HOW WE HELP

  Individual Therapy

  Group Therapy

  Couples Therapy

  Family Therapy

  Medication Management

  Guest Speaking

  Consultation

ABOUT US

FAQ

CONTACT

CLinical team

Central Mass Counseling & Wellness was founded by Lauren Griff. Also known by her nick name, Loni has over 20 years experience helping children, adolescents, adults and families. Our clinical team is growing!

*Please click on the photos below to learn more about our clinicians

Q

Lauren Griff

I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees at Anna Maria College. First earning my Masters in Counseling Psychology in 2005. I went on to obtain my CAGS in Counseling Psychology and I currently hold a LADC I, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I & am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have worked in a variety of settings with all ages, including inpatient adult mental health, inpatient children’s mental health, outpatient, long term residential and community based living. My expertise is in trauma, behavioral and anxiety related work. I pride myself on out of the box thinking for every patient I am working with to try and create the best possible avenues for empathic healing.

License(s): LADC I, LMHC (pending)

Specialties: CBT, Mindfulness, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care

Lauren Griff, LADC, LMHC
Owner/Founder

Q

Patti Ellis

I received my BA in Psychology from Fitchburg State in 2005 before heading to Assumption College, where I received my Master’s in Counseling in 2007. I graduated with concentrations in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Child & Family Therapy. I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including residential, outpatient, community based, and in-home. My areas of clinical interest include adolescent mental health, anxiety and depressive disorders, and DCF involved youth.

I believe that therapy doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming – especially when you’re young. I try to create a relationship with my clients that is safe, honest, and fun in order to be supportive during tough times. I use my training in different modalities to create an individualized approach that meets you where you’re at so you can make positive changes in your life.

License(s): LMHC

Specialties: Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults, CBT, Trauma Informed Care, ARC

Payment: Self-pay

Patti Ellis, LMHC

Q

Laura Gosselin

I completed a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Fitchburg State University in 2009. I graduated with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology in 2012 from Framingham State University. Since that time, I have worked in outpatient settings, methadone treatment, residential programs and incarcerated individuals. I am passionate about working with individuals struggling with trauma, legal issues, suicidal ideations/self-injurious behaviors, anxiety and depression. I believe whole heartedly in viewing each individual as a whole person and strive to cater my treatment approach to each unique individual. Similarly, I believe that creating a strong working relationship with each individual lends to the most meaningful opportunities for change. I thrive to create a warm and supportive space for each individual that I have the opportunity to work with and implement strategies based in positive psychology, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy.

License: LMHC

Certification: CCTP (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional)

Specialties: Adults, Forensic, Trauma, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, CBT, Self-Injury, ACT

Laura Gosselin, LMHC

Q

Sara Underwood

I earned my Masters degree from Northcentral University specializing in forensics psychology. I have worked in a variety of settings for mental health and substance abuse, including detox and css, dual treatment facilities, incarcerated populations, families, couples and adolescence. I also hold a certification in Art therapy. I am well versed in mindful practices including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy. With practices in meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and singing bowls. I love diving deep and thinking outside the box with all ages, to help assist and support in the clients therapeutic journey.

Specialties: Substance Abuse, Art Therapy, Couples, Families

Sara Underwood, LADC-1

Q

Cara Colavito

I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Suffolk University in 2011 and my Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University in 2015. I currently hold my LICSW and have worked as a Clinician, Supervisor, and Director over my years in the field. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples in a variety of settings including in home therapy, inpatient hospitals, group living environments, and outpatient settings. My hope is to partner with clients to build a therapeutic relationship based on trust, transparency, and always being trauma informed. My style is integrative, meaning I pull from many different treatment modalities, but some examples of what I use include Narrative Therapy, CBT, Structural and Strategic Family Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

“Our wounds are often openings into the best and most beautiful part of us” -David Richo. I share my favorite quote to remind us that some starting therapy feel defeated, scared, angry, or confused. Some may feel excited, hopeful, or motivated. Whatever combination of emotions you may be feeling, my intent is to meet you where you are and walk beside you through this process.

Specialties: Narrative Therapy, CBT, Structural and Strategic Family Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing

Cara Colavito, LICSW

Q

Kim Hager

I earned a Bachelor’s degree in sociology and English from Assumption University in 2006 and a Master’s in social work with a concentration in children, youth, and families from Boston College in 2010. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts, and I have 17 years of professional work experience and 10 years of supervisory experience. I am trained in Attachment Regulation Competency (ARC) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I am passionate about working with individuals and families struggling with trauma, grief/loss, medical complexity, foster care/adoption, and anxiety. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment and to build strong therapeutic rapport with everyone with whom I am privileged to work. I offer a strength-based approach, along with evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and narrative therapy, to promote client growth, healing, and empowerment.

License: LICSW

Specialties: Children, Adolescents, Adults, Families, Grief/Loss, Trauma, Foster Care, Adoption, Medical Complexity, Anxiety, Depression

Kim Hager, LICSW

Q

Nicole Gagne

I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 1992. I completed my master’s degree in counseling psychology at Assumption College in 1995 and a certificate of advanced graduate studies (CAGS) in 2018. My concentration is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Child & Family Therapy.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have extensive experience working in mental health for the last 30 years. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings including in-home therapy, inpatient hospitals, residential settings, and outpatient settings. My areas of clinical interest include adolescent mental health, ADHD, anxiety and depressive disorders, and bi-polar disorder.

I believe that therapy is a partnership between the individual and clinician working together towards a stated goal. My job is to teach you tools to move towards your goal and support you on the journey.

Nicole Gagne, LMHC

Q

Joan Moylan

I completed my master’s degree in 1992 from Anna Maria College with a degree in Counseling Psychology. In 1994 I was certified in Family System Therapy from Cambridge Family Institute. Since this time, I have worked in community mental health, adolescent residential programs, and in 2010 I maintained a private practice for 10 years. During this time, my focus of treatment was utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family System Therapy, and Behavioral Therapy.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 30+ years of experience. I was recently trained in Attachment, Regulation, Competency (ARC) Therapy in 2020. I was also trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in 2023. My areas of clinical interest include adolescent mental health, Family therapy, DBT, Depression and Anxiety disorders.

In collaboration with you, I will guide you through the development of adaptive coping skills related to current needs in hopes of this moving you closer toward your goals.

License: LMHC
Specialties: Children, Adolescents, Adults, Families, Anxiety, Depression, DBT, ARC, and Mindfulness.

Joan Moylan, LMHC

Q

Stephanie Sawyer

I received my BA in Psychology with honors distinction from Becker College in 2005, and graduated with my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Bay Path University in 2015.

I am a licensed mental health counselor, 300 hr trained Yoga Instructor and have experience working in the mental health/human service field since 2005. I have worked with individuals as young as 5 years old to 104 years. I have experience working as a mentor, support worker, In home therapist, Care coordinator, emergency service clinician, homelessness, Crisis Stabilization and Respite services. My trainings include EMDR, TF-CBT, ARC, MI, DBT and Yoga for trauma and Mindfulness. I specialize in depressive disorders, anxiety, trauma, grief and infertility, and supervision for licensure hours. I am in the process of obtaining my Certification for Supervision.

“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t”. ~John Green

Stephanie Sawyer, LMHC

Q

Niss Wrightson

Bio coming soon!

Niss Wrightson, LADC-1

Q

Tania Elhoussan

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degree from Assumption University. I attained my BA in 2020 specializing in human services and later received my Masters in rehabilitation counseling. I have worked in different settings including youth and family behavioral health services, outpatient treatment, detox/Clinical Stabilization, and community outreach treatment working with the homeless population. My areas of interest include substance use, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and couples counseling. I am well versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-Based Counseling.

Throughout all my years of working in this field, my number one goal has always been to create a safe and non judgmental space that allows individuals to feel heard, at peace, and able to freely communicate their needs. I also strive to break the stigma surrounding therapy and hope to educate individuals that seeking therapy does not equal weakness. It equals strength.

License: LADC-1

Tania Elhoussan, LADC-1

Q

Maria Betancourt-Trujillo

I moved to Massachusetts in 2016 from Puerto Rico, where I completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and pursued graduate studies in the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the University of Puerto Rico.

My work focuses on supporting adults, with a specialization in trauma, life transitions, and addiction. I also enjoy working with the male population, approaching therapy from a psychodynamic perspective.

As a first-generation Cuban American and fully bilingual Latina raised on the island of Puerto Rico, I deeply understand the complexities of cultural nuances that shape our everyday experiences. This perspective informs and enriches my practice as I strive to create a supportive and culturally sensitive environment for my clients.

Maria Betancourt-Trujillo, LADC-1, PhD (C)

Q

Stephanie Bitsoli

I graduated from Regis College in 2019 with a background in high school history before getting my Master’s in Social Work from Simmons in 2021. For several years, I worked with children and families in community mental health before transitioning to group practice. My approach to therapy involves a mixture of motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, based on the needs of whom I am working with. I believe in the power of self-awareness, and through that my goal for each client is to help them better lead the lives they want to have.

License: LICSW
Speciality: Adolescents and Families, DBT, CBT, Trauma

Stephanie Bitsoli, LICSW

Q

Sabrina Gabriele

I hold a Bachelor’s of Arts in Art Therapy with a minor in studio art and a Master’s of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology, both from Anna Maria College where I graduated in 2024. I have worked in mental health for 5 years in which I have worked with a variety of individuals including toddlers, adolescents, young adults, and adults in which I provided individual, group, and family counseling. I have worked in various settings including assisted and skilled nursing facilities, behavioral child care centers, a private school for children and adults with developmental disabilities, and inpatient substance use and recovery treatment. I have found a passion in helping individuals navigate their mental health journeys with clarity, compassion, and practical tools for sustainable wellness. I have worked to build strong, trusting relationships with clients, fostering a space where healing and growth can occur. I use a collaborative approach to ensure individuals are heard, validated, and seen. Drawing on a diverse set of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and psychodynamic techniques, I support clients in navigating complex emotional challenges and achieving meaningful, lasting change.

Supervised by Laura Gosselin, LMHC

Specialties:
• Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorder
• PTSD and Trauma
• Personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use and recovery
• Schizophrenia and psychosis
• OCD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Adolescence, Young Adult, and Adult

Sabrina Gabriele, MA

Q

Chantel Walls

I am from Queens, NY and relocated to RI to pursue my educational and career goals. I am a pre-licensed clinical mental health counselor. I have about 11 years of experience working in social and human services servicing RI and MA. Working with at-risk adolescents in residential group home settings has given me experience providing trauma-informed care, which has helped me increase my knowledge and proficiency in recognizing behavioral reactions brought on by trauma. I’ve also had the chance to work with individuals who have substance use and mental health disorders. I have also had the opportunity to serve within the arena of foster care and understanding the emotional impact that comes with children placed within foster care and serving families that have chosen to become foster parents. After leaving institutional settings, I started using Applied Behavior Analysis to better understand behaviors in adults and children with intellectual disabilities.

After working for some time within different settings, my philosophy lies at the foundation of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). CBT focuses on identifying negative thought patterns and realigning those thoughts to more positive thoughts leading to positive behaviors. CBT breaks down the problems, utilizes strategies to address those problems, sets goals and applies to everyday living. ACT helps individuals develop what is called psychological flexibility to cope with challenges.

Supervised by Laura Gosselin, LMHC

Chantel Walls, MA

Please ask us about our Medication management services

Our mission is to support children, adults and their families who suffer with a variety of behavioral health concerns through compassionate therapy & wellness programs.

GET THE SUPPORT YOU NEED

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

We work one on one with you to meet your goals & help on your journey.

GROUP
THERAPY

Develop self-awareness by listening to others with similar issues.

COUPLES
THERAPY

Work to create better understanding with your partner.

FAMILY
THERAPY

Develop healthy boundaries & improve family communication.