Therapist Portsmouth NH

Life can feel heavier than it should, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. If you are carrying anxiety, stress, or the lingering effects of past experiences, I offer a compassionate space to explore, understand, and heal.

As a therapist in Portsmouth, I work with adults who need thoughtful, trauma-informed therapy in a calm and grounded environment.

A Supportive Space Where You Can Slow Down and Be Heard

Starting therapy with me means stepping into a space where your experiences matter. Many adults in Portsmouth reach out when they notice recurring patterns that create frustration, emotional fatigue, or distance from the people they care about.

You may feel overwhelmed by stress at work or home, struggle with self-doubt or shame, or sense that past experiences continue to influence your present. As a therapist Portsmouth, NH, I provide counseling that is tailored to you, meeting you where you are and helping you reconnect with clarity, resilience, and self-compassion.

Therapy Sessions Focused on Understanding Feelings That Affect Your Daily Routine

You might feel like your emotions are constantly fluctuating. They are sometimes intense and sometimes numb. Stress may feel unmanageable, emotional pain hard to contain, and relationships may feel tense or disconnected.

Many adults carry the echoes of childhood experiences, including neglect or trauma, that subtly affect their decisions, reactions, and self-perception. Feeling stuck or unable to move forward is not a personal failure. It’s a signal that you deserve support, understanding, and guidance. My therapy offers a safe place to explore these experiences and discover ways to feel steadier and more connected.

How Dr. Arlene Helps You When Your Life Feels Complicated

I have over 35 years of experience working with adults who are dealing with complex emotional situations. Licensed in New Hampshire and Maine, I specialize in trauma-informed therapy using Internal Family Systems (IFS). This approach allows us to gently explore the different “parts” of yourself that may hold pain, fear, or self-protective patterns.

I work exclusively with adults, providing a personalized approach that is paced to your readiness. My goal is not to rush change but to develop awareness, safety, and empowerment as you move toward healing.

Who Can Find Support and Growth Through This Work

My work is especially helpful for adults who are:

• Experiencing stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm.
• Carrying shame or harsh self-judgment.
• Struggling with unresolved childhood trauma or neglect.
• Navigating dissociation or DID.
• Feeling “stuck” or disconnected from their own emotions.
• Seeking a therapist in Portsmouth, NH, who honors complexity and emotional depth.

If you are looking for therapy that is attentive, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, my work may be right for you.

Choosing a Therapist Close to Home in Portsmouth, NH

Finding local NH therapy can make your healing journey easier. Portsmouth provides a calmer, smaller community setting that can feel supportive and grounding compared to larger cities.

You can meet with a therapist in your city, which allows for continuity, convenience, and a sense of familiarity that enhances your therapeutic process. I also offer remote sessions to give you the flexibility to receive care without geographic constraints.

My Respectful and Compassionate Approach to Working Together

You get an approach to therapy that is grounded in respect, patience, and emotional safety. Using Internal Family Systems, we explore your inner experiences without judgment or pressure to change before you are ready.

My therapy sessions move at a pace that feels safe, with clear respect for boundaries and consent. You remain in control of what you share and how deeply we go. My role is to help create a space where all parts of you are welcome, understood, and supported.

Flexible In-Person and Online Sessions

I facilitate both in-person and online therapy sessions, typically available Monday through Wednesday, to accommodate your busy schedule.

Online sessions provide the same safe, confidential, and supportive environment as in-person meetings, allowing therapy to fit into your life seamlessly. You don’t have to choose convenience over quality because both are possible.

Why Portsmouth Adults Choose to Work With Me

Choosing a therapist in Portsmouth, NH, is a deeply personal decision. Dr. Brewster brings:

• 35+ years of clinical experience.
• A PhD in psychology.
• Advanced training and certification in Internal Family Systems (IFS).
• Licensure in Maine and New Hampshire.
• A calm, steady, and grounded therapeutic presence.

My focus is not on quick solutions, but meaningful, lasting change that is built on understanding and trust.