Andrew Margolin, Ph.D.
Dr. Andy
1040 Great Plain Avenue
3rd Floor, Suite A
Needham, MA 02492
781-771-5967
My degree is from Northeastern University where I graduated with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and became Licensed in 1996. Most recently, I was the Director of Psychology for Wrentham Developmental Center and an Area Psychologist for the Department of Developmental Services. Previously, I had my own private practice where I facilitated numerous social groups, provided individual and family therapy, served as a Consultant to Cranston ARC, and consulted to Bristol Community College. Past work also includes being a Staff Psychologist for the DMH Children’s Special Care Unit at Westwood Lodge Hospital and Staff Psychologist at UMass Transitions, an intensive residential treatment program for adolescents with serious emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric problems. During much of this time, I had also worked part-time as a therapist for Dana Group Associates in Needham MA
In joining Needham Psychotherapy Associates, I am returning to my passion for clinical work. My approach would be considered eclectic, involving systems work, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, positive behavioral supports, and psychodynamic or insight-oriented work. In my view, the modality of therapy is often determined by the issues that one presents with as well as the style and comfort level of both the therapist and the client. It is important to me that the process of therapy is collaborative, sometimes humorous, and that clients are empowered to make choices in the course of their treatment. Simultaneously, I think there are times when clients need to be challenged to make further growth and progress.
I love stories and the stories of people’s lives. In therapy, my style would involve asking a lot of open-ended questions to learn more about your story and your journey. Therapy should involve clients feeling, safe, challenged, and learning strategies and approaches to handle your problems more effectively. In the end, ideally clients will feel better about themselves and their world. Most definitely, I believe that there are times that clients should laugh in therapy, as humor and laughing are an important part of healing.
My specialized interests include, autism spectrum disorders and working with individuals with social issues. I have also worked with and have expertise in a number of areas, including Developmental Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Grief Work, Anger Management Training, Anxiety Management, Parent Training, Gerontology, and Group Treatment.
A new area of interest and practice is in the area of Mental Skills Training for High School, College and Recreational Athletes. I have presented and/or consulted to parent and professional groups on a variety of topics, including, Positive Behavior Support Systems, Asperger’s Syndrome (now ASD), Social Skills Training, Positive Discipline for Parents and Children, Anger Management, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Conflict-Resolution, Peer Mediation, Understanding Adolescent Aggression Through, Narration and Mental Skills Training for High School Tennis Players.