Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Salem, MA

Catherine Patten is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 12 years of professional experience helping teens, adults, and seniors to work through their anxiety, depression, anger, borderline personality disorder (BPD), poor coping skills, anxiety, dysfunctional relationships, low self-esteem, and more. 

Her past experience includes working in a mental health outreach program with individuals who struggle with chronic mental health issues. Catherine has also provided short-term therapy to individuals while working in this capacity. Catherine understands the importance of striving to understand each individual’s unique life story and how best to support him/her to achieve his/her goals. She's found schema therapy to be effective in working with many individuals across many walks of life.

Catherine enjoys using a strengths-based view with many clients, in which they can separate who they are from the challenges they have been through in their lives. She also uses motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT) at times to elicit goals and self-discovery.

Catherine is here to help you work through the past trauma and any associated negative self-dialogue that is often the result and part of what can cause clients to feel stuck. She's am here to listen, learn, and truly understand where you have been, where you are, and where you would like to be. Catherine believes it is an honor to be able to share in someone’s story and be able to offer support.

Kenneth Westerfield is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), working with clients in MA, but have a history of experience working as a licensed clinician in NC. 

He is passionate about helping adults address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Kenneth specializes in depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. Kenneth completed his Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Alabama.

Kenneth utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Kenneth believes that it is important to form a strong therapeutic relationship through understanding, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.

Kenneth is confident that he would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with him today!

Sarah Murphy is a Resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 2 years of experience working in community mental health and partial hospitalization programs. She focuses on collaborative work with children and their caretakers. Sarah enjoys working with young adults with anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence. She also enjoys utilizing the arts in the therapeutic space, especially visual art.

Sarah received her Master's in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy at Lesley University. She uses multiple approaches to help clients and tailors approaches to fit client needs, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive arts therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Sarah believes in the potential of each individual and promises to meet them where they are and collaborate to help them find their strengths. If you are interested in learning more, schedule an appointment with Sarah today!

Eryca Swan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor resident with 2 years of experience. She specializes in guiding individuals through self-discovery and healing, helping them overcome obstacles that hinder growth while supporting those facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and emotional or psychological challenges. Eryca is a compassionate and empathetic therapist who values building a trusting therapeutic relationship.

Eryca received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bay Path Univeristy. She utilizes evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and reality therapy to support her clients’ growth and healing.

If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth, Eryca would be honored to support you in a safe and trusting space. No one has to go through it alone—Eryca works alongside her clients to help them create the balance, healing, and fulfillment they deserve. Book a session today to begin the journey toward a better you.

Timothy Gau is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Massachusetts who has 15 years of experience working with teens, adults, and seniors who are seeking support in coping with depression, anxiety, stress, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), OCD, low self-esteem, chronic stress, and more. 

He completed his Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology from the University of Rochester and received his Master of Science in Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology from Northeastern University. Timothy uses a person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral approach for all clients, offering a non-judgmental, caring, and empathic space for you to share your experiences.  

He uses humor, warmth, transparency, and compassion to build relationships and is eager to help you on your journey to achieve your therapeutic goals. Timothy is able to create a unique therapeutic relationship with each client with whom he has worked and is ready to collaborate with you on creating strategies for managing life’s challenges.