Psychologist and Therapist in Newton, Massachusetts,
Rachel Paster, PsyD

Dr. Paster is a licensed psychologist providing individual therapy for adults and young adults as well as couples therapy. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from relational, cognitive/behavioral, trauma-informed, and insight-based treatments. Dr. Paster believes that the goal of therapy is liberation: from past experiences, patterns, negative internalized beliefs, shame, and oppressive systems. She supports clients to learn how to choose, rather than react to stressful situations or relationships based on old patterns, and to connect with their authentic selves and desires, not what they have been taught to think, feel, and want. Informed by aspects of narrative therapy, positive psychology, and liberation psychology she is interested in helping amplify the inherent strengths, values, and sources of joy in each person. Through empathy, compassion, and curiosity, Dr. Paster will work hard to understand each client’s unique circumstances and goals and work collaboratively to achieve them. Humor and challenging are also part of her approach, believing that growth comes of discomfort, but that life doesn’t have to be taken seriously all the time.

Dr. Paster has specialized training in helping people cope with past painful experiences, including adverse childhood experiences, significant losses, and acute traumas. She also enjoys working with couples on issues including communication, sexual needs, infidelity and trust, and navigating a multi-racial relationship. Dr. Paster has worked with clients navigating identity development at various stages of life and is welcoming and respectful of the beautiful spectrum inherent in identity expression. With a background in psychological and neuropsychological testing, Dr. Paster also enjoys working with clients who have received assessments to help them understand how to functionally apply the results of testing to their day to day lives and to help make meaning of their past experiences.

Dr. Paster received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (now William James College) with a certificate in Latino Mental Health. She earned a Master’s of Education degree and a certificate in Adjustment Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Paster completed her APA-accredited internship and post-Doctoral training at Wediko Children’s Services. She works with clients remotely via telehealth.