Individual and Family Counseling
South
Shore Therapy provides individuals, Couples and Families dealing with issues surrounding chronic illness, changing life situations and stressful conditions. I am able to offer help with the problems of substance abuse, anxiety and depression in adults, couples, and adolescents. These conditions often arise in conjunction with, or even as a result of, sudden major life changes that inevitably accompany illness or other drastic changes. Feelings such as fear, anger, helplessness and loss of control are common untreated byproducts.
I have extensive experience counseling adolescents. I have worked with emotionally challenged children and adolescents in several capacities, including as a staff therapist at The New England Home for Little Wanderers, as a staff therapist working for Mclean Hospital in the Brockton Public School System and currently as a moderate special needs teacher in the Plymouth Public Schools.
I can also draw on my own experience as a husband and father supporting a partner and family undergoing treatment for breast cancer. I have personally experienced the intricate difficulties of navigating the confusing emotional and medical condition of infertility in a marriage and the amazingly stressful events and trials of the processes involved with in vitro fertilization.
I am especially motivated by the lack of resources available for husbands and families. This lack inspired me to create and facilitate a support group that was listed by the American Cancer Society as a resource for this area. I am in the process of writing a handbook to help guide men through these anxiety filled experiences, and to aid in supporting couples and their families as they struggle through these life-altering circumstances.
Goals
My aim is to provide a supportive therapeutic partnership, based on trust, confidentiality and attentive detailed listening skills. My view is that therapy should promote insight, a place for non-judgmental communication and the development of cognitive skills that enable my clients to move forward. Individuals who recognize the need for professional therapy demonstrate a strength and determination that is often the requisite first step to a more productive and meaningful life. The collaboration between therapist and client creates the necessary foundation to facilitate change in situations, behaviors and relationships that foster healthy growth.
Qualifications
My practice in clinical social work has been ongoing for 12 years with a wide and varied population. I am a Massachusetts Board Certified Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Masters Degree from Boston College. I have benefited from working in the field of mental health, substance abuse and education as both an individual and staff therapist and group facilitator. My practice has brought me from Nantucket to Concord and now Scituate for the last eight years. I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers and am an active member of the local Massachusetts Chapter. I am also a member of the South Shore Coalition of Independent Therapists.
Contact
Donald J. Ivas, LICSW
Jacob Hatch Professional Building
Suite 105-G
10 Old Driftway
Scituate MA 02066
781-249-6995
donivas@southshoretherapy.com
My office and waiting area afford total privacy and confidentiality.
[FEES] Fees are reasonable and can be discussed prior to initial meeting.
[HOURS] My office hours are exclusively in the evenings to accommodate working people and current students. Office hours are between 4:30PM and 9:00PM weekdays.