About Me
Lisa is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), family therapist, clinical consultant and educator licensed to practice in Massachusetts since 1995. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Boston College. Lisa's previous experience includes community mental health, as well as many years as a mental health treatment specialist in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts.
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She works with individuals, and their families who struggle with a variety of issues, including gender identity, anxiety, life transitions, and neurodivergence. Lisa helps individuals and their families feel stronger, more confident, and competent in their daily lives. ​
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In 2018, Lisa established a private practice. Her practice, Merrimack River Wellness, has a special interest in the unique therapeutic needs of transgender and gender-expansive individuals, and their families, especially at the intersection of gender and neurodivergence. In addition, Lisa has completed the requirements to be a certified gender specialist with the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH).
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Since opening her practice, Lisa has become licensed in Maine, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.
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Lisa has extensive training in working with the neurodivergent community and is herself, neurodivergent. She has a particular interest in autistic and individuals with ADH (attention-deficit hyperactivity traits)--and often provides guidance to families that are navigating these identities. Lisa embraces the neurodiversity affirming model which recognizes and celebrates natural human biodiversity; there is not a "normal" or "right" way of thinking, feeling or behaving--differences are not deficits.
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Lisa has completed a year-long intensive Family Systems training program with Therapy Training Boston (TTB) and enjoys applying this model when helping families establish a shared vision focused on their unique values and goals.
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Lisa also provides clinical consultation and group supervision to clinicians seeking to become more skilled in working at the intersectionality of gender identity and neurodivergence.
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As a life-long learner, with a strong commitment to using the most current and non-harming practices, Lisa continues to build on her skills and has completed Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 and 2 training as well as continuing to obtain intensive training in the areas of gender identity, and neurodivergence.
Cultural Humility
Lisa believes that it is very important to consider one’s own identity, particularly how various aspects can intersect, and the impact this can have on the therapeutic relationship. Aspects of identity may include age, race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, socioeconomic status, neurotype, nationality, religion, ability, etc. Lisa has worked toward developing a comprehensive understanding and enhanced awareness of how her own aspects of identity intersect and effect her areas of privilege, and is frequently seeking training and supervision, as well as engaging in continued self-reflection/evaluation.