Growing up with a family of clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, Miranda Simon, Licensed Clinical Social Worker felt encouraged to create her own path. 

Miranda worked as a professional dog groomer, then a real estate agent before deciding to become a social worker. 

The social work code of ethics, a framework of core values, including service, social justice, the importance of human relationships, dignity and worth of a person, integrity, and competence deeply aligned with Miranda. She also understood the importance of person and their environment, a foundational aspect of social work, which means that a person’s behaviors can’t be understood without considering the many environments they interact with. 

Since earning her master’s degree in social work, Miranda has fostered a compassionate and evidence-based approach to healing and recovery. Much of her work is grounded in Dialectical-Behavior Therapy (DBT), a type of therapy which aims to teach people skills to manage intense emotions, cope with challenging situations, and improve their relationships. 

Non-judgmentally, Miranda works collaboratively with clients to foster acceptance, compassion, and mindfulness towards themselves and others. She will always develop a treatment plan that meets the client’s individual needs, fosters resilience, and encourages personal growth. 

We sat down with Miranda to learn more about her approach to counseling adults online in Massachusetts and in-person from our Natick office.

How would you describe your treatment style and approach?

My treatment style is relational and holistic. Every individual is unique, and I’m always attuned to the various systems and environments which inform an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

I’m passionate about Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based treatment designed to help people understand, regulate, and accept their emotions. Prior to joining HBH, I took intensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), ran various DBT-focused groups for individuals of all ages, and worked in comprehensive DBT programs. 

My prior supervisor once called me the most passionate DBT therapist they’ve ever seen. I truly love the work, the clients, and the journey that unfolds. 

Although DBT may not serve everyone, the skills of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness can truly help individuals create a life worth living.

Skills Within DBT:

Mindfulness: Drawn from contemplative practices, DBT helps clients understand the importance of living in the present moment without judging ourselves or others. Within DBT, clients may learn relaxation and mindfulness/meditation techniques to accept the here and now. 

Distress Tolerance: DBT teaches distress tolerance by learning how to handle stressful and frustrating situations. Learning how to cope with life’s challenges can be especially helpful for individuals with mental health conditions. 

Emotional Regulation: DBT emphasizes the importance of expressing our emotions in healthy ways. Emotional regulation skills can help clients identify their emotions in the here and now, as well as expand their emotional vocabulary. 

Interpersonal Effectiveness: Strong, healthy relationships are vital to living a joyful and meaningful life. Interpersonal effectiveness skills teach clients how to deal with difficult people and navigate challenging situations. Clients can also learn how to advocate for their wants and needs in relationships.

What mental health conditions and life challenges do you offer treatment for?

I offer therapy for adults who may be struggling with: 

• Personality Disorders
• Trauma
• Substance Use Disorder/Addiction
• Anxiety/Panic/Phobias
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Grief/Loss/Bereavement
• Health/Medical Problems
• Self-Injurious Behaviors/Self-Harm
• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD/ADD)
• PTSD/Acute Stress

What is your favorite part of being a therapist?

My favorite part of being a therapist is working with people and helping them achieve their goals, whatever they may be.

Start Working with Miranda in Massachusetts today:

Miranda understands that life can be painful and full of suffering. At the same time, she believes that everyone deserves a safe and supportive space to discuss their feelings and develop healthier tools to move through life with greater awareness, curiosity, and compassion. 

Miranda is here to work collaboratively with you online or in-person from our Natick office. To start working with Miranda, contact us today at (413) 343-4357.

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