Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Waltham, MA

"I like to focus on a fun way to get to the root of the diagnosis in a judgment-free zone!"

Rayla Johnson is a Resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has 2 years of clinical experience and specializes in assisting clients with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Rayla takes a fun, energetic approach to treatment and incorporates toys, movement, journaling, games, and role-playing in sessions with clients. She involves parents and guardians in goal-setting and care when appropriate, working toward a place of understanding, peace, and relief.

Rayla received her Master's degree from Cambridge College. She utilizes therapeutic methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, affirmations, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and play therapy. Her first focus is building a trusting rapport with her clients as the foundation for success.

Rayla believes in finding a way through the challenges that life brings us. By creating a safe and judgment-free environment, she helps clients do the hard work to overcome obstacles and embrace the best version of themselves. Reach out to Rayla today!

"Starting therapy is a courageous first step to making changes and feeling empowered."

Samantha is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 6 years of experience in the mental health field. Her clinical experience has focused on helping adults 18+ to work through their fears and develop attainable goals. Her experience treating patients in community health centers, schools, and in-patient facilities has assisted in developing her understanding of how to help her clients work through milestone events. Samantha specializes in anxiety, depression, and substance use, as well as anger and stress management.

Samantha completed her Master of Social Work at Boston University School of Social Work. Samantha incorporates a variety of modalities including CBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions for adults over the age of 18.

Changing perspective is what helps shift roadblocks into challenges that can be overcome. Schedule a session with Samantha to begin understanding your needs and how to create change in a meaningful and lasting way.

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. 

"I believe one of the most important things I can do as your therapist is to provide a safe and supportive environment that allows for trust and exploration."

Christopher Hawkins (AKA Topher) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). He has spent years honing his skills in different settings working with children, adolescents, adults, and their families struggling with the impact trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, and other mental health disorders can have on the individual, family, and their behaviors.

This experience, combined with the Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling earned at Lesley University, has shown the importance of working collaboratively with the individual, family, and community resources to create a complete picture of the client’s needs. Using both evidence-based practices and expressive therapies, Christopher works with the client to strengthen the apparatus they may require for growth and change.

Christopher’s goal for every person and family that he works with is for both the individual and family dynamic to increase their ability to enhance communication, access coping skills, and gain a deeper understanding of self and their relationship to self and others to promote healing and become more self-reliant. If you are ready to begin this journey, schedule an appointment with him today.

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.

"I take a person-centered approach to therapy and work with clients to resolve life issues, cope with stressors, meet their goals, and/or maximize their full potential through building a great therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and safety."

Matthew Waite is a Mental Health Counselor with 7 years of experience working in the mental health field and 2 years of experience in practice. He has experience treating a range of populations, including individuals with depression, anxiety, dual-diagnosis, anger, grief, life transitions and PTSD. Matthew obtained his Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Massachusetts - Boston. The program taught him to take a multicultural and social justice approach to counseling while using many modalities based on what the client’s presenting problem may be.

Matthew leans heavily on the modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) while taking a holistic approach that focuses on the whole person.

Life can throw us all some curveballs at times. Being able to process events in safety and without judgment is necessary to move forward. Matthew can help you to explore your thoughts and feelings, find effective ways of coping, and provide support in managing issues life can throw at you. If you are in need of any support through counseling, please reach out and schedule your appointment.

"Life may feel like a wild ride sometimes, but I'm here to support you through the ups and downs in a no-judgment space that's all yours."

Tori Aufiero is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 13 years of experience specializing in adolescent mental health treatment and trauma-informed care. She works with teens and young adults facing a variety of challenges, including trauma, anxiety, and depression. Tori also focuses on helping clients develop new coping skills, improve self-esteem, and explore their identity and sense of self. She’s committed to exploring creative, non-traditional interventions, always ethical and thoughtful, to meet clients where they are and support their healing process, ensuring that each person’s journey is unique and respected.

Tori earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from William James College. With experience in short- and long-term direct care and residential care, she has developed strong clinical skills rooted in trauma-informed care and dialectical behavioral therapy. Tori has worked with diverse clients using a solution-focused, strengths-based approach.

Tori’s approach is collaborative and grounded in trust and honesty, and she works to create a space that feels safe and free of judgment. While she's here to support and guide, she also believes real growth comes from your effort, and she’s not here to “fix” you, but to walk alongside you as you do the work.