Therapy in Boston and online across MA - Specializing in DBT, Trauma & Anxiety
Betsy Harris, LICSW
Therapy for those who feel like they’re “too much,” “not enough” or both.
Many of my clients feel like they’re never enough - no matter how hard they try. They're the kind, funny, deeply compassionate ones. The people-pleasers and caretakers.
The ones who suppress their own needs, mask their pain with humor or perfectionism, and wonder if something’s just missing. Many come from families where attention was focused elsewhere - on a sibling’s mental health, or on surviving chaos - and they learned to cope by pushing through, staying quiet, and being “fine.”
Now, those old survival strategies aren’t working anymore. Big emotions feel too big. Relationships feel confusing. Pretending to be fine isn’t cutting it and they’re ready for something to change.
Hi, I’m Betsy Harris, LICSW (she/her)
I'm a Boston-based therapist providing trauma-informed therapy for adults struggling with anxiety, PTSD, overwhelming emotions, or painful relationship patterns. I’m a down-to-earth, authentic therapist who’s dedicated to helping you heal from the past and create a more balanced, fulfilling life.
My clients say my style is non-judgmental, compassionate and real. I tend to be direct and will tell you how it is. I believe in blending lightness and depth; sometimes we’ll dive into heavy stuff, and other times we’ll find space for humor and relief.
I’m not just here to nod and listen - I’ll validate the hard stuff, offer honest feedback, and sometimes bring in humor or TV show references to help things click.
Most importantly, I believe people can get better—and I’ve seen therapy change lives.
Therapy with me is a space where you don’t have to pretend to be fine. You get to be real, and I’ll be right there with you.
Common Topics I Help With
Anxiety, Trauma, Emotional Dysregulation, and Feeling “Too Much”
You might feel stuck in survival mode, constantly overthinking or shutting down. Many of my clients are deeply self-aware but still find themselves repeating the same emotional patterns. You may be:
Anxious in relationships, afraid of rejection or conflict
Emotionally overwhelmed or numbed out—sometimes both
Struggling with perfectionism, body shame, or people-pleasing
Feeling disconnected from your needs, joy, or self-worth
Haunted by past trauma or childhood wounds that still show up today
Anxiety that feels out of control or constant
You’re not alone. These patterns are responses to pain—not reflections of your worth.
Real tools. Real Healing. Real Change.
My Approach
When it comes to healing, I think of it like the difference between mowing weeds and pulling them out at the root.
Surface fixes might make things look better for a little while, but they don’t create real, lasting change. True growth means digging deeper - getting to the patterns and pain that keep showing up, so they don’t have to keep running the show.
I use evidence-based therapies to help you do just that.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches practical skills to manage emotions, set boundaries, and navigate stress.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps process and heal the lingering impact of trauma.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) supports you in shifting unhelpful thought patterns and building healthier habits.
In our work together, you’ll get more than just a place to talk. You’ll gain real tools, insight, and support for lasting change.
My Background & Training
I’ve completed extensive training in DBT and EMDR, and I’m one of fewer than 20 DBT-Linehan Certified Clinicians in Massachusetts.
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I’ve spent over 14 years working in mental health - from residential programs to university counseling to private practice. My experience includes:
McLean Hospital’s 3East DBT Program
Stanford University Hospital
Director of DBT Services at the Mindfulness & Change Group in Watertown, MA
Adjunct faculty at Boston College School of Social Work, where I teach DBT
Education & Credentials
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW #121528), Massachusetts
Master of Social Work, Boston University School of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts, Wheaton College
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DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™
DBT Intensive training through BTech
Dialectical Behavior Prolonged Exposure Protocol for PTSD
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained
Advanced EMDR Training: Attachment wounds and complex trauma
EMDR 2.0 - Enhancing EMDR Therapy
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National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)