Professional statement
Jamie Freed is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with offices in Quincy and Newton Highlands, MA. She specializes in working with neurodivergent individuals and their families, including those on the autism spectrum, using a strengths based approach.
Jamie draws from years of experience as the Director of Adult Services at The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE), where she worked with adults on the autism spectrum, as well as their families. She emphasizes the importance of psychoeducation and takes a practical approach to helping clientsimprove the quality of their lives whether focusing on communication, relationships, employment or having an independent and meaningful life..
Jamie also has expertise in working with individuals who are exploring their gender identity and expression, including non-binary identities. She brings a nonjudgmental, compassionate approach to the therapeutic relationship. Jamie’s style is primarily cognitive in nature, emphasizing strengths and incorporating coaching skills as necessary to empower her clients and enable self-advocacy.
Message to clients
Bring your whole self to therapy, the parts you let others see, those you don’t and those you may not even be aware of. Through a highly individualized approach, I'm committed to creating a safe space, free of judgment, where you feel seen, listened to and understood; empowered to move forward as you want. Recognizing and building on your strengths and interests to get you where you want to go, feel better about yourself and find your place in the world will be at the heart of our work. Noticing barriers, working with them or moving past them will become possible as you feel stronger, more grounded and equipped with coping and stress management skills.
Using a primarily cognitive approach, I incorporate practical coaching support, leaving space to touch on deeper, existential questions while addressing some of the following concerns: anxiety, depression, executive functioning, understanding and management of sensory sensitivities, social communication skills to negotiate friendships, intimate relationships, school, employment and independent life.
Education about autism and gender, as needed, for individuals and/or parents is often incorporated into the session in an effort to increase self-awareness and enable self-advocacy.
I welcome collaboration with schools and other providers to offer the comprehensive support that is often needed.
It is my privilege to be witness to clients' most private stories and struggles and to celebrate accomplishments of all sizes. I am amazed at the strength and vulnerability that exist in all of us and deeply believe in the power of relationship and connection to hold, support, heal and grow.
