seek therapy, the basis for change will be found in the relationship between the therapist and the client. If a level of trust, mutual understanding and collaboration is not achieved, the emotional insight necessary for change will not be revealed in a way that is meaningful for the client. In my clinical work I use theories from several orientations – Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Relational and Interpersonal. Whatever type of therapy used the goal is always to assist the client achieve their optimal level of functioning and to alleviate the stressors, which have brought them into therapy.

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  Link: Michael Foran

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  Emily M. Balazs

  LICSW

  Works with: Adolescents (17+), adults and older adults, couples Therapy Approach: The decision to enter into therapy can be a difficult one to make for many reasons. Though for most people, the thought of letting oneself be vulnerable is quite uncomfortable and scary and can be enough of a deterrent to seek help. I see therapy as an opportunity to create more space and possibility in one’s life. In my work over the past eight years I have seen that through the safety and containment of a therapeutic relationship, being vulnerable can begin to feel less frightening and can create a path towards profound healing and deeper connection with others outside of the therapy room. On this path, I seek to help people to see and know the stories they tell about themselves and others, how those stories impact their lives, how cultural messages influence how we feel about ourselves and how they have been shaped and internalized over time. Through this process, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of the suffering being experienced which then increases a sense of control and decreases the likelihood of being overtaken by emotional or psychological distress. I have found through both professional and personal experience that the more we can see the problems we face in their totality, the more we can empower ourselves to change their course.

  Certifications:

  Link: Emily M. Balazs

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  Karen Gomez

  LICSW

  Works With: Adults, adolescents and couples Therapy Approach: Strengths-based, narrative, cognitive behavioral therapy, psycho-dynamic, solution focused, mindfulness Get to Know: Hello and thank you for allowing me to travel on this journey to health and wellness with you. I am a bi-lingual(Spanish/English) and bi-cultural clinician who believes that we all carry the tools to a more healthy, loving and safe life. I believe therapy is a safe space to explore and find those tools and strengths with the therapist simply being the guide. I want to help carry some of the pain, worry or anxiety you may be carrying while navigating this world. I have experience with a very diverse set of populations and find that discovering some relatability with each client sets a wonderful foundation. I have a lot of experience working with individuals carrying trauma as well psychiatric diagnoses. I feel so grateful to be on this journey with you and the first step can sometimes feel the hardest. I promise you are not alone!

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  Link: Karen Gomez

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  Sara Payne

  LICSW

  Works with: (all)–Children, Adolescents, Adults (specialization with young adults) Therapy Approach: Individual, Family, Couple’s Therapy CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, and Motivational Interviewing Get to Know: Successful therapy has a lot to do with the strength of the relationship between client and therapist. In my opinion, some of the best therapy happens when the connection or rapport between client and therapist is very strong. Some of this is simply about “chemistry” or a way in which the therapist and client “click”. Some of this has to do with having a therapist, who is very present. Being “present” consistently is challenging, because therapists are human too, and sometimes, like you, they have their difficult days, when they may be distracted by various issues in their own lives or in the news. But I believe that we as therapists need to, to the best of our ability, stay closely attuned to our clients throughout their sessions, so that they hopefully feel heard and can express themselves freely. I believe that a sense of feeling heard, being validated, and understood, goes a long way in the healing process. I encourage clients to share with me when they do not feel heard or understood, or when they might feel criticized by me for some reason, because this is a great way to improve the relationship between client and therapist, as well as the outcome of the therapy. It is also great way to practice improving one’s own relationships on the outside. In addition to the power of a strong therapeutic relationship, I believe in the power of effective tools or skills that can help people achieve their goals and move forward with their lives. Some of these tools are related to implementing relaxation techniques to help people to feel calmer, and to reduce their anxiety. Some of the tools have to do with changing people’s thinking patterns, which research has shown can improve people’s mood. My belief in the power of the therapeutic relationship has to do with years of psychodynamic training, that I received in graduate school, as well as in my early work experiences. During the past few years, I have also received specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which has proven to me how effective changing one’s thinking patterns can be in improving one’s mood, and consequently one’s behavior. People generally are more social and can make and keep friends and partners more easily, when they are feeling better. They also tend to be able to concentrate, focus, and get more done, when this is the case. Therefore, my approach in therapy tends to blend a combination of psychodynamic techniques, with cognitive behavioral interventions. I know a lot of therapists who tend to stay in one of these two camps, either the psychodynamic, or the cognitive behavioral. However, I find the use of both of these two approaches to be highly effective, in helping people to overcome hurdles and to become their best selves, to improve their personal relationships, as well as their school/work productivity. I have been practicing as a therapist for about 25 years. I have a lot of experience in working with people who experience depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and issues around eating or weight. I have done a lot of work with individuals, adolescents, young adults, college students, and older adults, as well as with families.

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  Link: Sara Payne

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  Marc Tonogbanua

  LMHC

  Works with: Adults, Young Adults, couples, families Therapy Approach: Individual, CBT, Mindfulness, Person-Centered Therapy, group, families Get to Know: Reaching out for help in therapy can be a difficult decision. It can also be the first step in meeting your life’s goals and resolving many issues and conflicts that occurs in daily life. With almost 20 years of working in Mental Health, I provide a warm therapeutic environment to help you meet your needs whether it’s common life stressors or symptoms of depression and other mental health issues. I view therapy as a safe space where you can openly discuss life’s issues without judgment. I seek to be someone who can assist you in learning ways to cope and develop skills that can relieve whatever stressor you are experiencing in your life. I look forward to working with you in reaching your personal goals and create the change you desire.

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  Link: Marc Tonogbanua

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  Linda Ennis

  LICSW

  WORKS WITH: Adults, young adults through seniors, Adolescents, Couples, Parents of young children. SPECIALITIES: Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Loss, Sexual Abuse, Life Transitions THERAPY APPROACH: I believe the “fit” between therapist and client to be critical to the therapeutic process such that the relationship must feel comfortable, trusting and safe in order to be helpful. I have over 25 yrs experience as a clinician with a primarily psychodynamic approach using warmth and compassion to enable the client to feel a sense of ease in embarking on this path. Moreso than what happens to us in life is how we cope with what has taken place, therefore focusing on coping skills and changing perspectives is often part of the therapy process. While interactive, I am non-directive in my approach, following the direction of the client’s narrative, assuring that the story is being heard, another critical aspect of the healing process. I provide long-term in-depth therapy to adults who choose this path as well as short-term, crisis-oriented treatment when this is preferred. I have post-grad training in completion of a Certificate in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents from the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis, and enjoy working with parents in managing problematic behavior of their young children. I am forever intrigued by the change and healing which can be accomplished in the therapeutic process when the therapist and client work together. In addition to many years of work in outpatient clinics of Psychiatry Depts in several hospitals, I have also maintained a private practice in Chicago, IL for 14 yrs prior to my move to the Boston area 3 yrs ago, hence the realm of my experience is quite extensive.

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  Link: Linda Ennis

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  Jacob Weinberg

  LICSW

  Works with: Adolescents (starting around age 17), young adults, adults, groups Therapy Approach: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), strengths-based, solution-focused, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral (CBT) Specialties: Anxiety, depression, ADHD, coping with stressful life events or transitions including academic, career relationship or family issues Get to Know: I believe that effective therapy helps you feel understood, more aware, empowered and ultimately better able to effectively navigate distress. Life can be full of struggles and sometimes it is difficult to imagine that circumstances can change. I believe in people’s capacity to change and in their ability to increase a sense of wellbeing. For some people, entering therapy is scary, especially if it is for the first time. Taking a step into the unknown during a time of struggle is a sign of strength, and I applaud you for searching for a therapist who is a good match. I am a non-judgemental listener and my style is collaborative and supportive. I help people increase insight and awareness through exploration and reflection. I will observe, ask questions, validate, and gently challenge. I value kindness, compassion, humor, and a positive and trusting therapeutic relationship. I believe and practice what Jon Kabat-Zinn expressed when he wrote that, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” Obstacles will present themselves in our lives and we can learn how to skillfully navigate them. I have over 12 years of experience as a clinical social worker working with adolescents, adults, parents and families in a variety of settings including office, school, residential program, hospital, and home. Through exploration and collaboration I help people become aware of patterns and habits that may no longer be serving them well, and which get in the way of realizing their goals. Together, we can help you develop new, more functional habits and practices that improve happiness, fulfillment and effectiveness, thus moving you closer to living a meaningful life. I enjoy integrating mindfulness techniques and skill-building work into my sessions with clients, as well as helping clients to amplify their strengths to achieve positive outcomes. I am committed to culturally competent practice and to meeting you where you’re at in a non-judgemental manner. I primarily utilize perspectives and techniques from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), though I also take strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy and positive psychology among others. I enjoy working with adults of all ages, and specialize working with young adults (aged 17 and up).

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  Link: Jacob Weinberg

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  Michael Smith

  LMHC

  My Therapy Approach: Reaching out for help doesn’t come easily to all of us, but it is often the most important step in the process of making positive change. Being alone with one’s struggles tends to lead to feelings of helplessness and weakness, deepening the problems already being experienced. For those that are struggling with life stressors or mental health issues, engaging in therapy can be an empowering way to learn how to better cope with their problems. I believe that therapy is best viewed as a combined effort between client and therapist. My role as a therapist is to work with you to meet your needs and help you achieve your goals. Offering you a safe and professional space to discuss your life and stressors, I will help you to process your emotions and identify solutions, working together so that you can make positive change. With over seven years of experience in providing counseling services, I utilize my education, training, and skills to assist individuals in their journey to improve their quality of life. I specialize in providing treatment to address anxiety, trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, stress or anger management, substance use, and a variety of other issues and psychiatric conditions.

  Education:

  Link: Michael Smith