Pam Bolarinho

Pam Bolarinho, LICSW, helps people who are facing grief, stress, and major life changes. She brings calm focus to difficult moments and listens for what matters most. Her background includes long-term clinical work and leadership in acute care settings, which she uses to guide conversations toward practical next steps.

She spent over twenty years in social work, starting in community programs and later working with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. She earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University and has held roles such as Clinical Director in inpatient psychiatry and Social Work Manager at an acute medical hospital.

Pam centers sessions on each person’s strengths and choices. She uses clear, goal-oriented techniques alongside open, client-centered conversation. This helps people manage anxiety, depression, trauma, caregiving strain, and relationship concerns while building coping skills for everyday life.

Her community work includes collaboration with local suicide prevention efforts, opioid task forces, and a co-response program with local police that supported hundreds of people in the community. Pam also has experience with end-of-life concerns, foster care and adoption issues, and addiction-related problems.

Sessions are conducted in English and Portuguese. She works with people dealing with family conflict, attachment and adoption questions, career stress, body image worries, and compassion fatigue. Pam aims to make each visit focused and practical so clients leave with clear next steps.

How approaches shape online sessions

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so people feel understood and can set their own goals; it helps when someone needs support sorting feelings or making choices. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors and teaches practical strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and coping with change. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative way to explore readiness for change and to build motivation for steps like reducing substance use or improving self-care.

Finding the right combination of methods is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, then tailor sessions together. This collaborative approach helps people try techniques that fit their situation and adjust as needed.

Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make scheduling easier and reduce travel time, allowing sessions to fit around work or family commitments. It also lets people choose quieter times or shorter check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals can guide the pacing of sessions and provide exercises to practice between meetings so progress continues outside appointments.