Thrive Boston Counselors and Therapists
(Cambridge Counselors, Therapists and Life Coaches also available).
The Therapists and Life Coaches at Thrive Boston Counseling provide expert, caring, compassionate services to their clients. In fact, clients report that one of the most helpful things about Thrive is the "strong relationship" they build with their Therapist.
At Thrive Boston Counseling, we partner with you to heal past hurts, manage life's challenges, and beat all the odds so that you will Thrive in life. We want you have a life you value and that you are excited to live.
Every professional working at Thrive is fully licensed, has a minimum 5 years clinical experience, holds a masters or doctoral-level mental health degree, and all Thrive Boston therapists participate in rigorous continuing education.
At Thrive Boston Counseling, you can be sure you are receiving top-quality service. Learn More about our premium-level Care.
Meet the Counselors at Thrive Boston
Anthony Centore Ph.D.
Anthony Centore, PhD is the Founder of Thrive Boston Counseling in Cambridge,
MA., and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Anthony has published research in the Journal of Mental Health Counseling, is a monthly columnist for Counseling Today magazine, and is Private Practice Consultant for the American Counseling Association. In addition, he has been quoted in numerous publications including: The Boston Globe, The Boston Business Journal, The Monitor, and The Atlanta Journal Constitution. He has also been featured on ABC News Boston.
Teresa Blevins, Ph.D is a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts. She holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Auburn University and and has post-doctoral training at Texas A&M University and The University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Teresa enjoys working with individuals, couples, and groups to explore the experiences of their lives and the resulting impact on mood, relationships, and general well-being. Some of Teresa's clinical work is based in Adlerian Theory, which focuses on encouragement and figuring out how to use one's strengths to move forward in living (this incorporates some exploration of the past as well as tools for moving forward) like increasing mind-body awareness (Mindfulness) and Cognitive Behavioral techniques. She works to meet the client where they are and create a safe space for exploration and self compassion. Teresa has worked extensively with individuals and groups struggling with depression and anxiety, body image and disordered eating concerns, struggles with identity and changing phases of life, and survivors of sexual assault. Additionally, she is passionate about prevention and education around mental health concerns and how we can better connect and care for ourselves and others.
Dr. Teresa Whitehurst
Dr. Teresa Whitehurst is a licensed clinical psychologist and writer who’s worked for decades in private practice, at McLean Hospital, the Harvard Medical School teaching hospital, at New England Medical Center; and at the Learning Innovations Laboratory (LILA) at Harvard University with executives of major organizations from around the world.
Dr. Whitehurst has been trained in and uses—depending on the needs and desires of the client—a variety of interesting and effective treatment strategies. One or more may be combined with traditional talk therapy, if indicated. These include: biofeedback, hypnotherapy, life and career coaching, substance abuse/addiction therapies, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), phobia and trauma desensitization techniques, role-playing, grief counseling, therapeutic journaling, and drama therapy.
Dr. Whitehurst received her doctoral degree from Vanderbilt University and her internship in joint programs at the Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA and the Los Angeles V.A. Medical Center. Her post-graduate training was at Tufts-New England Medical Center, and she then worked with teens and their families at the Boston Juvenile Court Clinic. She received specialized training in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, substance abuse/addictions, eating disorders, and anxiety/panic disorders. Dr. Whitehurst has written books, weekly columns for several newspapers, chapters in psychology and psychiatry textbooks, and is a frequent guest on call-in radio and TV shows. Additionally, Teresa has experience working with the issue of weight-loss, and in April of 2013, Teresa signed a book contract to write on psychological strategies for people who need to exercise and lose weight, but just hate it and can't do it.
Lynn Chosiad, PsyD
Lynn Chosiad, PsyD is a licensed psychologist in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Chosiad has had varied clinical experiences working with diverse populations in many different settings. She completed the predoctoral internship program at Vermont's Norwich University, the nation's oldest private military college, where many of her clients were veterans and/or non-traditional students. Her post-doctoral training was in the Intensive Outpatient Program at the Cambridge Eating Disorder Center in Cambridge, MA.
In addition to working with clients who struggle with disordered eating and other weight and body image disturbances, Dr. Chosiad has extensive experience treating anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, relational issues, grief/loss, trauma, and family, career, and educational issues.
Dr.Chosiad works with adults, couples, families, and adolescents. Dr. Chosiad brings an eclectic approach into the room: while formulating cases psychodynamically, she regularly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (CBT, DBT) skills. She also uses active listening to help clients observe the themes that recur in their lives and gain improved understandings of themselves and their motivations. Dr. Chosiad brings care and empathy to her work; she is passionate about helping everyone to reach greater self-awareness and self-actualization.
Steven Graubard Ph.D.
Steven Graubard, PhD is a consulting and clinical psychologist with over thirty years' experience as both a licensed psychotherapist and organizational consultant. In his clinical role, Steve works with adults, taking a cognitive-behavioral and paychodynamic approach that is focused on achieving lasting results.
Between 2000 and 2004, Steven served as vice president and senior consultant for State Street Bank’s Leadership and Change group, the talent management and leadership development arm of Human Resources and Organizational Performance. In this role, Steven was the primary architect of State Street’s global executive assessment and development process, executive and senior management coaching function, organizational development initiatives, strategic planning processes for key business units, and organization-wide change management.
Steven has been affiliated with global and regional consulting firms, such as Personnel Decisions International, Right Management Consultants, The Corporate Advisory Group, and Powell & Wagner Associates.
Today, Steven--who is a Clinical Psychologist, Licensed to practice in Massachusetts--provides counseling therapy and executive coaching services. He helps individuals improve their emotional, personal, and career lives with a well-rounded clinical approach. Steve also helps couples overcome troubles and challenges in their relationships.
Mike Sperber M.D. (Psychiatrist)
Mike Sperber, MD was trained in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School’s McLean Hospital where he is currently a psychiatric consultant. Dr. Sperber is also a renouned author in the field of psychiatry, his most recent book based on excelling in life after a trauma.
Dr. Sperber believes that the "art of living" involves developing the ability to use one’s adversities to grow. Through this difficult process, Dr. Sperber helps his clients develop resilience to life’s difficulties, so that they can excel in life.
Dr. Sperber says the following about his apporach to effective and balanced care: "When I work with clients, sometimes medications are necessary. In general, I try to prescribe the smallest amounts needed, for the shortest periods of time they are needed. Always, every client is treated as an individual, with his or her unique set of challenges, strengths, and goals."
Alan Fisch M.D (Psychiatrist)
Alan Fisch, MD has decades of experience working in the field of psychiatry as both a clinician and educator. He has taught Psychopharmacology at Metrowest Medical Center, and Family Therapy at the Beth Israel Deaconness Hospital, in Boston.
Dr. Fisch is a licensed psychiatrist and is also Board Certified in Psychiatry. In addition, Dr. Fisch achieved the status of being a Diplomate in the American Board of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Fisch has particular expertice and interest working with families, and persons with addiction issues. Dr. Fisch lives in Brookline, Massachusetts with his wife; and they have four grandchildren. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Fisch is active in the community and has served on the boards of several community councils and organizations, including the Brookline Mental Health Center and the Brookline Commission for the Arts.
Sam Shinohara Psy.D.
Sam Shinohara, Psy. D is a licensed clinical psychologist. Sam obtained a Doctor of Psychology in clinical psychology at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology in Boston.
Sam is fluent in both English and Japanese. He is a Japanese Speaking Psychologist that offers counseling and psychology.
Sam specializes in child, adolescent, and adult mental health; often working with couples and families. Sam has diverse experience from working at Tufts University Student Health Service, elementary schools, high schools, and community health centers in Boston (including Riverside Emergency Services, where Sam provided psychiatric and substance abuse assessment, and counseling for individuals in crisis).
In addition, Sam has worked as an Industrial Psychologist, and has exceptional knowledge about workplace conflict and corporate group dynamics.
Sam’s primary approach is eclectic with a mixture of psychoanalytic and humanistic counseling approaches. Sam acknowledges and cherishes the importance of faith in religions and its role for the improvements of clients’ mental health.
Russell Wolf, LMHC
Russell Wolf, LMHC is an artist and athlete at heart. Russ loves sports, playing music, dancing, writing funny letters, and creativity in general. Though very aware of how difficult life can be, Russell tries to be as playful and creative as possible in his counseling work.
Russell has recieved a Bachelors in Psychology from Yale College, and a Masters of Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education (focusing on group, community, and organizational consultation). In addition, he has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts since 1991.
While Russell helps a variety of clients, he has particular interest in helping couples in conflict, guiding clients through life and career issues, helping clients with depression and anxiety, counseling children, providing family therapy, running therapy groups, and consulting with organizations around team building.
Russell has 34 years experience as a mental health counselor helping all age groups in hospitals, residences, and outpatient settings. He has 21 years experience providing emergency psychiatric evaluations and emergency interventions with children and families in crises (involving suicidality, homicidality, psychosis, substance abuse), and Russell has 12 years experience doing the same emergency psychological care with adult populations.
In counseling, Russell employs a mix of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and mindfulness approaches tailored to find the quickest solutions to problems and conflicts. However, he is willing to use longer term therapy approaches as needed. In treatment with Russell, counseling is viewed as a holding environment and a "safe haven" where clients can experience their fears and struggles safely and their "selves" more fully and powerfully. This process helps clients to put any pain in their lives into manageable perspective.
Russell wants his clients to understand that, "We all fall off the tracks every now and then. My goal is to help others learn how to get themselves back on track and take that learning with them....."
Deborah Brigandi MSW, LICSW
Deborah Brigandi MSW, LICSW has received a Bachelor of Science from Simmons College in Nutrition, and a Masters Degree from Boston College.
Deborah works with adults who are coping with depression, anxiety, and major life transitions, as well as couples experiencing relationship challenges. Deborah also has additional training and experience helping clients with nutrition-related diseases and weight management issues.
For the past decade, Deb has provided psychotherapy for individuals and couples struggling with a wide range of life challenges including: anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, grief, and self-esteem issues.
As a certified trainer by the Alzheimer’s Association, deborah has worked with geriatric clients and she has helped many families as they endure powerful emotions that emerge from difficult decision-making.
Deborah uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). She concentrates her attention on fostering a strong connection with her clients, building continuity and trust. She brings her clients' strengths into focus to help them realize their pathways toward happy and fulfilling livese.
Deb cherishes time spent with her family. For relaxation and recreation she enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, hiking and yoga.
Mark Nickolas, Ph.D.
Dr. Mark Nickolas completed his doctoral work in psychology at Boston University and was trained at The Danielsen Institute and at the Center for Anxiety Related Disorders.
In addition to psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral methods, Mark has received specialized training in choice theory, depth oriented brief therapy, family systems theory, group therapy, pastoral psychotherapy, logotherapy and imago therapy. He draws from all of these in his clinical work with individuals, couples and groups.
Mark has helped men and women of all ages overcome symptoms associated with depession, bipolar disorder, anxiety, somatoform disorders, adjustment issues, personality disorders, sexual dysfunction, relationship problems, spiritual and religious issues, addiction, and trauma.
In counseling, Mark’s goal is to create a sacred space in which his clients better understand themselves and ultimately recover their heart's deep passion so that they can take on life’s challenges with courage, wisdom, and joy.
Fatima Aydin Ph.D.
Fatima Aydin, Ph.D. has been a Licensed Psychologist since 1999. She obtained her doctorate from Boston University and underwent her clinical training at various clinics and hospitals in the Boston area, including the Beth Israel Hospital.
Over the years, Fatima has had the opportunity to work with people of all backgrounds with a wide variety of issues. No matter what issues clients initially came in with, Fatima helped them figure out what their life path ought to be. Fatima is also the founder of the LifePath Institute, which offers a variety of support services both in-person and online to assist people with the process of clarifying and establishing a life path that feels true to who they are.
Her goal is to help people gain clarity about themselves and determine what is of real value to them so they can establish a life of meaning for themselves. Fatima looks forward to getting to know you an the opportunity of sharing this journey of self-discovery and healing with you.
Jessica Lutkenhouse Psy.D.
Dr. Jessica Lutkenhouse is a licensed psychologist in the commonwealth of Massachusetts. She obtained her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from LaSalle University, and completed her pre and post-doctoral training at The Ohio State University and Princeton University. She has published in professional journals and has presented at several national conferences.
Dr. Lutkenhouse is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and tends to integrate both mindfulness and positive psychology techniques in treatment. Dr. Lutkenhouse has extensive experience conducting couples counseling sessions, as well as individual and group psychotherapy services for adults struggling with anxiety and depression. She also specializes in providing sport psychology consultation to athletes, teams, and coaches wishing to utilize evidence-based psychology to improve performance. In her spare time Dr. Lutkenhouse enjoys running, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.
Thrive Boston Counseling: Support Team
Scheduling - Janelle Howard
