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What kind of therapy do you do?

 

I describe myself primarily as an Existential therapist. You can read a little more about what that means here, but in a nutshell, I work with clients to explore meaning, reckon with loss and change, and understand identity. I also focus on the treatment of trauma. I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based treatment for acute and chronic trauma, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for trauma, anxiety, and treatment resistant depression. I utilize somatic (body based) techniques within both of these modalities. In addition, I bring elements from Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral and other talk therapies to help clients understand repetitive patterns, work with strong emotions, and learn to communicate skillfully in relationships.

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What is EMDR?

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Check out an article I wrote for Mad in America, EMDR in a Nutshell, for info about this modality and how I use it.

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What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy?

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Ketamine is a legal and safe psychedelic medicine. Its advantages are twofold: first, during the session, emotion and insight are more easily accessible; and second, it enhances neuroplasticity for days to weeks afterwards, which can assist "keeping the change". It is not a magic bullet, but it is a wonderful accelerant of the familiar essential work of therapy.

Before a ketamine session, I will work with you to identify your intentions. During administration and subsequent change of consciousness, I will sit with you and provide guidance and support. Afterwards, I will facilitate your understanding and integration. I contract with Journey Clinical for psychiatric and medical evaluations, and ketamine prescription.

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What kinds of clients do you see?

 

I see adult clients individually as well as in groups. (At this time I do not work with couples or poly partnerships, though this is my next target for training!) I'm proud to say that the majority of my clients are members of the queer and polyamorous communities. I enjoy working with many millennials, as well as folks on the Autism spectrum.

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What are your qualifications?

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Being a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts means my training emphasized direct client work above research & assessment. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Cornell University in 2011, and my Masters of Arts in Psychology from William James College in 2014. Beginning in 2013, I have also completed several postgraduate trainings and seminars with the New England Center for Existential Therapy, or NECET (learn more). My clinical experience with adults includes community mental health and psychiatric hospitals, hospice work, and college success programs.

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How does payment work?

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Please be aware that I do not take insurance. Many clients are able to receive partial or full reimbursement for our sessions by filing out of network, depending on your policy.

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Is it ok to call with questions before scheduling an initial session?

Please do! Studies show that trust and fit with one's therapist is the most important factor in a beneficial therapy outcome, even more so than therapeutic technique. I encourage clients to get to know me in whatever ways feel important, and to move along from any therapist they don't feel a gut resonance with. I encourage anyone interested to schedule a 15 minute call (no charge) by emailing me at kerrypinnisicounseling@gmail.com.

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What do you like to do outside the office?

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I sing with the Kinsey Scales and just fell back in love with chess. I'm dedicated to exercise, particularly rowing, yoga, and swimming, and I'm fascinated with learning about anatomy and physiology. I love playing board games and video games (and attending conventions!), making music (piano, guitar, and voice), and painting and calligraphy. Let me know if we have any interests in common!