Chana is an Independently Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters Degree in Social Work from Boston University. She grew up in New York City, attended NYU, and explored the globe before falling in love with Boston in 2013. She hasn’t felt the need to travel since.
Chana has worked with children, adolescents, and adults across the country and internationally for over a decade in various settings. Her approach to therapy is humanistic and strengths-based, as she believes that only with unconditional positive regard can people develop true self-acceptance and reach their full potential. Chana believes that the client is the expert on their own challenges and she empowers them to trust in themselves while they navigate life’s ups and downs.
In her spare time, Chana can be found building pillow forts with her three rambunctious boys, listening to podcasts—favorites include The Tim Ferriss Show, The Daily, and Where Should We Begin by Esther Perel—and there’s nothing that makes her happier than sunshine, starting a new book, and a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie.
About me.
My path to becoming a therapist.
Like much of life, my path wasn’t linear—but it led me to where I’m meant to be. I have an insatiable curiosity about the inner workings of people’s worlds and understanding what motivates them. I’m driven by these narratives: what shapes them and how they can be reshaped. Becoming a therapist was the natural career choice to focus on facilitating conversation and introspection about these narrative building blocks and (gently) pushing the boundaries on who we can become with therapeutic support.
What you should know about working with me.
Therapy is driven by you, the client. My job is to provide a safe, judgment-free space, so we can together examine what brought you to therapy, while I focus on creating a therapeutic alliance built on mutual respect and trust—which looks different for each client.
My approach to therapy is humanistic and strengths-based, because I believe that only with unconditional positive regard can clients develop true self-acceptance and reach their full potential. I encourage clients to practice self-compassion and foster their curiosity about themselves. I also support their setting boundaries and help them discover and harness their strengths to accomplish the goals they set.
Ultimately, I try to show up authentically, so my clients feel comfortable doing the same. Over the years, I have found that therapy is not merely a place for discussing what is not working, it’s a place filled with laughter, connection, and celebration, and somewhere clients can feel deeply understood.
How I continue to learn and build my core competencies.
First and foremost, I am a voracious reader. I have an extensive library and enjoy reading new books and research on treatment-related topics. I also participate in workshops on different forms of therapy, and I routinely listen to mental health podcasts. All this helps me stay current on the most up-to-date treatment options and practices.
Another integral part of my learning process is collaborating with other practitioners and mental health professionals. These conversations help me brainstorm and envision new pathways to healing for my clients. I particularly love connecting with providers from different backgrounds who lean into discomfort and challenge their own methodologies and training in pursuit of what is best for their clients.
“Over the years, I have found that therapy sessions are not merely a place for discussing what is not working, they’re a place filled with laughter, connection, and celebration, and somewhere clients can feel deeply understood.”