Athelas Counseling & Consulting
Dr. Nicholas Brisbon
Evidence-based counseling with specializations in addiction, men’s issues, anxiety, depression, stress, anger management, life transitions, and spiritual concerns
In-person and virtual individual counseling in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
Accepting new referrals starting in August 2026
Meet the Owner
Nicholas M. Brisbon, Ph.D., LMHC
I am a research psychologist and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with over two decades of experience working with adults in a range of clinical settings. My main clinical specialties are in addiction, men’s issues, anxiety, depression, stress, anger management, life transitions, and spiritual concerns. I earned a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in 2008 and a PhD in Social/Cognitive Psychology in 2016, where my research focused on mindfulness in relation to stress, sleep quality, and memory problems. Since 2005, I’ve worked in addiction counseling, psychiatric crisis evaluation in clinics and emergency departments, community outreach, and residential programs. That breadth of experience informs my work today in private practice.
Approach to Counseling
I use a practical, evidence-based, and structured approach grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a logical and collaborative counseling approach that helps us understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. At times, we can respond to life in ways that are unhelpful or overly rigid, and counseling can help us recognize those patterns and replace them with more balanced, effective ways of thinking and acting. The goal is not simply to “think positive,” but to develop a clearer and more flexible way of responding to challenges.
In addition to CBT, I may also draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), mindfulness, and selected principles from Stoic philosophy, depending on your needs and goals. This approach can help identify thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and behaviors that get in the way of the life you want. My style is direct but collaborative: I focus on what helps you function better in daily life, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change.
“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
- Marcus Aurelius
Areas of Specialization
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Recovery isn’t about shame. It’s about understanding the patterns behind addiction and building a steadier way forward. Addiction can begin as a way to cope with stress, loneliness, or a loss of purpose. Whether it involves substance use, gambling, pornography, social media, or other digital habits, the struggle often follows familiar patterns. Together, we’ll work to interrupt those cycles, strengthen self-control, and rebuild a life rooted in honesty, confidence, and self-respect. Step by step, you’ll learn practical tools to manage urges and reclaim what matters most.
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Men are taught to carry a lot and ask for little. Over time, the pressures of work, family, finances, fatherhood, divorce, isolation, or a lack of purpose can leave you feeling drained, stuck, or off track. In our work together, we’ll focus on practical steps to help you get back on solid ground, strengthen your relationships, and reconnect with what gives your life direction. We’ll work on handling stress, thinking more clearly, and building the kind of steady strength that helps you lead yourself well. Real strength comes from learning how to steer your emotions, not be controlled by them.
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Maybe you’re carrying a weight that makes even basic responsibilities feel heavy, with depression draining your energy and clouding your sense of direction. Or maybe your mind won’t slow down, with anxiety keeping you tense, restless, and always on edge. In our work together, we’ll get to the root of what’s driving those patterns, build practical tools you can actually use, and help you regain steadiness in your work, your relationships, and your daily life. Step by step, you can get back to feeling more focused, grounded, and in control.
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When work starts wearing you down, something has to change. Burnout is often what happens when you’ve been giving too much for too long without enough return, rest, or meaning. Together, we’ll look at what’s contributing to the pressure, set better boundaries, and find practical ways to rebuild energy without pushing yourself past your limits. We’ll focus on practical strategies that fit your life, strengths, and goals, helping you move forward with greater clarity and control.
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Anger isn’t the enemy, it’s a signal that something needs attention. The goal is to catch it early, stay in control, and respond with purpose instead of heat. We’ll look at what’s underneath it, whether that’s stress, frustration, guilt, or feeling disrespected, and build practical ways to handle it better. Using simple tools for grounding, reflection, and self-control, you can turn that energy into focus, better communication, and stronger problem-solving, one step at a time.
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Transitions in life can sometimes feel uncertain, confusing, or overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out what comes next. Many people seek counseling during major changes like starting college, changing careers, going through divorce, or adjusting to a new role in life. Together, we’ll work on building clarity, direction, and practical strategies so you can navigate change, regain momentum, and move into your next chapter with purpose.
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Religious and spiritual concerns can show up in many different ways. Some are primarily spiritual and better addressed by clergy, but many also carry a psychological dimension where counseling can be especially helpful. Spiritual struggles often bring up more than just belief questions; they can stir up identity issues, loss, grief, or a sense of being disconnected from who you used to be. In our work together, we’ll make room for honest conversation about your doubts, questions, and struggles, and look for ways to reconnect with what feels true and meaningful without judgment. Sometimes that part of life just needs room to breathe again. Together, we’ll work toward greater peace, clarity, and alignment between your values, beliefs, and life experience. I’m a practicing Catholic, however I spent nearly 20 years in my past exploring other religions and practicing Zen Buddhist meditation, before ultimately returning to the Church. This time away from the Church also gave me a deeper appreciation for the sincerity, wisdom, and unique spiritual needs of people from many different faith traditions. It helps me meet clients with greater respect, humility, and openness, and to work more effectively with those whose beliefs or practices may differ from my own.
Reach out today to get started
*Accepting new referrals in August 2026
Fill out the form for a free 10-15 minute consultation. We’ll speak on the phone briefly to learn about each other and see if counseling is a good fit.
Phone: (508) 257-1796
Email: contact@athelascounseling.org
Please do not use this form if you are experiencing a mental health emergency. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please contact 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.