Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Lawrence, MA

I am a seasoned clinician with over 20 years’ experience working with adults and older adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, family/relationship issues, grief, loss, career fatigue and other life stressors. I think of therapy as a partnership between client and therapist. I especially enjoy working with individuals and couples that feel “stuck,” are in crisis, or who are going through periods of difficult life transition. Through active listening and practical solution focused guidance, I lead clients on a path towards growth, change, and greater self-acceptance.

Hi, I’m Jessica, psychotherapist and founder of A Wholehearted Way Counseling. I work with individuals and couples who are moving through periods of anxiety or depression that often show up during life transitions, including perinatal and postpartum experiences, grief and loss, identity shifts, and relationship challenges whether in monogamous or non-monogamous partnerships.

I know that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, and I aim to offer a warm, grounded space where you don’t have to navigate these experiences alone and can begin to feel more supported, understood, and connected to yourself.

I work with adults who may appear to be managing life well but privately feel anxious, lonely, stuck in their relationships, or caught in patterns they understand intellectually but can't seem to change.

Originally trained as a psychologist in Australia, I bring nearly two decades of clinical experience to my work in the US. My style is warm, straightforward, and engaged—I won't simply sit back and nod.

You may be overthinking a relationship, adjusting to a loss or major life change, struggling with anxiety or OCD, or simply realizing that the way you've been coping isn't working anymore. Therapy can be a place to understand what's underneath those patterns—and begin changing them.

I provide a proven mind-body integrated approach that helps adults heal from the impact of trauma, addiction, anxiety, interpersonal problems, self-hate, and more. I am a lifelong learner with vast training and experience in internal family systems (IFS), yoga, polyvagal theory, mindfulness, and self-compassion. I bring a nonjudgmental, compassionate, and open-minded to work with my people.

While every person's journey is unique, many clients report feeling more hopeful, confident, and emotionally grounded as they begin the therapeutic process. Seeking therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, understood, and never judged.

For more than a decade, I've worked with children, teens, adults, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and everyday stress. I believe that the foundation of successful therapy is a genuine, trusting relationship. I take the time to get to know you, meet you where you are, and tailor treatment to your unique needs and goals.

Clients often describe me as warm, compassionate, and easy to talk to. They appreciate that I balance listening and validation with practical tools they can begin using in their daily lives. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for change, we'll work together at a pace that feels right for you. My hope is that you'll leave each session feeling heard, supported, and equipped with strategies to help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

My journey started with volunteering in the Guidance Counselor's office at my high school. In this setting, my emotional intelligence and level of empathy began to grow. I decided to study Psychology to understand how the mind works, then studied Social Work to understand how that mind works when affected by events in the environment. I have worked extensively with children/ students, the LGBTQIA+ community, people living with HIV/ AIDS, the elderly, Veterans, Immigrants, couples and families. I accept clients no matter their race, gender, ethnicity or background. I utilize a strength- based approach for my clients as I believe we all have the ability to take control of our own lives.

As a licensed mental health counselor, I believe that mental well-being is foundational to living a fulfilling and connected life. Taking the step to begin therapy can be challenging, and I commend you for making that choice. Over the course of my career in college and community mental health, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals navigate substance use, addiction, anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, and challenges with motivation. My goal is to create a compassionate, judgment-free environment where growth and healing can take root.