Marian Kaplun Shapiro

Psychologist

17 Lantern Lane Lexington Massachusetts, 02421 Show map

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About

Extensive Experience in the Field of Women's Psychological Trauma. She Entered the Field When it was Rarely Studied and Paved the Path for Today's Professional Women in the Field, and Those Seeking Help.

Secondarily, as a musician and well-published writer herself and as a former teacher of writing,!she works with people around developing her artistic process.

Education and Training

Harvard University

Board Certification

Group Therapy

Hypnosis

Forensic Psychology

Provider Details

Female French 46 years of experience

Marian Kaplun Shapiro

Marian Kaplun Shapiro's Expert Contributions

My Latest Posts
My Answers

Hypnosis
Do you have frequent nightmares? Panic attacks? Debilitating phobias? Have you been told that you suffer from PTSD? These are all conditions that can be treated successfully with clinical hypnosis, whether by a psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker, or psychiatric nurse. Hypnosis has...
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety. Even the word makes you feel anxious. From the Latin anxietās, this word, and its many synonyms (worry, nervousness, upset, distress…), has described states of mind that appear to be universal. We cannot live without it – how would we cross a busy street if we were not to some degree...

Can you heal panic attacks without pills?
Hello! I dont think I would say cure about panic attacks. I would say you can be treated to prevent panic attacks, and to interrupt panic attacks. Pills, such as beta blockers, are used for such interventions. These are not opioids, and are not addictive. A physician can prescribe them. You could choose, instead, to learn various types of relaxation methods breathing techniques, for example. Or you could learn a simple hypnotic method from a certified hypnosis specialist (American Society of Clinical Hypnosis). Panic attacks are miserable, scary, embarrassing, inconvenient choose your preferred method and go to someone who will teach you how to do it, if you dont want to use medication. Good luck, peace, (Dr.) Marian Shapiro Liciensed Psychologist READ MORE
Can alcohol addiction be cured without medications?
Hello! The happy answer is YES! You have surely heard of Alcoholics Anonymous. Thats one place thousands and thousands of people with alcohol addiction have started on their way to sobriety. Try one chapter - if it doesnt feel like the group for you, try another. If you live in an area without many to choose from, go on line til you find the one you feel is for you. Its hard to face an addiction - but thousands have succeeded - without medication. They can help you. Good luck! Peace, (Dr) Marian Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
What treatment is the safest for panic attacks?
Hello! There are no hazardous treatments for panic attacks that I know of. Easy and effective methods include rhythmic breathing and relaxation methods such as hypnosis, easily taught by a certified health professional (see the referral list on the ASCH website). Why suffer! Easy, effective, available! Peace, (Dr) Marian K Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
Are there any non-medical treatments for anxiety?
Hello. Glad to say, yes, lots of them depending on lots of factors. Perhaps you could go to a medical person (doctor, nurse, psychologist) just to ascertain which would fit you best. Kinda like if you didnt know your shoe size, you might go to a shoe store to measure you, even if you wanted to buy the shoes on line. They will ask what your symptoms are, how long you have had them, whether you know what causes them for ex., some people get anxious only when taking exams, or making speeches. Others are anxious all the time. The evaluator could then recommend exercise, or meditation, or hypnosis, or cognitive-behavioral therapy (using workibooks), or a group. Many other non-medical treatments available. Get the shoe that fits YOU> peace, (Dr.) Marian Shapiro Licensed Clinical Psychologist READ MORE
What are the methods of treating panic attacks?
Hello - I wonder if you know how many people ask the same question as you. Panic must be epidemic! Yes, so many treatments that work - like shoes, the one that fits you is the best for you. Of course there are medications (see a psychiatrist). There is hypnosis (see a practitioner certified by ASCH). There is relaxation techniques, breathing techniques (see a psychologist or social worker or psychiatric nurse or counselor). Of course you may want to understand what causes you to panic so talking about it will be necessary. Good luck! Its a terrible feeling so pursue the right fit for you ! Peace, (Dr) Marian Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
What breathing method is the most effective in coping with anxiety?
Hello - there are many breathing methods that are successful in Interrupting panic! There are entire books dealing with these methods; one I recall is by James Nestor. There is also a nice biofeedback device called a Stress Eraser that trains you in the breathing rhythm that works best for you. It is a small, handheld thing, about the size of a cellphone - but not the cost, fortunately. If none of these does it for you, i suggest you find a practitioner of clinical hypnosis on the website of ASCH who can teach you a simple method of relaxing when feeling panicked. Good luck - you share this problem with uncountable numbers of others. Peace, (Dr) Marian Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
Does the breathing method help panic attacks?
Hello - there are many breathing methods that are successful in Interrupting panic! There are entire books dealing with these methods; one I recall is by James Nestor. There is also a nice biofeedback device called a Stress Eraser that trains you in the breathing rhythm that works best for you. It is a small, handheld thing, about the size of a cellphone - but not the cost, fortunately. If none of these does it for you, i suggest you find a practitioner of clinical hypnosis on the website of ASCH who can teach you a simple method of relaxing when feeling panicked. Good luck - you share this problem with uncountable numbers of others. Peace, Marian READ MORE
Do you need more sleep if you have anxiety?
Hello! If you have a reasonable amount of sleep for your age and occupation, why not just focus on reducing the anxiety! Many ways to do that - my favorite is To learn hypnosis for relaxation and calming. Look at the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis website (ASCH.org) and search for a practitioner in your area who specializes in anxiety. A few sessions is all youll likely need. Good luck! Peace, (Dr) Marian Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
Don't know what i am going through
Hello! You are in the launch phase, but you arent launching! Please go to a therapist who specializes in working with young adults. You recognize that you need some help that is a good start! A good therapist could be a psychologist, a clinical social worker, or a psychiatrist, and can help you formulate where you are and where you want to get, and how to get there. You might have individual and/or group therapy. You are only 22 lots and lots of years to develop your own path. Do take this advice. If you dont know how to find a therapist, ask your physician, or look on a website like Psychology Today, where each one describes themselves and their special interest and training. Good luck! peace, (Dr,) Marian K. Shapiro Licensed Psychologisit READ MORE
Can a child's angry behavior be fixed?
Hello You must be very frustrated to have written for help. Glad you did! Anger cant be fixed. It needs to be translated, and addressed. The age of the child is important to note can the child talk? Write? Many unknowns here. If you can understand why this child is angry so much so that you are wanting to have it fixed you may be able to address it. If not, nows the time for a professional! Please look for a child therapist your doctor may be able to refer you to one, or perhaps a teacher. They can help you to understand the reason for the anger, and the best ways to address is so that the child isnt angry any more! The longer you wait, the worse it gets, so try to find a person with child therapy credentials as soon as possible. peace, (Dr) Marian Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
Can anxiety be controlled?
Hello! Im happy to say YES! General anxiety can be controlled in many many ways. The trick is to find the one that fits you best. Like shoes, you need to try on many different styles in a size that works for your particular feet. So my advice is for you to go for an evaluation a psychologist can do that who can recommend the most likely fit for you. For example, there is medication (psychiatrist); hypnosis (psychologist/psychiatrist/social worker/nurse with certification by the ASCH); cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy; group therapy; meditation classes; physical exercise....But when you find the best shoes for you, you will walk forward without that crippling companion of anxious thoughts. Good luck! peace, (Dr.) Marian Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
Can anxiety be controlled without medications?
Hello - The short answer is YES! Many methods are successful - like shoes, they have to fit YOU. From cognitive behavioral practice to meditation to hypnosis to exercise and more. I suggest you find a good consultant for an evaluation and referral. Try one method - a few times is enough to know - and then another if that didnt work. Recently I had a person contact me who had tried one method with no success and then tried hypnosis which was miraculous for her. The opposite could be true for someone else! Good luck! Peace, (Dr.) Marian Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
Is psychotherapy good after divorce?
Hello! The question to ask yourself involves YOU: do you want to talk some things over with a good listener? Do you have feelings you want to explore? Do you want to have a listener who is not in your circle of friends or relatives? If you answer yes to any of these, do look for a compatible therapist. Good luck, Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro Licensed psychologist READ MORE
How long does it take to treat social anxiety?
Hi - your friend will have to ask their therapist! Depends on how bad it is, what method is used, etc. Hypnosis? Cognitive behavioral therapy? Meds? Like asking how long does it take to treat a burn. There are burns, and there are BURNS! Sorry there is no simple answer, but your friends therapist may know. Peace, (Dr) Marian Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
Should I see a doctor for panic attacks?
Hello! Panic attacks are definitely treatable. Search for a mental health person who does that hypnosis, for ex., is one way to treat panic attacks (look on the Web at the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) for a trained person). Many non-medication methods are available, and you can choose the one that best suits you. Medication methods are also available; for such treatment, you need to consult with your physician. You are actually lucky, because you have a problem that is so easily addressed! Good luck! peace, (Dr.)Marian Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
Is a psychiatrist goof for treating panic attacks?
Hello - Yes, if you want medication such as a beta blocker, such as propranolol. If you want a non-pharmacological treatment I would suggest hypnosis. So if your attacks are rare, obviously connected to the cause (say, public speaking that you do once a year), medication is easy. If it is more part of your life - like you live in the 12th floor of a building and you panic when you have to go in an elevator, I think hypnosis would be more suitable. Just make sure the provider is a reputable mental health practitioner- lots of lay people call themselves hypnotists. Good luck ! peace, (Dr) Marian Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
Do you go to a psychiatrist for anxiety?
Yes, or to any qualified mental health practitioner: a clinical social worker, a psychologist; an experienced mental health counselor. Most important is to choose a knowledgeable person whom you like! Peace, Marian K. Shapiro, Ed.D. Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
Should I see a psychiatrist for anger issues?
Good for you - whatever these issues are, anger is a tough one to control/keep in proportion . Yes, do consult a mental health professional - psychiatrist, psychologist, mental health counselor, independent social worker. Unless you need medication, all these non-psychiatrist options are fine options. Good luck! Peace, (Dr.) Marian Shapiro Clinical Psychologist READ MORE
Does therapy help with obsessive thoughts?
Hello! Yes, there are specific therapy methods that work well for that issue. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the type of treatment usually used, and many hospitals have outpatient clinics just for that therapy! You have lots of company! Do try it - nothing to lose! Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro Licensed Pstchologist READ MORE
Lamictal Bipolar I
Hi - it is scary to take a med for the first time. You dont say how long you have been taking it - some side effects decrease after a couple of weeks. I recommend you speak to the doc who prescribed it - if they arent a Neuropsych person or a psychiatrist, go to a consultant associated with a teaching hospital if possible. Zoom is fine for that kind of consult. Let an expert weigh in on the diagnosis and medication. Glad you asked! Peace, Marian (Dr) Marian K Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

PTSD; phobias; anxiety; pain

Professional Memberships

American Psychological Association; American Society of Clinical Hypnosis; American Group Psychotherapy Association

Professional Society Memberships

American Society of Group Psychotherapy, The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, American Psychology Association, International Society for the Study of Trauma and Disassociation