An examined life,
fifty minutes at a time.
I'm Dr. Jaclin Gerstel-Friedman, a licensed psychologist serving Massachusetts residents.
My approach sits between contemplative practice and psychodynamic psychotherapy: the stillness of the one, the long memory of the other. We will draw on psychological theory, but also on philosophy, sociology, intersectionality, the arts, neuroscience, theology.
Serving Massachusetts through telehealth.
How I can help
Life transitions
New parenthood, relationships beginning or ending, relocation, loss, or the quieter crisis of waking one morning and not recognizing the life you so carefully built. A transition is the moment the old story stops explaining things. We write the next chapter on purpose, rather than letting it happen to you.
Anxiety, depression & stress
Whether these are new or lifelong companions, we will work to understand what they are telling you, and then renegotiate the terms.
Identity & belonging
Racial and cultural identity, women's experiences, LGBTQ+ identity, Jewish identity, spirituality, faith and the loss of it. The question of where you belong is older than psychology, and psychology is only one of the ways we will approach it. Every part of you is welcome here, including the parts that argue with each other.
Simple, transparent process
1 · Phone consultation
We start with a free 15-minute phone consultation. This is a low-pressure way to see whether we're a good fit and answer your questions.
2 · Initial intake
Our first sessions are about understanding what brings you in, what you've already tried, and what you want to be different.
3 · Weekly sessions
We meet weekly by secure video for 50 minutes. Fees and insurance details are published openly on the fees page.