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The Therapists and Life Coaches at Thrive Boston
Counseling provide expert, caring, and compassionate
services to their valued 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 has a
minimum 5 years experience working in the counseling field, 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 Concierge Benefits.
Thrive Boston Counselors and Therapists
Anthony Centore Ph.D.
Anthony Centore, PhD is the Founder of Thrive Boston Counseling in Cambridge,
MA. He is also the founder of
eCounseling.com, a company that provides online and telephone counseling
services. Dr. Centore helps couples
in crisis and treats clients struggling with a wide range of concerns
including: depression, anxiety, anger, self-esteem, addiction, and many other
life issues.
A
Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Anthony has published research in the Journal of Mental Health Counseling and has published writings on a
wide variety of subjects including: The Role of Religion in Marriage and Family
Counseling (Routledge Publishers), Parenting (Loving Your Child Too Much, Integrity), and The Therapists Clinical Guide to
Online Counseling and Telephone Counseling.
Dr.
Centore has been quoted in numerous publications, recently including the Boston Business Journal and The Boston Globe. He has also been interviewd on ABC News Boston.
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.
Blumit Shmolak MA, LMHC

Blumit Shmolak M.A, LMHC, counsels children, adolescents and adults (including couples counseling and family therapy). Prior to her arrival at Thrive Counseling, Blumit was a clinician at the Adult Partial Program at Westwood Lodge Hospital.She worked with clients, both individually and in group settings, focusing on issues of depression, anxiety, phobias, relationships, communication, life stres
sors, goal setting and transitions.
Blumit offers an integrative approach to help clients reach their goals. Her style is interactive, with an emphasis on client-centered, strength based and cognitive theories. She views therapy as a mutual relationship that provides the client with a safe and empowering environment.
Blumit holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Sciences from Ben Gurion University in Israel and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University. Additionally, Blumit has completed a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy certificate program at Boston University.
Blumit is fluent in English and Hebrew. For her leisure time she enjoys exercising, outdoor sports, reading and spending time with her family.
Eliana Bojkova, Psy.D.
Eliana Bojkova, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist in the commonwealth of Massachusetts. Eliana works with individuals, couples, and families who experience difficulties in daily living and present with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or struggle with relational problems, grief, trauma , or self esteem issues. Dr. Bojkova also works with children.
Eliana is a graduate of Pace University, NY and completed the internship program at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient counseling settings assisting individuals and couples to better understand themselves and build healthy and meaningful relationships. Eliana believes that a trusting client-therapist relationship is the key to success in treatment, and her caring and supportive approach provides the opportunity for healing and personal growth. .
Douglas Nau Ph.D.
Dr. Douglas Nau is a published author of numerous articles and two textbooks on ethics, a former college professor, lecturer, private school chaplain and teacher, middle school guidance counselor, and researcher. He served for over 15 years in the ministry and has been practicing marriage and family therapy with individuals, families and couples for over 35 years.
Dr. Nau has his Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Philosophy from Nova Southeastern University. A native of New Jersey, Dr. Nau spent the last twenty years of his career in Florida in private practice and as Director of Pastoral Care at a private psychiatric hospital and as a consultant to the Lee County Health Planning Council to implement Ryan White funding for men and women with HIV. He previously served on the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy in Pennsylvania.
Dr. Nau has been a Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) since 1995 and its affiliate state branches in Florida and Massachusetts. He holds active state licensure in both Florida and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He has also been cited in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World, The Dictionary of International Biography, and has received awards for his research in marriage and family therapy as well as for his work with earthquake victims in California.
Dr. Nau’s philosophy is simple: take chances; tell the truth; fall in love; say “I love you;” laugh at stupid jokes; cry with someone whose heart is broken; laugh until your stomach hurts and your eyes water; live life to its fullest; and have no regrets.
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.
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 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.
Austin Lin M.S.W., LCSW
In his second career as a therapist, Austin Lin MSW, LCSW works with individuals and couples using tools from narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, CBT, DBT, internal family systems, yoga, mindfulness, and self care.
Austin is a graduate of Harvard College, Simmons College School of Social Work, Bill Madsen's Narrative Therapy Program, Charlie Verge's Couple Therapy Program, and the Wellcoaches® Wellness Coaching Program. He has also participated in trainings with Marsha Linehan, Jett Psaris, and Marlena Lyons.
Austin takes a client-centered, multi-faceted approach to help his clients overcome challenges, expand their awareness, achieve balance, and align their lives with their intentions while learning adaptive, pragmatic strategies to get unstuck, improve intimacy and communication, resolve self-defeating patterns, and unlock their potential for happiness. Austin works with people struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, eating disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders.
Austin grew up in Louisiana and received his A.B. in psychology from Harvard College. Eighteen years later, he earned an MSW from Simmons College School of Social Work. Before changing careers, Austin worked as a live-in cook, photographer, copywriter, college admissions interviewer, and on the '92 and '04 presidential campaigns. His first career included time at such companies as VideoGuide, Firefly Network, MathWorks, D. E. Shaw, Yahoo!, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, and Harvard University.
Austin has served on the boards of Green Street Studios, Rebecca Stenn Company, The National Organization for Women, and the Harvard Women's Leadership Project Alumni Network. He has served on panels addressing issues of race, gender, and social justice.
Austin has been featured in The Boston Globe, The Boston Globe Magazine, The Boston Herald, and WCVB's Chronicle. One of his inventions was chosen in the 2010 Edison Nation Bed Bath and Beyond Product Search. Austin resides in Cambridge, MA, and splits his free time between his private massage practice, daily yoga practice, decluttering, and inventing.
Brittany Hartman M.S.
Brittany J. Hartman M.S. is a Masters level clinician with an eclectic background of counseling experience.
Brittany graduated from Depaul University in Chicago with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Communication Studies. She went on to Barry University in Miami, Florida to earn a Masters in Science in Counseling Psychology specializing in Mental Health Counseling as well as Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brittany also studied at the Adlerian Training Institute in London, England specializing in “Effective Interventions with Children, Adolescents & Families.”
Brittany maintians a client-centered, solution-focused and strength-based perspective with her clients. She also appreciates the importance of “being” with clients wherever they are in their journey towards wellness. She feels honored and excited to witness clients’ self discovery of their own “inner-expert” through the therapeutic process.
New to Boston, Brittany loves exploring the city, biking, running, yoga, reading, live music, frozen yogurt and nature hikes. She also enjoys volunteering, her local church, time with friends and spiritual growth.
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.
Russell Wolf, LMHC

Russell Wolf, LMHC is an artist and athlete at heart. Russ loves sports, colors, 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 counselling 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 31 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.
Russel 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....."
Melissa Mengel, LMHC

Melissa L. Mengel, MA, LMHC, has received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Susquehanna University and Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. She has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts since 2006.
Melissa has extensive experience working with children and adolescents with mental illness. In addition, she has familiarity teaching behavior management techniques and Collaborative Problem Solving techniques to parents. Melissa has provided psychotherapy for various issues including depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, trauma, relationships, communication, and life transitions.
Melissa’s therapeutic approach is eclectic; she draws on principles from Dialectical
Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) with a strong belief in utilizing a strengths-based approach. Melissa is a member of the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys cooking, biking, going to the beach, teaching fitness classes, traveling and reading.
Thrive Boston Counseling: Support Team
Reception and Scheduling - Julie Pettus M.A.
 Julie Pettus, M.A., has a B.S. in Social Science and an M.A. in Counseling (Human Relations) from Liberty Univerity. Julie loves working with people and brings over 20 years of experience. When speaking with a prospective client, she finds it challenging and exciting to be able to help someone find a therapist that will be a great fit and an efffective therapist for their needs.
Julie enjoys traveling, crafts, and online social networking. She is a wife and mother to two fun, active toddlers. She considers her faith the most important part of life.
Dustin Rudd enjoys communicating with clients and feels he has a personal duty in helping new clients connect with a counselor or life coach who will meet their individual and unique needs. Determined to provide excellent support, he always listens and learns from new questions he hears.
Dustin is currently enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, where he is completing a B.S. in Chemistry with Business Emphasis. He appreciates and respects the encouragement and support he receives from his lovely fiancé Laura. When Dustin is not busy with work or college he enjoys playing drums, playing guitar, swimming, biking, and spending time networking with colleagues.
Are you ready to talk to a Thrive Boston
Counselor?
Our number is 617-395-5806. A Thrive Boston Counselor is available today to
talk with you (Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:30pm, and often later). Nervous about calling? You can also
email us at Support@ThriveBoston.com.
Kindly leave your phone number and we will call you back today. We look
forward to talking with you!
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