Saul Rosenthal, PhD

Boston Area Health Psychologist

Health is more than the absence of disease – it is the presence of positive patterns of successfully interacting with the world, managing distress and challenges and moving towards our goals.

That’s why my health psychology services focus on understanding the whole person, from cognitive, behavioral and physiological approaches. Together, we can address what may be happening in both the mind and body, to bring them into alignment toward a greater quality of life.

Personalized Approach

In practice, health psychology takes many forms based on the client and the condition. Every treatment plan is unique, drawing from evidence-based approaches, my clinical expertise and my client’s experience. Here are some examples:

  • Someone with Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be increasing the intensity of the disorder because of stress or worry. We can use biofeedback and hypnosis to reduce symptoms and help to prevent flare-ups in the future.
  • Those with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease can benefit from shifting the ways they think about themselves and their health outcomes. This can increase motivation for them to manage their conditions more effectively through behavior and lifestyle changes.
  • A person with a traumatic brain injury may be experiencing difficulty in transitioning toward acceptance of how the injury changed his or her life. By approaching the situation from a positive, thoughtful perspective, we can reduce anxiety and increase a sense of control.

Health Psychology Benefits Medical Issues

There is strong research and clinical evidence that non-medical treatment provides measurable improvement for several conditions. Here is a partial list: 

  • Chronic Pain
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Insomnia
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Migraine
  • Obesity
  • Tension Headache

The goal of any treatment is to elevate your quality of life, whether you are experiencing moderate problems or facing a serious diagnosis. By bringing together cognitive, behavioral, emotional and physiological approaches, we can work together toward health and well-being.