Betsy Harris, LICSW

DBT and EMDR therapist in Boston and online across MA

I’m here to help you create real, lasting change

You’re tired of just coping - you want real healing

You are craving real change. You’ve tried pushing things down hoping they’d go away, or insisting that everything is “fine!” Maybe you’ve even been to therapy before, but while it felt good to talk, it didn’t quite lead to the transformation you need.

You’re feeling trapped in cycles of overwhelming emotions and self-doubt. You may have faced a variety of challenges - whether that’s difficult relationships, complex family dynamics, or experiences you try not to think about.

You’re ready to heal from the past and take control of the future. You want to be able to manage your emotions and strengthen your relationships. You’re ready to do the work and build a life you want.

Hi, I’m Betsy (she/her)

If you’re looking for more than traditional talk therapy and are ready to do the deeper work, I’m here for you.

I’m a down-to-earth, authentic therapist who’s dedicated to helping you create lasting change. I’m passionate about helping people find balance in their lives, especially those who have spent years putting others first. I specialize in working with adults who feel overwhelmed by life’s demands—whether it’s work, managing emotions, relationships, or healing from past trauma.

My clients say my style is non-judgmental, compassionate and authentic. I tend to be direct and will tell you how it is. I believe in blending lightness and depth; sometimes we’ll dive into heavy stuff, and other times we’ll find space for humor and relief.

I am a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™, meaning I have undergone extensive training and evaluation to ensure I provide true, evidence-based Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This certification, developed by DBT’s founder, Dr. Marsha Linehan, ensures that I deliver DBT with the highest level of skill and integrity—not just using DBT techniques, but following the full, research-backed treatment model.

With this expertise, I help clients manage emotions, improve relationships, and create lasting change, using DBT the way it was designed to work.

My goal isn’t just to help you feel better or get back to “normal.” I want to help you thrive!

My Approach

When it comes to healing, I often think of it like the difference between mowing over the weeds versus pulling them out at the roots. If we only tackle surface issues, those same struggles will keep coming back. Real, lasting change means doing the deeper work—pulling out those old roots that keep holding you back.

With the support of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I’m here to help you dig in, offering not just a space for reflection but also concrete, actionable tools you can use in daily life.

Whether you’re seeking more balance, learning to manage intense emotions, setting boundaries, or healing from trauma, therapy with me is a place to process, reflect, and transform. Together, we’ll unpack themes from the past, tackle the stressors of today, and create a strong foundation for your future. I’m here to walk with you on the journey toward building a life that feels truly balanced.

My Background & Training

  • I have over 14+ years working in mental health, including settings such as McLean Hospital, Stanford Hospital and most recently as the Director of DBT Services at the Mindfulness & Change Group in Watertown, MA. I am adjunct faculty member of Boston College where I teach Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

    • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW License #121528 (MA)

    • Master of Social Work, Boston University School of Social Work

    • Bachelor of Arts, Wheaton College

    • DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™

    • DBT Intensive training through BTech

    • Dialectical Behavior Prolonged Exposure Protocol for PTSD

    • Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained

    • Advanced EMDR Training: Attachment wounds and complex trauma

  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

    The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)

Ready to get started? Schedule a free consultation