Our counselors provide marriage counseling in Newton, MA

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with 28 years of experience in the mental health field. I am passionate about helping transitional age youth and adults address current and past issues to help them address their unique challenges. I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, self-esteem, and major life transitions. I believe that talk therapy is a process of exploration of learning and growth. 

I completed my Master of Social Work at Boston College. I am passionate about nature and have found much growth on hiking trails. This and an enriching family life enable me to provide the support and guidance my clients are seeking. I use mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy. 

We all go through challenges and changes in life. I am confident that I would be able to help and support you on your journey to learn new skills and gain new perspectives that allow you to cope with whatever you are struggling with. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment today! 

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with decades of experience supporting individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families. Throughout my career, I have worked extensively in school and clinical settings, helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use concerns, life transitions, and relationship challenges. My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based and clinically sound practices, with a focus on empowering clients to identify goals, overcome obstacles, and create meaningful, lasting change.

I strive to help clients build insight, resilience, and practical skills that enhance their overall quality of life. In today’s ever-changing and uncertain world, many people find themselves feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected.

I offer a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their concerns, feel heard, and move toward healing at their own pace. Clients often describe my style as warm, respectful, and collaborative. I am committed to creating an environment where you feel comfortable, understood, and supported throughout the therapeutic process.

I am a Master’s Level Counselor with 13 years of experience providing direct care and outpatient counseling. I work primarily with adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, and stress related to work, family, or identity. I also support individuals navigating complex medical or developmental concerns, helping them build emotional stability and stronger coping skills.

I earned my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Merrimack College. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive, integrating evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and strength-based therapy to support emotional regulation and insight.

In our work together, you can expect a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we move at a pace that feels safe and empowering. I am committed to meeting you with empathy and respect as we develop practical tools to help you heal, grow, and create a more balanced life.

Shari Gelfand is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LISW) who has 30 years of experience working with different age groups in various settings. Shari has helped individuals navigate challenging times in their lives, faced with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, substance abuse, and relationship problems. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Simmons College.  

Shari works collaboratively with clients using cognitive behavioral techniques, family system approaches, and reflective listening. She encourages clients to recognize patterns of behavior and how those patterns may have filtered down from earlier generations. Clients may see how one thing leads to another, sometimes in surprising ways. Self-improvement starts with self-understanding.

Shari appreciates the courage it takes to reach out for help when confronted with difficulties. She is sensitive to the importance of establishing a comfortable and safe environment and looks forward to working with you on your journey for continued growth and healing.

Afreen Nizami is a resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 5 years experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping children, adolescents, young adults, and adults, and couples address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Afreen specializes in depression, anxiety, PSTD, grief, trauma, school stress, relationship problems, and life transitions.

Afreen completed her Master's degree of Counseling Psychology at Northeastern University. Afreen utilizes multiple approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and many more.

Afreen is confident that she would be able to support you in your journey to live a more fulfilled life by helping you gain new techniques, perspectives, and coping skills. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.