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Therapists:
 Mark
Golden, LICSW
671 Grove St
Newton, MA 02462
617-244-3302
I am a Clinical Social Worker with a family systems orientation. Since joining Needham Psychotherapy Associates in 1999, I have provided services to individuals, couples, children (generally ages 9 and up) and their families. My approach is quite pragmatic, focusing on the distress that brought my clients to therapy. Therapy may vary from short-term crisis management, to long-term treatment to address underlying issues. My work is guided by the strong belief that personal problems can have a profound effect on our social relationships, and if I can help my clients better manage these relationships, the therapy is most successful.
Family Therapy
Soon after graduate school, I was introduced to the field of family therapy. This approach to treatment suggests that the family (or other social systems) has such a powerful influence on each individual that the family should be the focus of treatment. I direct my attention on aspects of communication, hierarchy, structure and roles to make use of the resources within the couple or family to facilitate change. This enables both the family and the individual to benefit.
Adolescent Treatment
In 1985, I went for postgraduate certification in the field of family therapy while working for a town-funded youth agency. At this time I developed a specialty in the area of adolescent treatment. Adolescence is a time of change and transition in the teen’s life, but usually has an intense impact on other family members as well. The teenager usually leads the family to treatment, but exploration of the presenting symptoms can reveal various root causes of the problem. These may include marital difficulties, substance abuse problems, depression in either parent, or developmental crises. I also provide Parent Coaching as a very useful educational service to help parents of teens cope with these issues
Substance Abuse Treatment
Substance abuse issues are most effectively treated in the context of the family. From 1990 to 1995 I worked in a clinic specializing in substance abuse treatment. In this setting I developed my skills using family treatment techniques to address substance abuse problems. This continues to be an area of expertise.
Training and teaching
I received a B.A. from the University of Michigan and then completed the Masters of Social Work program at Boston University. I have taught on the graduate level at Boston University, Lesley College and Cambridge College.
"Parent Coaching" (PDF)
Coaching for parents of teens (PDF)
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