Berta J. Summers PhD

My practice is entirely Telehealth! I have worked with hundreds of clients with OCRDs in both assessment and treatment capacities over the course of my training and clinical practice. My clinical background is in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is an approach that identifies and targets maladaptive thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that serve to reinforce symptoms. I conduct diagnostic assessments with all of my clients and collaboratively work to develop a treatment plan based on their personalized needs and goals! Treatment often involves exposure and response prevention (ERP), mindfulness, and acceptance work; though other evidence-based strategies are incorporated as indicated!

I received my doctoral degree at Florida State University under an advisor who specializes in treatment development research for OCRDs and anxiety. I received specialty training in the assessment and treatment of OCRDs at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, when I joined one of the world’s leaning OCRD research and treatment centers (completed pre-doctoral internship and postdoctoral training at this facility). I received my license in 2019 and have dedicated my practice to the treatment of adults with OCRDs. I have also supervised many trainees in their treatment of these populations and remain affiliated with MGH in a research capacity.

Diversity Statement:

With every client I work with, I consider and understand how their unique background, culture, and lived experience has informed their perspective and coping style as this is an essential part of sensitive and competent care. I recognize that commitment to providing thoughtful care to multicultural populations is an ongoing pursuit that requires humility and a willingness to reflect on, and protect against, biases that could inadvertently compromise the efficacy of therapy. I embrace an inclusive definition of diversity, including age, culture, developmental and acquired disabilities, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic differences.