Grief counselors and therapists in Lowell, MA

I have worked in several clinical and therapeutic settings including working in private practice for several years, and having had the unique opportunity to work with underprivileged folks in a correctional setting both in an individual therapy and group therapy capacity. These unique experiences have given me the opportunity to work across a variety of settings and acquire a multidisciplinary approach for individuals with unique and specific needs.

I’m Sheela M. Palma, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University. With 20 years of experience supporting diverse populations, including high-risk postpartum women and individuals navigating substance use disorders, I bring both clinical expertise and a compassionate, individualized approach to psychiatric care. I work with teens and adults experiencing a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and substance use concerns.

I am a licensed mental health counselor in the Tampa Bay Area and provide therapy in Florida and Massachusetts. I have over 12 years of experience in the mental health field. I have a background in treating co-occurring disorders, common mental health and life challenges. I am passionate about helping young adults, women, and members of the faith community.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. There are credentials I could list and ways for you to assess why I am the right clinician for you, and while those things matter, what I find most true is this: I care deeply about this work.

Finding the right therapist is hard, and on behalf of all therapists, I'm sorry this is true. I won't promise a "safe space" for the people I work with, but I can promise an accountable one. I am committed to learning alongside you, knowing that we will teach each other what comes next. I will create the container for our work, and together, I hope to build a foundation of trust that allows you to heal, grow, challenge, accept, and integrate all that has brought you here.

Many people who come to see me are living with depression, overwhelmed with anxiety, or are processing and healing from past trauma. You might be going through a major life transition or find your usual ways of coping are no longer working. You might feel stuck, uncertain, and disconnected from yourself. Investing in therapy can be difficult when there are so many other things that demand your attention. My role is to help you explore what is important to you, what is getting in the way, and make realistic, actionable steps towards your goals.

Disclaimer: My current role as an Access Clinician at Harvard University Health Services allows me to work with folx from all walks of life. I hold a small caseload in my private practice to focus on my clinical interests. Due to my role, I do not see any actively enrolled Harvard students in my private practice. However, this means you can see me at CAMHS for short-term counseling.

In a world where there is endless advice, online "experts" and seemingly easy fixes, it can be challenging to hit a roadblock and find that nothing feels quite right. Whether it is depression, anxiety, or just a general sense that something is “off”, it keeps you stuck. And you just can't figure out how to fix it. While I have no answers, I offer a place to pause, reflect, and talk about what’s been holding you back. And most importantly, what you want to happen next.

Framingham State University- BS (Bachelor of Science)

Springfield College- MSW (Masters of Social Work)

LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work)

It takes two to speak the truth: one to speak, and another to hear - Thoreau

I strive to help clients by being curious, kind, reliable, and insightful. This is how I believe therapy helps people to grow, and to ultimately feel better about themselves and their lives.

I primarily work through a psychodynamic lens, focusing on a client's emotional life, exploring connections between a client's past and present, and addressing internal conflicts. I also use ideas found in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy such as exploring thought patterns and negative core beliefs.

I work compassionately with generally high-functioning adults who may be experiencing a range of potential symptoms that diminish their mental and/or physical health and well-being. These may include anxiety, perfectionism, and performance challenges; self-esteem and self-worth; body image and disordered eating; managing chronic disease; grief and loss; depression; relationship challenges with friends, partners, and family members; and life and career transitions that may include finding meaning in life. I often work with people who simply find life is easier when they have a non-judgmental connection outside of their usual circles.

You may look like you’re holding everything together, while internally feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unlike yourself. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Art Therapist, I work primarily with women and mothers navigating pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, and major life transitions—including anxiety, intrusive thoughts, OCD, depression, rage, mood changes, birth trauma, relationship changes, and loss of identity. Together, we’ll slow down, understand what’s beneath the surface, and develop practical ways to feel more grounded, connected, and like yourself again.