Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in West Springfield, MA

Toni Vegiard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 6 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents and adults address their unique challenges and live a more fulfilled life. Toni specializes in depression, anxiety, major life transitions, grief, and trauma work. Toni has a background working in intensive juvenile services, residential, and outpatient facilities.

Toni completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at William James College in Newton, Massachusetts. Toni utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

We all go through difficulties in our life. Toni is someone who can listen, support, and validate you as you cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to reach out and schedule an appointment with her, she is ready to support you on your journey.

Afreen Nizami is a resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 5 years experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping children, adolescents, young adults, and adults, and couples address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Afreen specializes in depression, anxiety, PSTD, grief, trauma, school stress, relationship problems, and life transitions.

Afreen completed her Master's degree of Counseling Psychology at Northeastern University. Afreen utilizes multiple approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and many more.

Afreen is confident that she would be able to support you in your journey to live a more fulfilled life by helping you gain new techniques, perspectives, and coping skills. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

I am a Resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 2 years of experience in inpatient psychiatry, outpatient therapy, and programs supporting gender expression and identity. I provide trauma-informed, inclusive care for individuals navigating anxiety, depression, identity exploration, and trauma. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients can engage in emotional growth, self-discovery, and evidence-based strategies for healing.

I hold a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University and have training in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing. My approach is humanistic and creative, helping clients build resilience, develop coping strategies, and achieve personal growth.

I am passionate about helping people reach their full potential in a non-judgmental, supportive environment. Clients can expect to feel challenged and encouraged to build self-esteem, recognize strengths, and move forward with confidence and genuine support.

My name is Autumn, and I was a peer support for 10 years before I became a clinician. I received my master's of social work from Salem State University, and I enjoy working with people who are creative and emotional. I have worked with people managing depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma/PTSD, bipolar, and schizoaffective disorder. I love to see my clients connecting to social supports, exploring their interests, and building relationships. 

My primary focus is on client empowerment. This includes helping to identify environmental factors oppressing your growth and healing, how to navigate imperfect systems to meet your needs, and community building—because healing is not individual work. Healing happens with other people, within communities and relationships. Modalities I use include CBT, DBT, ACT, solution-focused brief therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. 

I can't wait to find the spark of inspiration that lights you up and helps you feel confident to follow your heart. Even one session might help you begin making amazing changes.

Melissa Hinds is a Resident Licensed Mental Health Clinician with 3 years of experience and a concentration in psychodynamic approaches. She works with adults and seniors who are experiencing concerns involving depression, anxiety, family and couples counseling, behavioral problems, anger management, as well as mood and personality disorders. As a queer-identified Afro-Caribbean woman of color, Melissa understands the importance of cultural competency. She has expertise in working with populations diverse in race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, spiritual practices, sexual orientation, gender identity, and political affiliations.

Melissa has a Master of Arts in Psychoanalysis from the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis. She practices modern psychoanalysis, a form of talk therapy that aims to uncover and resolve unconscious forces and childhood experiences that have lasting effects on adult behavior and mental states.

Melissa helps patients explore their patterns, motivations, and defenses to develop healthier coping mechanisms. She believes the greatest therapeutic successes result from a co-creative process and tailors treatment to the individual. Schedule an appointment with her today!