Photo of Ayelet Barkai, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Ayelet Barkai
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02139
People are often unaware of, and frustrated by, the emotional and relational roadblocks that repeatedly thwart them. I work with you to clarify and understand these issues and their origins, to help you effect positive change. I believe that the self-understanding that catalyzes such change is best reached by cultivating a psychotherapeutic relationship in which compassionate, honest and constructive communication can occur. I strive to create an environment that encourages the development of empathic and reflective self-awareness, recognizes and fosters resilience, and promotes your optimal well-being.
People are often unaware of, and frustrated by, the emotional and relational roadblocks that repeatedly thwart them. I work with you to clarify and understand these issues and their origins, to help you effect positive change. I believe that the self-understanding that catalyzes such change is best reached by cultivating a psychotherapeutic relationship in which compassionate, honest and constructive communication can occur. I strive to create an environment that encourages the development of empathic and reflective self-awareness, recognizes and fosters resilience, and promotes your optimal well-being.
(617) 440-3237 View (617) 440-3237
Photo of Malak Rafla, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Malak Rafla
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02139
Waitlist for new clients
Leading a fulfilling and happy life can be challenging and may even seem impossible at times. I believe that communicating and connecting via talk therapy is one path towards a happier and more meaningful life. My view is that therapy provides an opportunity to gain insight into one's relationships with one's self, others and society. I use a variety of approaches in my therapeutic work according to what works for each individual person. Together we'll focus on trying to understand the root causes of various problems and repetitive patterns of behavior that are difficult to change.
Leading a fulfilling and happy life can be challenging and may even seem impossible at times. I believe that communicating and connecting via talk therapy is one path towards a happier and more meaningful life. My view is that therapy provides an opportunity to gain insight into one's relationships with one's self, others and society. I use a variety of approaches in my therapeutic work according to what works for each individual person. Together we'll focus on trying to understand the root causes of various problems and repetitive patterns of behavior that are difficult to change.
(857) 259-5821 View (857) 259-5821
Photo of Lazaro Zayas, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Lazaro Zayas
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newton, MA 02459
As a Harvard-trained board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, I believe that excellent psychiatric care is centered on the whole person, not just on a diagnosis or a specific medication. With all that life demands, most people oftentimes struggle with complicated and conflicting feelings. The decision to seek help for your mental health is a big one and the path that leads to meaningful, positive change is not always an easy one. I hope to make this path as comfortable as possible by providing you with an understanding, warm environment that fosters positive change.
As a Harvard-trained board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, I believe that excellent psychiatric care is centered on the whole person, not just on a diagnosis or a specific medication. With all that life demands, most people oftentimes struggle with complicated and conflicting feelings. The decision to seek help for your mental health is a big one and the path that leads to meaningful, positive change is not always an easy one. I hope to make this path as comfortable as possible by providing you with an understanding, warm environment that fosters positive change.
(617) 762-5228 View (617) 762-5228
Photo of Dahyana (Diana) Schlosser, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Massachusetts
Dahyana (Diana) Schlosser
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MEd
Verified Verified
Norwood, MA 02062
Welcome to a place of healing, understanding, and growth. I am a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, committed to providing comprehensive and holistic mental health care to both adults and children. My approach to treatment is grounded in the latest evidence-based practices, yet deeply attuned to the unique circumstances and nuances of life. I believe that truly effective care emerges from a synthesis of scientific knowledge and compassionate, personalized attention.
Welcome to a place of healing, understanding, and growth. I am a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, committed to providing comprehensive and holistic mental health care to both adults and children. My approach to treatment is grounded in the latest evidence-based practices, yet deeply attuned to the unique circumstances and nuances of life. I believe that truly effective care emerges from a synthesis of scientific knowledge and compassionate, personalized attention.
(508) 342-5518 View (508) 342-5518
Photo of Gurvinder Singh Arora, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Gurvinder Singh Arora
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420
I have extensive training and experience in treating a wide array of psychiatric disorders. I am a double board certified psychiatrist with board certifications in Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry.
I have extensive training and experience in treating a wide array of psychiatric disorders. I am a double board certified psychiatrist with board certifications in Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry.
(781) 780-6762 View (781) 780-6762
Photo of Dr. Lucy Muigai, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Massachusetts
Dr. Lucy Muigai
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP-BC
Verified Verified
Worcester, MA 01606
I am a dual board-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Having started as an Educator, My Education and training Include a Master’s in psychology, a Master’s in Community and Public health, a Master’s in Family Nurse Practitioner, CAGS in PMHNP and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. As a Doctorate prepared Psychiatric and Family practitioner, I draw on my knowledge of Nursing, Psychology, Community / Public Health and Education to advocate for and provide the very best solutions for those I serve. I'm glad to be welcoming new patients Via Telehealth and face to face. You can reach me via email /phone call.
I am a dual board-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Having started as an Educator, My Education and training Include a Master’s in psychology, a Master’s in Community and Public health, a Master’s in Family Nurse Practitioner, CAGS in PMHNP and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. As a Doctorate prepared Psychiatric and Family practitioner, I draw on my knowledge of Nursing, Psychology, Community / Public Health and Education to advocate for and provide the very best solutions for those I serve. I'm glad to be welcoming new patients Via Telehealth and face to face. You can reach me via email /phone call.
(774) 235-6883 View (774) 235-6883
Photo of Valeria Dworkowitz, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Massachusetts
Valeria Dworkowitz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bedford, MA 01730
I am an integrative practitioner licensed in NJ & MA who can assess biochemistry to identify important deficiencies/abnormalities that may be related to mental health symptoms. I can provide genetic testing for med management. Patients often seek integrative/"functional" psychiatry after they have trialed multiple medications, experienced unpleasant/unremitting side effects, and have not been able to obtain symptom alleviation with traditional psychiatry. I believe strongly in psychotherapy to help the patient work towards healing. I work collaboratively with other treatment providers and am a strong advocate for my patients needs.
I am an integrative practitioner licensed in NJ & MA who can assess biochemistry to identify important deficiencies/abnormalities that may be related to mental health symptoms. I can provide genetic testing for med management. Patients often seek integrative/"functional" psychiatry after they have trialed multiple medications, experienced unpleasant/unremitting side effects, and have not been able to obtain symptom alleviation with traditional psychiatry. I believe strongly in psychotherapy to help the patient work towards healing. I work collaboratively with other treatment providers and am a strong advocate for my patients needs.
(973) 409-1065 View (973) 409-1065

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Self-Harming Psychiatrists

How does therapy for self-harm work?

A person may turn to self-injury so that they can distract themselves from their stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances. Therapy can address the cause of an individual’s suffering. A therapist can help a person understand why they may want to self-harm and help the person learn new methods of coping. A person may have poor emotion regulation, and treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is helpful for breaking this behaviour. In addition, treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy can help a person manage their tolerance of distress.

Which therapies are best for self-harm?

Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, and mentalisation-based therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are common approaches for people who have painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual cope with distress, regulate emotions, and manage impulsive urges.

Does the tendency to self-harm mean the person is suicidal?

Having this urge does not mean the individual suffers from suicidal ideation. People who want to self-injure look to distract or alleviate themselves from the pain they are experiencing. People with suicidal tendencies want to end life altogether. However, this does not mean a person with the intent to self-harm will not attempt suicide.

How often and how long are therapy sessions for self-harm?

As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Clients may see improvement within 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, maybe, a six-month period. People, especially those with co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, may need to continue therapy for up to 12 to 18 months.