Dr. Cynthia Berman, Psy.D.
Dr. Cynthia Berman, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
As a classically trained psychologist, I view my work as a blend of art and science.
My patients are generally competent, loving people who are struggling with painful issues related to relationships, sexuality, life changes, work and other stressful situations. Many also suffer from situational or long-standing feelings of depression, anxiety or inadequacy. All are motivated to make meaningful change.
I have been in private practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts for nearly 30 years, and am currently offering psychotherapy sessions and clinical supervision via secure video conferencing.
I provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental setting where you can explore your concerns and learn to address them in ways that work for you.
My approach is flexible and collaborative, aimed at developing strategies to effectively address difficult issues while also providing the support necessary to make important and lasting life changes.
Areas of Expertise
- Depression
- Anxiety and Fears
- Relationship
- LGBTQ Concerns
- Career Difficulties
- Life Transitions
- Self Esteem
- Trauma and Recovery (PTSD)
- Grief and Loss
- Sexuality
Approach
My style is open, relational, and collaborative. My approach is based on decades of experience, an eclectic blend of theories, and my understanding that no two people are alike. My focus is on both symptom relief and personal growth.
As a therapist I strive to adjust my style and approach to each individual while drawing on my experience and expertise to best help him/her/them develop the tools, confidence, and understanding of self required to break old patterns and to achieve higher levels of emotional health and life satisfaction. My goal is to help each individual harness his or her own strengths and to develop enhanced coping skills while being most true to his, her or their self.
I am available for individual and couples therapy aimed to develop effective strategies to approach difficult issues and to provide the support necessary to make important life changes.
Why Psychotherapy?
There are times when we all feel depressed, anxious, stuck, or overwhelmed, have difficulties in relationships at home or at work, or struggle with issues related to career, self-esteem, sexuality or finding fulfillment.
Therapy can be helpful at these times. By setting aside a time and place with a safe, skilled and trusted person who has no bias or agenda of her own, it becomes possible to address symptoms of anxiety and depression, to change old patterns of behavior, to increase self-esteem, to heal and to foster personal growth. Therapy can help in making positive choices and decisions, and in developing a better understanding of self and others. It can lead to achieving greater satisfaction in those areas that are most important to all of us — love, work, relationships and play.
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process aimed at facilitating change. The experience is truly unique for each individual, as their personality, goals, and strengths join with the experience, skills, and style of the therapist to obtain desired results.
Teletherapy
Since the spread of COVID-19 has rendered in person meetings unsafe and impractical, I am currently offering all psychotherapy sessions remotely via a HIPPA compliant video-conferencing platform.
Remote meetings come with unique benefits and challenges. Like in-person sessions, remote sessions are scheduled in advance and are 50 minutes in length. For them to be most effective, it is recommended that you find a quiet, private environment for our sessions that will allow you to feel safe to share without outside distractions. In addition, you will need a device with high-speed Wi-Fi, a camera with high resolution, and a quality microphone to successfully support remote therapy sessions.
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Education and Training
I earned my Bachelors of Arts (BA) in Psychology from Wellesley College and my Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (now William James College).
My training is diverse and spans traditional psychodynamic and insight-oriented approaches, relational therapy, symptom-focused treatment, mindfulness, and trauma theory. Before establishing my private practice in 1993, I trained in several clinical settings, including Harvard Medical School’s Cambridge Hospital, New England Medical Center’s Outpatient Psychiatry Department, and Simmons College’s Counseling Center. I also worked in a variety of residential, inpatient, school, and community-based venues.
I am licensed in the state of Massachusetts and have been providing psychotherapy for individuals and couples since 1993.
Choosing the Right Therapist
Training, skill, and experience are critical in assuring a successful therapeutic experience. Yet, research has shown that a sense of comfort and fit with the therapist as a person is the essential factor in determining a successful outcome in therapy.
As good fit and rapport is critical, it can often take one or more meetings to determine if the match is one that will be right for you. Finances and insurance may also play a role in choosing a therapist.
Please note that I am not taking any insurance at this time, but I am happy to provide you with a receipt that may be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Contact Me
I offer short phone consultations to briefly discuss your concerns and general goals for therapy, to make an initial assessment of whether I might be the right person to meet your specific needs, and to review the logistics of scheduling and payment.
Please use the form below to contact me or schedule an initial consultation.
