Therapy in Boston and online across Massachusetts
Better Balance Counseling
Heal Trauma and Anxiety with DBT & EMDR
Discover life beyond survival mode
You’re ready for something to change. You want to feel better, be more present in your life-not let past experiences or intense emotions run the show.
You might feel overwhelmed, weighed down by anxiety, or stuck in self-doubt.
Messy breakups, family dynamics, or painful memories still affect you, even if you try to pretend they don’t. You might say “I’m fine!,” downplay your feelings, or try not to be a burden.
Maybe you wonder if your experiences “count” as trauma. You tell yourself you “should” be able to get over this - but little has changed.
You’re balancing so much and still feel exhausted. You know this isn’t sustainable, and you’re ready for something different—something that actually helps.
Maybe you…
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Some days, everything hits at once—anxiety, sadness, frustration, or overwhelm. Other days, you feel numb, checked out, or like you’re just going through the motions.
Maybe you’ve been told you’re “too sensitive” or learned to hide what you’re feeling just to get by.
Whether your emotions feel unpredictable or out of reach, you’re exhausted from holding it all in. You may have tried alcohol, drugs, or even self-harm to cope.
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You’ve been through a lot—and you’re still standing. But beneath all the strength, there’s pain that hasn’t healed yet, and you’re ready to face it.
You’ve learned to brush past the hard stuff—telling yourself it’s no big deal while struggling underneath. You avoid the hard stuff by distracting yourself with work, your phone, or caretaking everyone else.
You’ve learned to push your own needs aside and keep going, even when you’re barely holding it together. But part of you is wondering: What would it be like to actually feel okay?
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Not good enough, not lovable enough, not healthy enough, etc. The constant narrative weighs on you and is hard to shake.
Not good enough. Not lovable enough. Not healthy enough.
The constant narrative weighs on you and is hard to shake. There’s a part of you that believes you’re inherently flawed—broken, too much, or never quite measuring up.
Maybe you battle body image shame, a constant sense of inadequacy, or a voice telling you to “just get over it.” Even when life looks fine on the outside, you’re carrying a weight of not-enoughness that won’t go away.
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You crave closeness and real connection — but it’s hard to let your guard down. You’re always managing how you come across—worried you’ll be too much, say the wrong thing, or take up too much space. Asking for help feels vulnerable — like you’re a burden. Even in your closest relationships, fear of rejection, abandonment, or judgment keeps you stuck in your head.
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place
Hi, I’m Betsy Harris, LICSW — Therapist Specializing in DBT, EMDR, and Trauma Recovery
Let’s get you out of survival mode and into a life that feels more grounded, connected, and authentic.
I offer trauma-informed therapy for adults ready to heal from anxiety, shame, and relationship patterns that no longer serve them. If you’re looking for a therapist who blends compassion with real strategies, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
I’m a DBT-Linehan Certified Clinician™, rigorously trained to provide gold-standard, evidence-based DBT. I help clients build emotional resilience, manage intense emotions, and create lasting change using DBT’s proven strategies.
I also have extensive experience with EMDR, along with time at McLean Hospital and teaching at Boston College. I’ll help you do more than just cope. Together, we’ll work to heal from the past, break free from old patterns, and build a more balanced, fulfilling life.
What to Expect from EMDR & DBT Therapy
Let’s work together to:
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We’ll explore how past patterns shape your present—and work to understand and shift them. Together, we’ll clear a path forward so you can move with more awareness, resilience, and purpose.
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We’ll identify and transform the negative patterns that have been keeping you stuck. This will open space for growth and positive change.
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You’ll learn practical tools to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and build resilience. We’ll replace harmful patterns with healthier ones—so you can handle tough moments in a way that feels right for you.
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We’ll help you understand your emotions, ease anxiety, and find balance. You’ll build inner strength, boost self-esteem, and regain control of your thoughts and actions.
My Specialties
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is the gold standard for managing emotions, building healthier relationships, and developing practical coping skills. Together, we’ll break unhelpful patterns, create real change, and help you feel more balanced, in control, and confident in your daily life.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
I’ll help you process painful memories, reduce triggers, and heal from past experiences. Together, we’ll rewire how your brain responds to trauma, so you can feel safer, more grounded, and truly move forward. The best part? You don’t have to rehash all the painful details of what you’ve been through.
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Anxiety and Trauma
Using evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and mindfulness, we’ll challenge negative thoughts, cope with stressful situations, and develop practical coping strategies for lasting relief. I’ll help you develop resilience, so you can bounce back from life’s challenges with confidence.