Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Salem, MA

Christine Burgess is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who has 15 years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, middle-aged, and older who are suffering from depression, anxiety, and codependence, as well as the consequences of trauma, divorce, life transitions, and relationship troubles. 

Christine completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at Westfield State University and her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Boston College. 

She utilizes mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), boundary development, and others to help the client reach a deeper understanding of themselves; gain an increased awareness around behavioral/emotional/thinking patterns; and discover connections between one’s psychosocial history and current functioning within an atmosphere of nonjudgmental acceptance. Christine embraces the uniqueness of each individual and tailors treatment with that in mind.

As a skilled therapist, Christine’s warm and empathetic demeanor, combined with humor and directness, invites her clients into a collaborative therapeutic relationship, where the client is valued and respected at all times, so as to facilitate a process of openness and transformation into improved mental health and overall wellbeing. 

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.

Stephen Medina is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has 7 years of experience providing care to children, adolescents, and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders. 

Stephen completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at Bridgewater State University and his Master of Science (MS) in Counseling at Salem State University. He utilizes a variety of approaches to best provide a tailored approach to therapy for his clients. Whether providing and utilizing strength based, cognitive behavioral, or mindfulness techniques, Stephen will provide his clients with a positive and personalized therapy experience.

Stephen would like to work with you, in order to provide assistance in developing your strengths so you can confidently achieve your goals and live the life you deserve.

Jillian Lynch Lopes is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who specializes in working with a variety of age groups ranging from toddlers to adults. Jillian has over 4 years of direct clinical experience, from in-home therapy and outpatient therapy services in the public sector, to a residential special education school with teenage students who have severe medical/behavioral/emotional complex needs. She specializes in a substance use curriculum for teens/young adults which she utilizes in outpatient services as needed. Jillian has also worked at a camp that supported children on the ASD spectrum.

Jillian completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Salem State University. She is certified in the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA). Jillian loves engaging in family work to strengthen relationships, while also focusing on individual needs. She has also engaged in parent sessions to support caregivers in learning positive ways to support their children with varying needs. In outpatient settings, Jillian remains strengths-based and client-centered, supporting each client there they are.

Jillian seeks to build strong connections with all of her clients. She cares deeply for her clientele and strives to support them in becoming the very best version of themselves. She meets each client where they are and does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Jillian wants her clients to advocate for what they want out of services and she will always be dedicated to meeting their needs. She believes in an eclectic approach utilizing numerous techniques and interventions to support all clients. She is task-centered and supports her clients in problem-solving around all their stressors. Jillian focuses on empowering clients to live their best lives.

My name is Sarah Murphy, and I have worked in the mental health field for three years now. I primarily work with folks who deal with anxiety, depression, life adjustments, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem. I have a history working in both community mental health and partial hospitalization programs, helping clients build resilience and develop sustainable ways to manage stress.

I use a variety of methods in my therapy sessions, such as CBT, DBT, expressive therapies, and coherence therapy to support clients in building on their strengths and working on sustainable ways to manage life's stressors. I focus on past patterns, and how they may inform how you behave now, and work from there.

I try to bring humor and empathy to my sessions, and I fully welcome anything and everything you may bring. I am looking forward to collaborating and making therapy a space for you to freely express yourself!

I am a master’s-level counselor with 8 years of experience supporting children, teens, and adults through anxiety, depression, chronic stress, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, burnout, and major life transitions. I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore difficult emotions, gain clarity, and begin creating meaningful, lasting change.

I earned my Master of Science in counseling from Salem State University. My professional training includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma-informed care. I tailor treatment to each client’s needs, helping them build insight, emotional awareness, and practical coping skills.

You do not have to have everything figured out to begin therapy. If you are feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, that is okay. I will meet you where you are and work alongside you to strengthen resilience, reconnect with your strengths, and move toward a more fulfilling life.

Karen Lenahan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 10 years of experience. She specializes in helping those struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, multicultural awareness, and crisis. Karen has always been enthralled by the enigmatic intricacies of the human mind and the emotions that define our experiences. Her unwavering aspiration to compassionately guide and support others is what set her on the path toward a career in therapy. Karen empowers clients to cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and hope on their path to healing by bringing a relaxed sense of compassion, empathy, and humor to the therapy session.

Karen has a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Lesley University. She tailors treatment to meet individual needs and concerns and uses approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, reality therapy, positive psychology, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Karen understands the importance of mental health and is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for her clients. She believes in the power of open communication and is here to help you on your journey towards mental well-being.

I am a master’s level clinician with 7 years of experience supporting adults through anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I provide a warm, collaborative space where clients can explore their emotions, strengthen self-awareness, and develop practical tools to move forward with confidence and clarity.

I earned my Master of Arts in psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, where I deepened my understanding of human behavior and therapeutic change. My approach integrates mindfulness-based, person-centered, and strength-based practices to help clients build insight and create meaningful, sustainable growth.

I am committed to helping you feel seen, supported, and empowered as you work toward a more grounded and fulfilling life. Together, we will identify what matters most to you and create a path that aligns with your values, nurtures healing, and strengthens your relationships with yourself and others.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 3 years of experience and over a decade as a registered nurse across diverse healthcare settings. I support clients managing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. My approach is empathetic and person-centered, focusing on helping clients achieve their goals through medication management, therapeutic support, and lifestyle interventions that promote long-term emotional well-being.

I earned my Master’s in Nursing from Regis College and transitioned fully into mental health practice. I integrate evidence-based approaches and psychoeducation to ensure clients are informed and active participants in their treatment decisions, creating collaborative plans that honor their unique experiences and values.

I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their healing journey. Whether you are facing daily stressors or navigating complex mental health challenges, I am here to walk beside you as we work together toward stability, growth, and lasting wellness.

Chiquana Bryant is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Carolina. She has been employed in the mental health field since 2006 starting as a community supports worker/case manager. She became a licensed therapist in 2012 and has gained a wealth of knowledge from the experiences of those she's counseled. She's come across all walks of life from small children and caregivers with a history of trauma and attachment issues, oppositional and defiant teenagers with behavioral challenges, and adults who are figuring out underlying causes of mental and emotional challenges potentially picked up over the course of their lives.

Most recently, she has been a therapist in a close-custody prison. She experienced what society may consider "the worst of the worst" human beings completely changing their thinking patterns and behaviors to be promoted and/or released from prison after gaining a new level of insight and motivation to succeed.

Chiquana brings knowledge of attachment issues, especially between young children and their primary caregivers. Utilizing play therapy and addressing traumatic experiences will aid in a parent's ability to help their child (and themselves) regulate emotions. The same goes for adults who have faced trauma over the course of their lives — narrative therapy and discussing the circumstances involving the trauma tends to help alleviate symptoms of paranoia and trust issues, depression, anxiety, anger, and mood disorders. Chiquana believes that any situation can be handled with a listening ear, knowledge of how the mind and emotions work, and patience.

Chiquana believes that the most important part of the therapy process is the therapeutic relationship. Being able to relate, empathize with, and understand you without any judgment or bias will allow her to best serve and assist you through whatever mental and emotional challenges you may face. However, without creating a relationship of trust and genuine regard for the therapy process, it will be impossible to see results. Please allow her to assist you by forming a therapeutic alliance that will help you to achieve your goals. Depression, anxiety, stress, behavioral challenges, relationship issues, and trauma can be turned around with the right attitude, persistence, and knowledge!

Celine De Santis is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who has been practicing in the field of mental health for over 30 years. Her clientele includes both children, teens, and adults who are suffering from the negative effects of chronic stress, anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, PTSD, phobias, grief, bereavement, and more.

Celine earned her Master's degree in Social Work from Simmons University. Her treatment focuses on individual, family, group, and play therapy approaches. She began her work as a mental health professional in addiction treatment, which she discovered was an excellent segue way into other behavioral health disorders. Post-traumatic stress, major depression, and mood dis-regulation are often present with both the identified client as well as their family members and are issues Celine is particularly adept at helping to manage or resolve.

Celine is available to listen and help work through any barriers that are keeping her clients from experiencing the quality of life they're seeking. As an experienced individual and family therapist, she also respects and recognizes the vulnerability and the strength of taking that first step toward positive change.