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. In the sessions, I am actively engaged with my clients. I do not hold back with my thoughts, questions and opinions. 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/Couples Therapy
Soon after graduate school, I was introduced to the field of family therapy. This approach to treatment suggests that the family can have a powerful influence on various types of treatment. For individuals who are having difficulty coping, family members can be a life saving resource. I make particular efforts to change patterns of interaction and communication styles as a way to foster respect and caring in the family. A healthy adult partnership is the foundation of a healthy family. Crises in parenting issues or in issues of intimacy affect all family members and are best addressed in couples therapy.

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 often leads the family to treatment, but exploration of the presenting symptoms can reveal various root causes. These may include marital difficulties, substance abuse problems, depression in either parent, or learning difficulties in the teen. I also provide Parent Coaching as an individualized 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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