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James Verdery,  Licensed Mental Health Counselor

James Verdery, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Acton, Massachusetts
VerifiedTelehealth Available

Professions: Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Psychotherapist

Languages: English

Telephone: 814-497-5061

My Approach to Therapy

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MHC) based in Acton, Massachusetts, working with children, teens, and adults who struggle to manage their emotions. Many of my clients feel overwhelmed by anger, frustration, confusion, sadness, or loneliness. Despite their best efforts, they often feel as though their emotions are controlling them rather than the other way around. Low self-esteem, anxiety, and difficulty connecting with others can lead to feelings of isolation. My goal is to help clients deepen their understanding of themselves and their emotions while learning practical techniques to manage distress and regain a sense of balance. My therapeutic approach integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic principles. With teenagers and adults, I focus on helping clients build tangible skills in emotional regulation, such as challenging unhelpful thoughts, reducing self-criticism, and practicing grounding and mindfulness strategies. For younger clients, I use play-based therapy to provide a safe, expressive environment that fosters emotional awareness and growth. I encourage all clients to recognize their unique strengths and inherent resilience, fostering greater self-confidence as they navigate daily life. Each session is tailored to the individuals needs, personality, and preferences, ensuring that therapy feels engaging, relevant, and effective.

Expertise & Specialties

Age Groups I Work With

ChildrenTeens

Groups I Work With

Are you unsure how to support your childs mental health? Is anxiety holding them back from trying new things or making everyday situations feel overwhelming? Has your teen lost interest in activities they once enjoyed or begun to withdraw from friends and family? Are you finding it difficult to manage your childs behavior without feeling frustrated or stuck? Many parents and caregivers work hard to guide their children through lifes challenges, but still find themselves unsure of what else to try. It can be difficult to know when to step in, how to respond in the moment, or how to support your child in a way that actually helps things improve over time. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and you dont have to navigate it alone either. Im trained in a range of therapeutic approaches designed to help children and families feel more confident as they manage emotional and behavioral challenges. My work is tailored to each childs unique needs and developmental stage. With younger children, I often use play-based therapy to help them express thoughts and feelings in a way that feels natural and safe. I also incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy and strategies to build practical skills for understanding emotions, managing behaviors, and handling difficult situations more effectively. My goal is to support both children and caregivers in feeling more confident, connected, and equipped to face lifes challenges together.

Therapy Services & Specialties

Concerns & Challenges Addressed

Adjusting to Change / Life TransitionsAngerAnxietyAutism SpectrumBehaviorismCaregiver Issues / StressChild and/or Adolescent IssuesCommunication Problems

Therapeutic Approaches & Evidence-Based Methods

Anger ManagementCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Humanistic Psychology (humanism)

Gallery

Location & Contact