My practice is based in Lexington, MA, where I provide both in-person and virtual treatment. I specialize in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, typically meeting more frequently to support deeper work. Therapy begins by reflecting on your experiences, with an effort to understand them rather than judge them. I take a compassionate approach to exploring your problems, your desire for change, and your difficulties in making changes. Through better understanding your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationships, it may become possible to make more informed and meaningful choices.
I am collaborative and flexible in my approach, looking for ways to work well together. I provide brief consultations for those seeking help thinking through specific challenges, gaining a professional perspective, or developing strategies for change. When people are struggling in their attempts to do things differently, I aim to help figure out what is getting in their way, a process that can take time but often leads to greater clarity.
A therapeutic relationship with someone you trust can be an important path toward self-understanding and emotional relief. Because therapy is a deeply personal experience, it's important to find a therapist you feel comfortable working with. I welcome you to contact me if you're curious to see if this might be a good fit.
In addition to psychotherapy, I provide psychodynamic supervision for clinicians seeking consultation on their clinical work.
Dr. Joel Simons is a psychologist and psychoanalyst in private practice who trained at Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School and Boston College, where he also pursued graduate studies in Leadership & Administration. He has held clinical and teaching roles at Boston College, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he served as Associate Director of the Faculty/Trainee Mental Health Clinic. He completed his psychoanalytic training at Boston Psychoanalytic Society & Institute, where he is guest faculty.