Therapists for college students near Northeastern University
Michel Selva, Psy.D. Is anxiety holding you back from pursuing your dreams and living a full life? Is depression pushing you deeper into your own "cocoon", isolated from family and friends? Do you often lose your temper? Are you struggling with substance abuse or compulsive behaviors (binge eating, gambling, video games, pornography)? I have successfully treated people with these problems. I take a collaborative approach to psychotherapy, checking in during each visit to make sure we are making progress toward your goals. In between visits, I use reading materials, experiential exercises, and a smart phone app to help you to stay on track. I use the tools of Behavior Therapy (ACT, ABA, CBT, REBT). Research has validated these methods for treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, and compulsive behaviors. My goal is to help you "Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life," which is the title of one of the workbooks I use with clients. As a long time practitioner of meditation, I have experienced its positive impact in my own life. I teach mindfulness practices individually and in groups. Mindfulness helps us to be fully aware and alive in the present moment, and to act effectively in pursuit of what is most important in our lives.
You feel anxious and it’s hard to shut your brain off. People tell you to relax, but it’s not that easy for you. You’ve worked hard to get where you are, but it’s hard to sit back and enjoy it. Your standards for yourself feel too high, and you question how long you can keep this up. You tend to doubt yourself and your abilities and look to other people to reassure you. It’s hard to take up space, feel confident, and speak your truth. You want to feel present in your life and like you’re able to love and appreciate yourself just as you are. You want to feel confident, courageous, and like you are able to advocate for yourself. You want to feel happy, calm, and at peace with your life, your relationships, and your career. I specialize in working with young adults with anxiety, people-pleasing tendencies, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism to build self-confidence and live a life they love. A better future is possible, and I'm here to help you create it. I can’t wait to hear from you, send me an email or call me to schedule a free phone consultation.
Welcome! Working with a diverse population for many years widen my appreciation toward everyone I encounter in the therapy room. My new clients often ask me, “What is your approach or therapy model?” Learning from years valuable experience, I do not take a blueprint or “one-size-fits-all” approach for clients. Every client has an individualized curriculum. You may be feeling distressed, facing difficulties in your personal or professional relationships, contemplating a major life transition, or navigating a health crisis. No matter what challenge brings, I will help you in resolving conflicts and strengthening your relationships. I will explore your options in a collaborative way while taking into consideration the hopes, expectations, values, and preferences that are significant to you. Using clinical sophistication and expertise I incorporate humility, kindness, and passion to create a caring environment. My life experience encompasses living in the Eastern hemisphere and Western hemisphere; also working in East coast and West coast of the U.S. It enriches me to carefully examine things in different angles and not “boxing people in” with narrowly defined categories. I also provide supervision for all learning stages. I look forward to meeting you!
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.
About Me / Specialties I am a licensed psychologist specializing in treating adolescents and young adults with OCD, anxiety (including social anxiety, panic, phobias, and generalized anxiety), and related conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania, tics, and excoriation disorder. I provide evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I see clients in-person in Cambridge, MA and virtually throughout Massachusetts and Texas. I also work with parents, offering coaching to help support their teen or young adult while reducing family accommodations. My goal is to create a compassionate, collaborative space where we take mental health seriously—but not ourselves too seriously. A little humor can go a long way in therapy! Treatment Approach I tailor treatment to each individual, often addressing co-occurring concerns like depression, eating issues, or trauma alongside anxiety or OCD. Using ERP, CBT, ACT, and DBT strategies, I help students manage symptoms, regulate emotions, and make meaningful, lasting changes—all in a supportive and approachable way. Training & Experience I earned my PhD from the University of Virginia, completed my clinical internship at Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for OCD and Related Disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, where I currently see therapy patients and conduct research on OCD spectrum disorders.
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
At the heart of psychotherapy is accompaniment through one’s inner world. Current difficulties, past struggles, individual and familial traumas, hidden hopes and dreams – all of this will be central to making sense of your present and building toward your future. Starting psychotherapy can feel intimidating, but the benefits can be huge: deeper self-understanding, more meaningful and authentic relationships, reduced depression and anxiety, increased self-confidence. I have worked with a diverse swath of undergrad and graduate students in college counseling centers, and have studied and taught at private and public universities across the country. My specializations include relationship struggles, family conflict and crisis, identity development, career direction, academic concerns, gender and sexuality, trauma, spirituality, creativity, chronic illness, immigration, and LGBTQIA+ issues in teens and adults. I am committed to meeting you where you are at in the therapeutic process, and I welcome exploration of racial, sexual, and gender identities. I am a Harvard Medical School Psychiatry fellow trained in psychodynamic, relational, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness-based therapies, but I believe a strong sense of connection is the most important element in seeking a therapist. I encourage you to reach out to a number of practitioners to find a good match. I look forward to hearing from you.
We go through life trying to figure out who we are and whether we can be accepted by family, co-workers, and friends. You learned strategies to show or hide certain parts of yourself to survive after experiencing hurt or rejection, pretending to be "okay" when others ask you how you are feeling to not burden them, but numb on the inside with anxiety or loneliness. Despite the desire to break out of the shell and be happy, life continues to be hard, especially when you look to others and seeing them being happy. And that is why you come to therapy: Because you want life to be meaningful and fulfilling! Therapy will not be simply talking, but a space where we will explore and mend parts of yourself that you love and parts that you avoid. The process may be challenging as I help you rediscover the things you have "swept under the rug" through questions and emotions, but also rewarding as you hopefully come to see yourself in a new light. I will provide a space for you to be you, whoever that may be so that you can look in the mirror and see yourself as deserving of love and happiness. Gamer? Great! Kinks? Awesome! Anime? That's my jam, too! If you are ready to take that courageous step again, please contact me for a 15-minute consultation on what you want in therapy and next steps.
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.
I believe in the power of relationships. We show ourselves, and become ourselves, through our relationships with others. I seek to provide a safe space for collaborative exploration of your thoughts and feelings, including those that may have been pushed aside. By working together to give voice to your desires and fears, and develop non-judgmental awareness of your inner conflicts, you can learn how to give yourself what you need and build resilience. I am a Licensed Psychologist, primarily trained in psychodynamic and family systems practices. specialized in working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, traumatic experiences, and acculturation/identity issues. I am bilingual (English-Spanish) and bicultural, and have an interest in multicultural clients' needs. I individualize/tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the needs and goals of each client, because this should be about you. Whether you yearn for peace, love, authenticity, balance, or even if you do not know what is missing in your life, please contact me to learn more about how therapy can help you find it.
The clients I work best with are those who are open to self-discovery and committed to enhancing their mental well-being. They’re ready to take actionable steps toward their goals and value a safe, supportive space where they can freely explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Life has a way of surprising us — a loss, a betrayal, a diagnosis, or a path that no longer feels right. In these moments, it’s easy to feel unsteady or unsure how to move forward. I specialize in working with college students and young adults who are navigating these turning points and trying to find their footing again. With over 15 years of experience in counseling settings at Harvard and MIT, I offer a warm, supportive space where you can slow down, reflect, and feel understood. My approach is both insight-oriented and practical — helping you make sense of your experiences while building tools for meaningful change. Many of my clients are high-achieving individuals — often children of immigrants, or professionals in higher education and STEM — who appear put-together on the outside while quietly carrying stress, grief, or a sense that something isn’t quite working. If that sounds like you, I can help. Let's get started!
Accepting New clients for tele-health sessions only Born and raised in Boston the owner has intimate knowledge of the city and the challenges people living in the city can face. Beyond that the owner recognized the benefit of working with a therapist that looks and has shared experiences with the client. Boston offers a unique population of families, working professionals, immigrants, and college students from both in and out of state. Each therapist on this team fits in one or more of those categories ensuring their ability to understand where you are coming from and where you want to go. It is out of that philosophy that Through The Forest Counseling was created. We know that for clients to get the most out of each session, they should first feel comfortable not just with the therapist, but also with the surroundings. This plays a significant role in their overall improvement. Let us guide you to your destination of a healthier, happier life.
My approach to therapy is grounded in narrative therapy, with the belief that how you understand and relate to your problems shapes your ability to move forward. Whether it’s depression that leaves you feeling stuck, anxiety that chips away at your confidence, or shame that strains your relationships—we'll explore how these experiences impact your life. Many of these struggles are shaped by external pressures around success, identity, and expectations. In therapy, we’ll work together to uncover what feels authentic and meaningful to you. I offer a collaborative and transparent space for healing. While rooted in narrative therapy, I integrate CBT and DBT techniques to support your growth. My experience includes depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, life transitions, and relationship challenges. At the heart of my practice is a deep respect for your voice and values. My goal is for you to feel empowered and at the center of your healing process. If you’re feeling disconnected from yourself or your path, we can work together to help you find your way back.
Do you often find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, worried, or misunderstood? Maybe these are new struggles or something you’ve been dealing with for a while. Either way, I am glad you are here. I am a Harvard-trained licensed psychologist with expertise in evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, and emotional difficulties. I have been extensively trained in various evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for specific phobias and trauma. As a therapist, I am warm and supportive, and I strive to create a non-judgmental space where, together, we can explore what’s troubling you. My approach is grounded in emotion-focused CBT, helping you better understand your thoughts and emotions in various situations and what needs to change for you to feel better. Together, we can then help you make small, practical changes consistently in your life that can add up to feeling better and more empowered over time. If this sounds like it might be helpful, I invite you to reach out 15-minute consultation call where we can see if we might be a good fit. I look forward to meeting you!
I am passionate about supporting individuals, children, and families who are ready to create healthier dynamics but aren’t sure where to start. I have worked with clients through various mental health concerns, such as trauma, grief, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, or identity exploration. I strive to create a safe, warm, and mutually respectful environment for my clients to engage in self-exploration and break painful cycles. Using attachment-based, culturally informed strategies based on your own unique strengths, we will work together to develop healthier communication patterns, feel deeply supported, and confidently move forward. I integrate Humanistic, Relational, and Psychodynamic perspectives to offer treatment that is deeply informed by your unique experiences. Specializing in family conflict, trauma, anxiety, and neurodiversity, I use attachment-based strategies to help you feel empowered. We will work collaboratively so you and your family feel truly heard. Beginning therapy is often a challenging process to go through, let alone begin, and it takes real courage. You don't have to carry stress, grief, or trauma alone. I am dedicated to building a safe, collaborative space where you feel genuinely empowered to achieve your self-identified goals. Whenever you are ready, please reach out.
Life is full of uncertainty, changes, losses, gains, and growth. Some are expected, some are not. Therapy can help you give voice to your own narratives, make sense of experiences, better understand and embrace who you are, and empower yourself for meaningful changes. This is a journey to enhance relationship with self and others, to extend the sense of safety and belonging, to know the art of accepting and forgiving, to be in touch with resiliency, to move toward self-compassion, and to have the courage of fully being and thriving. Being bilingual, I do therapy in English and Mandarin, with specialties in cross cultural adjustment, identity development, interpersonal relationships, family issues, grief and loss. I enjoy helping individuals who are going through life transitions and needing help and support on battling self critic, experiencing marginalization, and being a POC in a PWI. Therapeutic relationship is dear to my heart. I approach therapy with respect, curiosity, empathy, thoughtfulness, and collaboration. My style is warm, relational, strength based, integrative with multicultural lens and mindfulness approach. If you are interested in learning more about my practice, or have any questions to me, please contact me by phone or email.
Join me in a collaborative focus on your mental health, designed to build resilience, improve the quality of life, and increase self-acceptance. I work with adults and young adults in individual psychotherapy on a short or long-term basis. I have a background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. I treat a range of presenting concerns, including relationship stress, life transitions, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I have experience in college mental health, early intervention in mental illness, and family therapy. I have a special interest in issues of diversity and inclusion, and exploring an individual’s unique relationship to a variety of their own personal intersecting identities.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health and substance use disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. I am especially passionate about advocating for patients and helping them feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their mental health journey. I believe everyone deserves compassionate, respectful care where their voice matters. Mental healthcare can be life-changing when people feel genuinely supported. I incorporate evidence-based therapy modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, exposure therapy, and motivational interviewing. These approaches help build coping skills, change unhelpful thought patterns, regulate emotions, and increase motivation for behavior change, improving overall functioning and treatment outcomes. Outside of work, I unwind by spending quality time with my family, watching sitcoms, and listening to music. I also prioritize taking vacations and time away to recharge, which helps me maintain balance and return to work refreshed and present for my patients.