Ariel Shapiro (she/they)

LICSW
Accepting Clients

life-long learner and journaler, licensed independent clinical social worker

Clinical Social Worker in Boston, MA

Services
  • Individual
  • Child
  • Adolescent/Teen

About My Clients

My clients, like you and your family, are unique. Some have a lack of a sense of belonging, some feel disconnected in school or from their joy, some are experiencing grief and loss or trauma. We don't live alone, we live in systems, in families, and in environments. Folks I work with tend to be in different places in their lives, with a common desire to learn more, and perhaps some creativity to remember their own strengths and powers, in connection to the challenges and resources around them.

My Background and Approach

Hi! My name is Ariel, like the mermaid. I am a life-long learner and licensed independent clinical social worker, experienced in psychotherapy and trauma-informed counseling. I'm a creative, passionate, and curious therapist who is committed to helping clients learn, express, and heal—however works best for them. My experience has been built, first as a child and young person struggling with depression, who had the privilege of access to and benefitted from therapy. As soon as I could start, I have worked with and learned from children and youth in a variety of settings (including a hospital, juvenile detention center, after-school programs, schools, and homes), and now through community-based and virtual therapy treating depression, anxiety, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), grief and loss, separation anxiety and more. I love to personally and professionally incorporate art, drawing, journaling, music and photography to explore, express and grow.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I believe in curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. I am the child of an art educator and city planner. The grandchild of a psychologist and a social worker. I believe in the power of art and space and connection, education, and community to affect change. I believe in anti-oppressive practice, which is based on "praxis"--a fancy academic word for action driven by self-reflection and awareness. I am a white, demi-femme Jewish, Anti-Zionist, anti-capitalist queer person, who is open to people of all different sexualities, abilities, cultures, and identities. Black lives absolutely matter. I believe in the land back movements and am critical of borders. I recognize I will never truly understand the experiences of folks who deal with oppression from different places than I do--particularly as a white person coming from class privilege and loving parents--but I hope to better learn every day how to create less harm and better connect with others for collective liberation.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Cigna
  • Optum
  • United Healthcare
  • Tufts
  • AllWays Health Partners
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Agnosticism
  • Judaism

At A Glance

  • Experience: 7 years of practice
  • Languages: English, Español
  • Rate: $175 - 200/session

Reach out to Ariel