Dr. Janice R. Levine PH.D.

Psychologist

76 Bedford Street Lexington MA, 02420 Show map

Practice Philosophy

Integrative Medicine

About
Contacts & Locations

About

Janice Levine, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who specializes in couples relationships and family development. She received her undergraduate degree from Yale University and her graduate degrees from Harvard University.

Education and Training

Harvard University PhD 1983

Yale University BA 1976

Provider Details

FemaleEnglish 41 years of experience

Dr. Janice R. Levine PH.D.

Dr. Janice R. Levine PH.D.'s Expert Contributions

My Answers

Is marriage counseling worthwhile soon after getting married?
Not only does it make sense, but it's the right thing to do. No one teaches you how to be married and how to be a healthy couple in a healthy relationship. We all do what we know, in good faith. But there's so much more to learn! If you ignore these issues, or don't resolve them in a healthy way, they fester and grow into intractable problems later on. Please see someone while you are still young and flexible, and while you have the motivation to learn and change. It's insurance for a lifetime. READ MORE
Do I need a psychologist for my depression?
Yes - you do need to be evaluated by a Psychologist or mental health professional, and perhaps a Psychiatrist for medication. Lack of motivation and 'anhedonia' (inability to experience joy), as well as excessive sleeping and isolation are all clear signs of depression. Life need not be that unhappy for you! The good news is that that medication and psychotherapy should definitely be helpful. Good luck. READ MORE
Should we go to counseling before getting divorced?
Things can get unexpectedly messy during a divorce. If you mediate, you may not need counseling, too. If not and if there are kids, I’d recommend counseling to negotiate your wishes amicably before getting lawyers involved. READ MORE
Can one start showing symptoms of ADHD as an adult?
Yes, it is most certainly possible to develop or evidence ADHD as an adult. Often, the symptoms are masked in childhood but they can just as easily first appear in adulthood. A differential diagnosis would be helpful, as there are other conditions (anxiety, mania) that can look like ADHD, but not actually be attention deficit. And of course, the "H" (hyperactivity) may or my not be present. Psychological testing is the most reliable way to make an accurate diagnosis. READ MORE
What are the best ways to overcome negative thoughts?
Mindfulness meditation is the best way I know of to overcome intrusive thoughts. It's a practice that teaches you to witness the nature and content of your thoughts, and gently return your focus to your breath and the present moment. It doesn't stop negative thoughts from coming, and nothing can, but it gives you facility in recognizing them sooner and having the mental agility to reroute negative thoughts to the here and now. Negative thoughts live in the past or the future; the present is nearly always safe. We either regret (looking backward) or fear (looking forward), neither of which we can control at the present moment. Negative thoughts in the form of self-loathing are best helped by CBT or CBT, in conjunction with mindfulness meditation. Good luck! READ MORE
Is biofeedback helpful?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful option that should be first string for everyone. Our bodies hold and convey our feelings to us, and if we can learn to listen to our bodies' sensory feedback and regulate our internal response, it changes our experience of things. It can make us go from agitated to calm, and when our bodies feel calm, we don't experience being stressed the same way. This is how we become in charge of our emotional experiences. Stress isn't a "thing" that exists independent of our response to it. Though there are commonly perceived pressures and stressful events, our interpretation of what is or isn't stressful is what lands in our bodies. Prior to feeling stressed and having to manage it, we can also learn how to interpret events differently, such that they don't affect us in the same way. For example, the more we feel in control of our internal experiences, the more we are able not to feel helplessly victimized by them, i.e., we can choose how to respond, and we can regulate our reactions. Learning to be sensitive to our own heart rate, racing thoughts, sweat, shakiness, etc., is important data that enables us to face stressful events with a sense of mastery. Too much stress can shorten the lifespan - biofeedback can literally extend your life! READ MORE
Is anxiety disorder normal with aging?
It is very common for people to become more anxious as they get older. Personal safety and security become prime motivators in life; new and increasing ailments remind a person that they are vulnerable. Older people typically become more cautious and risk-averse with age. That said, it should not get in the way of performing normal activities nor should it occupy as much worry and concern as you describe. While not necessarily abnormal, anti-anxiety medication could be helpful to take the edge off and has little if any side effects. Check with the doctor to evaluate its appropriateness. READ MORE
At night, thinking prevents me from sleeping. Can I do anything about it?
You may not be able to stop your mind from thinking, but it is possible to learn how to divert and relax your racing thoughts. The best technique comes from learning mindfulness meditation, where the practice involves witnessing the act of having a thought, and then returning to a focus on your breath. Your mind will naturally start thinking again, and each time you notice this you gently return to your breath. This practice offers a way to manage ones own thought process and return to the present moment, so you don't get lost in run-away thoughts. Calming the mind can also help you relax. READ MORE
What causes negative thoughts in a person?
It depends on the severity and frequency of these negative phases. Are these periods sustained and frequent, or episodic and rare? If it happens continuously or is increasing in frequency it might suggest depression. If your negative thoughts increase in intensity, become scary, paranoid or suicidal, it is also problematic. But if you get in periodic funks that abate and don't go too deep I wouldn't be concerned. Track these patterns and if you find you can't willfully turn your thoughts around, or they happen more frequently or intensely, you are probably depressed and should see a therapist. READ MORE

Faculty Titles & Positions

Clinical Instructor in Psychology, Dept. of Psychiatry Harvard Medical School 1999 - 2003
Instructors Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology 1991 - 1995
Lecturer in Psychology Harvard University 1985 - 1986
George and Cecile Naumberg Fellow Harvard University 1979 - 1981
Clinical Fellow in Psychology in the Dept. of Psychiatry Harvard University 1979 - 1981

Awards

Branford Arts Prize 1976 Yale University
Whos Who Among Human Service Professionals
Whos Who Among American Women

Treatments

Couples Therapy
Marriage Education
Individual Psychotherapy
Parent Education
Consultation Services to Individuals and Organizations
Supervision
Relationship Counseling
Relationship Issues
Grief Counseling
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
Life Transitions

Professional Memberships

American Psychological Association
Massachusetts Psychological Association
Professional Member American Psychological Association
Professional Member Massachusetts Psychological Association
Professional Member Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education

Publications

Jossey-BassWhy Do Fools Fall in Love?2001
Jossey-BassBeyond the Chuppah: A Jewish Guide to Happy Marriages2001

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

Founder and President, Partners for ACCESS (African Community Center for Social Sustainability), Uganda
Board of Directors (Past): Terezin Music Foundation