Therapists for college students near Boston College
At Bending Birch Counseling, we believe therapy should be thoughtful, collaborative, and tailored to the individual. Every person brings a story, strengths, and experiences, which is why we take the time to understand what matters most to you. We slow down enough to understand how your experiences, patterns, and relationships have shaped the way you move through the world today. We focus on what change would realistically look like for you, not in theory, but in practice. Together, we'll work toward change that feels authentic, practical, and sustainable.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
If you've spent years pushing yourself to "just try harder"/"finally get it together," yet you’re still feeling overwhelmed, chronically behind, and like it’s never enough — you’re in the right place. You’re familiar with the exhausting cycle of being a perfectionistic people-pleaser, caught in overthinking and self-criticism. Others see you as accomplished; you feel one misstep away from revealing how scattered things actually are. You’re not looking for a passive listener or generic advice. You want someone who will truly see and accept you, compassionately challenge you, and help you stop chasing approval and start finding peace. I'm a doctorally-trained, board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering medication management (in Eng/Mandarin) and psychotherapy (in Eng). I specialize in ADHD, insomnia, women's mental health, and Asian American/first-generation experiences. My approach integrates evidence-based medicine with a holistic focus on aligning mind, body, and purpose. If you're seeking someone who takes the time to see the full picture, treats you as a whole person rather than a checklist of symptoms, and has both the clinical expertise and lived experience to truly understand where you're coming from — I warmly welcome you to reach out and see if we'd be a good fit.
My clients often seek therapy when they are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or burnt out. They are amidst a transition — starting college, beginning or ending a relationship, changing jobs, or becoming a parent. Others are feeling stuck and need support navigating friendships, partnerships, family dynamics, and careers. I believe that effective therapy happens when the client and therapist have an authentic, trusting relationship, and the client is invested in their healing. Therapy is a dynamic conversation geared towards your needs-to be challenged, validated, empowered, or understood; every session is designed to meet you where you are both that day and in their overall therapeutic journey. I value the use of humor and authentic connection. I primarily utilize psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and attachment theory, all within a trauma informed lens. Current and past clients have highlighted that they valued my authenticity as a person and provider, that I created a non-judgmental, accepting, and empathetic space where they felt truly seen and cared for, and that our work together has been valuable and healing. Please reach out via email for an initial consultation.
Therapy is a deeply personal and vulnerable process that requires trust to flourish. I strive to create a safe, accepting, and collaborative space for you to come as you are, using the therapeutic relationship and attunement to foster trust. I tailor treatment to your unique needs and treatment goals using a compassionate, trauma-informed lens, drawing from a psychodynamic orientation, integrated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness-based approaches. I support adults navigating anxiety disorders, mood disorders, loneliness, grief, loss, complex trauma, identity development, relational / attachment-based issues, and life transitions. I also have extensive experience working with individuals of diverse backgrounds, including non-citizen and LGBTQ populations. My experience growing up as a Latina between the U.S and abroad has strengthened my curiosity for those whose lived experiences differ from my own. It has cultivated a deep empathy and desire to honor the richness of their stories in therapy. I prioritize creating a space for all parts of the self to be seen and understood.
My practice focuses on helping people get to know themselves better and learn to cope with difficult thoughts and feelings that get in their way of moving forward with what they want. Helping clients clarify what they value and learn new behaviors that help them build a meaningful life is a main goal of my approach . I have over twenty years of experience and love working with college students who are feeling depressed, anxious, have trouble fitting in, managing stress and transitions. Cross-cultural issues, grief, and parenting are also areas of particular focus in my practice. I am a native Spanish-speaker and provide services in Spanish as well as English.
My work focuses on increasing one’s awareness of—and investment in—all aspects of their wellness: emotional, mental, behavioral, physical, relational, and spiritual. Rather than working solely through the lens of specific pathologies or treatment modalities, I aim to evaluate how one’s personality, coping skills, learned behaviors, lifestyle choices, avoided experiences, self-concept, and relationships combine to either promote or impede overall wellness. As such, I provide an eclectic blend of therapy that is informed by third-wave cognitive and behavioral modalities, relational work, insight-oriented approaches, and a broad understanding of health and wellness. Philosophically and clinically, I am influenced by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), contemporary Western Buddhism, mindfulness, relational dynamics, Evolutionary Psychology, Existentialism, and Psychodynamics. I have received training from multiple sources in using ACT and ERP for the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders, am a member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and hold a certificate in Mindfulness & Psychotherapy from the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. I specialize in helping people whose anxiety manifests as obsessions, compulsions, rumination, phobias, intrusive thoughts, avoidance, or perfectionism. My approach is also effective for depression, chronic pain or other psychophysiological concerns; addictive or destructive behaviors; self-concept issues; and tough life transitions. In addition, I enjoy supporting those experiencing relational difficulties, romantic or sexual dissatisfaction, or working through men's issues. I work with many undergraduate and graduate students and am familiar with the lifestyle and unique challenges faced by these populations. I am also pleased to offer empathy and lived experience to those exploring the impacts of their Jewish ethnicity or upbringing. After receiving my undergraduate degree in Human Development from Binghamton University, I spent a few years as a high school educator, focusing on wellness education, sex and sexuality education, mindfulness education, harm reduction, and relational wellness. This path led me to a greater interest in mental health counseling and the decision to obtain a Master of Education in Counseling from Boston University, where I completed a clinical internship at The Groton School, an independent residential school in Massachusetts for grades 8-12. During this experience, I received supervision in the use of ACT and ERP to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, phobias, perfectionism, academic stress, adjustment challenges, and depression. After graduate school, I worked at Riverside Community Care’s Life Skills program in Somerville, a day treatment program for adolescents transitioning from psychiatric hospitalization back into their schools and communities. Following that, I became a counselor at Endicott College in Beverly, MA. These positions deepened my clinical experience across a wide range of presentations while strengthening my ability to work with individuals as members of larger relational networks—always focusing on access to resources, connections with peers and programming, and managing the demands of school, work, and life. Since January 2024, I have been working with Soultality and am pleased to offer my services to adolescents, young adults, and emerging adults in the community and across Massachusetts. In my free time, I am usually exercising (running, climbing, biking, jumping, crawling, lifting, etc), at the movie theater, cooking vegetarian feasts, dancing, cleaning and organizing my space, or spending time with friends.
My approach to therapy is guided by the belief that healing and change occur in relation with others. I am committed to meeting people where they are, taking time to learn their unique needs and life experiences, and honoring their own self-knowledge. I strive to create a safe and contained space that fosters exploration and self-actualization. I draw from psychodynamic and relational therapies, while also integrating narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). My style is warm, genuine, and collaborative, and I practice with a queer, feminist, and anti-oppressive lens. I work with adults of all ages to navigate a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, identity issues, life transitions, interpersonal struggles, grief, and loss. I specialize in working with complex and developmental trauma, relationships and attachment, and first-generation challenges and experiences. I have experience working in schools, colleges, and community mental health. My personal and professional experiences have informed my passion for working with individuals impacted by the carceral system. I also find joy in expanding and enriching the therapeutic experience through the use of music, theater, and other art forms.
With over 30 years of experience, we will work together collaboratively on your goal of feeling better. Whether it's stress, academic stress, roommate or relationship issues, anxiety, or family of origin issues, together we will work toward your goal of living a more contented, fulfilling life. I have extensive experience working with college and grad students in the Boston area.
College is a stressful time full of academic demands and social obligations, and everyone needs a space where they can focus on themselves. Clients that work with me are often experiencing big life changes, may be showing signs of stress and burnout, or might be noticing challenges popping up in their relationships. I work to form a strong therapeutic relationship with clients in which they can feel comfortable openly expressing their emotions, work through challenges, or just learn more about who they are. I welcome any client who is looking for a therapeutic space of their own, whether they have years of therapy under their belt or are reaching out for the first time!
Hello. If you are are struggling with depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, negative self-image, perfectionism, relationship difficulty, family conflict, or the question of how to stay steady, focused, and peaceful during this turbulent time, I will listen and work with you from a variety of therapeutic approaches so you may gain stability and self-acceptance and feel fully and meaningfully engaged in your life. I look forward to hearing from you.
I have over thirty years of experience providing therapy to adults of all ages. My style is warm, non-judgmental, respectful, and active. I use a blend of relational, mindfulness, psychodynamic and skills-based approaches to help you gain clarity and develop strategies to feel better. I am also trained in EMDR and often incorporate those practices into my work with clients. I am interested in seeing you as a whole person; understanding your experiences within your personal, cultural and social contexts; and supporting your strengths and resilience. I see people with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family issues, loss, loneliness, identity questions and many other challenges. I have a particular interest in helping people with histories of trauma, as well as those who are or have been in a relationship with someone with mental illness or addiction. You are welcome to reach out to find out more about my practice and how I might help you. In a first meeting, I will be interested in listening to what brings you here and what you are hoping to change or work towards. Together, we'll decide if it feels like a good fit. My practice hours are Tuesday (telehealth), Wednesday and Thursday (in-office)
I actively engage with my clients to help them identify and articulate their distress. We work together to discover the counter-productive behaviors and thought patterns leading to this distress. We then work together again on challenging and changing those thoughts and actions. You can expect a therapy experience that is engaged, solution focused, and interactive.
I have been practicing for over 30 years. I mainly have a client-focused approach. I’ve treated issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, career counseling, relationship stress, substance abuse, and others. In addition to psychotherapy, I have experience as a Life Coach. I also have training in sport psychology. I have developed Activity Therapy, bringing in a client’s sport, hobby, or other activity into the session. If you have specific questions, feel free to call, text, or email. I offer a free phone consultation for first time clients.
Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, trauma, relationship challenges, or simply hoping to better understand yourself, I am here to help you reconnect with yourself and what matters most to you. I strive to create a warm and collaborative space where you feel seen and heard. I believe meaningful change happens when we feel safe enough to explore our struggles, recognize our strengths, and empower ourselves to make the changes we wish to see in our lives.
Therapy serves as an opportunity to be curious – to explore the patterns and narratives we carry, repeat, and, at times, feel bound by. Through gentle curiosity, we create space for healing and give ourselves the opportunity to blossom into more authentic versions of ourselves. My therapeutic approach is grounded in psychodynamic and attachment theories. With compassion and warmth, I listen closely to the unique story of your life, honoring the experiences that have shaped how you relate to yourself and others. Together, we will untangle these experiences and cultivate hope that life can improve in ways that feel deeply meaningful. I offer individual psychotherapy to adults and older adults with a variety of presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, grief, bereavement, trauma, relational difficulties, and identity exploration. Importantly, I strive to remain mindful of the nuanced ways our identities shape our experiences and influence how we move through the world. I have specialized training in geropsychology and am passionate about helping adults navigate the complexities of aging, later-in-life transitions, caregiving, existential concerns, and ageism. My experience also includes working in college counseling centers, memory disorder clinics, community mental health, and with veterans.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or family conflict? You don’t have to face it alone. I specialize in helping adults work through overwhelming emotions, painful family dynamics, and the lasting effects of difficult or abusive relationships. Together, we process complex trauma, build healthier boundaries, and foster resilience, healing, and growth. I’m a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts with over 10 years of experience. As a bilingual therapist (English & Spanish), I value the role that culture, identity, and lived experience play in shaping your mental health journey. My care is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive, always tailored to your unique needs and goals. My approach is integrative, drawing from psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based practices, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and attachment-based therapy. This flexibility allows us to use the approaches and strategies that best fit your circumstances. I am in-network with BCBS, Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, Tufts, and Optum. Let’s connect. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can share your needs, ask questions, and see if we’re a good fit.
As an experienced and compassionate psychologist, I am committed to helping individuals on their journey towards self-discovery and personal growth. It is a privilege to work with clients who are motivated to gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and relationships, and who aspire to evolve and improve. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, empathic, and tailored to each individual's needs. I draw from a range of evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), relational, interpersonal, and insight-oriented therapies.
I have 35 years of experience in doing therapy, including having done a fellowship in College Health. I am a Clinical Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and am affiliated at Brigham & Women's Hospital. I enjoy working with people particularly in the areas of anxiety and depression, love and relationship concerns, family issues, college life adjustment, career matters, and dealing with medical illness. My office is in Cambridge. I am trained in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis for young people, adults, and kids. I can also prescribe medication, although I don’t do that unless it is in the context of an ongoing regular therapy. I’d be happy to talk with you to see if we’re a good fit for working together! You can also check out my website at kimfoehl.com