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...

Obsession with cheating?
Yes, it certainly could. Does he have a PC and an annual checkup? Blood tests? Perhaps you could accompany him and mention his thinking during the time you are there. Or let the doctor know by phone or letter, knowing that he must tell your father that you contacted him. Various tests may reveal the cause of these obsessions. At least it is a good place to start. Your mother, of course, could also do this. Good luck! Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
Can a psychologist help with chronic pain?
This is a complicated answer: it depends on the kind of pain. I do a lot of work with chronic pain, and have, as a person with post-polio syndrome, suffered with chronic pain myself. I also used to have severe migraines, now cured. So in self- interest I learned all there was to learn about psychological techniques as well as physical interventions for others. Please consult a psychologist with training in using hypnosis for chronic pain. YES, really. Pain is processed in the brain, so teaching the brain how to perceive and not perceive it is real and valuable. Consult the American Society For Clinical Hypnosis for a referral. Zoom is actually excellent for this kind of treatment. Do not go to quacks. There are lots of them out there. Also, some hospitals (Beth Israel in Boston, for ex) have departments of medical hypnosis. My personal experience is that nerve pain does not respond to hypnosis. But other sources of pain usually do. Best of luck to you. Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
Is this a serious problem?
Please speak to your doctor about this odd symptom. S/he might send you to a neurologist to test whether you have some seizure disorder, easily treated. And you may be right - these more often surface when a person has poor sleep. Good you asked! Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
Anxiety and OCD diagnosis?
No, you are having side effects – please see a doctor who specializes in psychiatric medication. You need an adjustment in it – perhaps a little less Zoloft, perhaps an addition of another med such as a little Ativan for a short time. I assume the “doctor” you went to was a general PCP – s/he gave you good treatment, but it may need a little subtle adjustment. Glad you are getting it taken care of quickly – such an unpleasant thing to live with! Peace, Dr. Marian K. Shapiro READ MORE
Is this normal?
Hi, You have something going on that needs some intervention. A good thing to do is to speak to your doctor who can find a psychologist to give you some paper and pencil tests. Also you might be sent for an MRI, to figure out why you are seeing and hearing entities that are not literally there.then they will know what to do for them! Glad you reached out for help at your young age! Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
I found a lump a solid one?
As I can tell you know, you do need to be seen for imaging and probably a biopsy. Please go to a hospital where they can start the process. You could also call Planned Parenthood - they have some women’s cancer services. Good luck - it’s scary, but taking care of it early is the best method. Peace, (Dr) Marian Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
Should I go to a hospital or a doctor with new PTSD symptoms?
Hello, So good you reached out. I don’t know what resources you have in your community, but if you were in the area I know best, which has large general hospitals, small suburban hospitals, and many facilities for mental health care (in and out-patient), I would seek a referral for a brief inpatient stay with the purpose of diagnosis and some medication. Those people could also arrange an outpatient therapist or group. Basically you can interrupt this slide from good functioning and return to your previous stability by getting some treatment - likely medication - now. Best of luck, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
What is happening to me?
Not a delightful way to begin a new adventure! I think you were not quite ready to ‘do the deed,’ as you put it. Your detailed description of the subsequent body reactions sounds like a panic attack that kept on generating more of the same. Like if you injure one leg, then you lean on the other excessively and then it gets injured, and so on. You could use a little counseling for your excessive anxiety, and for exploring your feelings about having sex with your boyfriend. A good thing to do at your age! Also, you might acquaint yourself with the ‘morning after’ pill, which is for emergencies. Knowing about such options might also reduce your panic. Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
I feel like there's not any other option besides suicide?
That is a terrible way to feel – I guarantee you that you will feel better if you give the world a chance to help you. Please go to your local hospital and tell them you are feeling like this. Talk to a sympathetic doctor, or nurse, or psychologist (which is what I am), and they will say just what I am saying. Many people fail these exams– or medical exams, law exams, auditions, etc., and go on to either pass them, or change their career plans to do something they really want to do. Your father said a terrible thing – perhaps he thought it would motivate you. But you don’t have to listen to that. You MUST not listen to that. Instead, please take yourself for some help. Again, I GUARANTEE you will feel better if you stay alive to discover what you really are meant to do in this one life we are given. Peace, and a good life to you, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
I have bipolar with psychotic symptoms?
Hello! I had a patient with a psychotic bipolar illness when I first met them over 40 years ago. They were medicated with Lithium, as you are - it is the longest used successful treatment. That person is still taking lithium and has never had another attack - no more violence towards others or self, no psychosis. What a miracle drug! Yes, you have to take it for life. Or perhaps another form of medicine for your type of bipolar illness. Usually it is genetic - however, it was often misdiagnosed as schizophrenia. People medicated themselves with alcohol, and some actually died in car accidents caused by drinking, and in bar fights. Perhaps something like that is true in your genetic family. I wouldn’t be surprised. If you have any annoying side effects ask your psychiatrist and they have many options to adjust dosage or change up add ons to make you more comfortable. Be thankful you got diagnosed - like my patient, you can lead a normal life! Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
How to cure my illness?
Hi - I am sorry but your description doesn’t tell me enough. Do you meet people inside but not outside? Since when have you had the problem? So many questions - So my answer is to make an appointment for an interview with a mental health person - counselor, psych nurse, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist. That is where to start. They will ask you questions and you will answer them. Good luck, (Dr) Marian Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
Schizoaffective disorder?
Actually, if you want the best treatment, you do need to tell your prescriber. So, choose one you feel good about. You want treatment that works! Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
What are the mental effects of a narcissistic mother?
There’s a definition of narcissism that I like: “You and I are one, and I am the one!” So that erases you as a separate being, and doesn’t let you develop your own individuality. I note that you refer to yourself as a "girl." You are, at 32, a woman, not a girl. In therapy, I hope you can develop your individual identity separate from that of anyone else. Look for a therapist who promotes individual agency and helps you become the woman you truly are. Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
Am I having an age regression?
Hi, No, this is not an "age regression," but could be a "regression" to an earlier comforting behavior. Many of your peers take their stuffed animals to college - quite typical! You might think about why they do that - to feel safe and loved in a new environment! So, why not? Maybe you will find yourself feeling more comfortable soon. If not, go see a counselor and/or find a group of similar age young people. There is a good resource for that: The American Society For Group Psychotherapy. They have resources you can access on the web. Meanwhile, don’t worry about it! Peace, Marian K. Shapiro READ MORE
What mental condition do I have?
Hello, There are many possible diagnoses - it’s good that you don’t have any other conditions whose medications might confuse the situation! Because of the range of possibilities, including hormones, thyroid, mental health conditions, etc., I would suggest you have an evaluation with a more general consultant who can begin to narrow down the areas to be considered. The good news is that there IS/ARE answers, and when you get them, treatments will help, especially since you are motivated! Good luck. Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
Why do I get anger and vibration from my body?
Hello! As you recognize, you certainly need to seek consultation around your situation. This may involve seeing more than one professional. I think it would be prudent and sensible to see a medical professional, such as a psychiatrist and/or a neurologist who has access to a university-associated hospital with a mental health facility. There will likely be many tests, both paper and pen tests, interviews, and perhaps some MRI and/or PET scans, which are painless and which offer data that may help diagnose and then treat your condition. If you live near a good university, you can start by consulting them as to which hospital they are affiliated with. Or, ask your own PC, or other physician. Good luck. Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
Person hears voices and sees people not there?
This is very sad. As you assume, she is suffering (and, yes, she IS suffering) from an illness that causes paranoid delusions. And of course that belief system keeps her from getting help. She cannot be committed unless she tries to harm others or herself, so there is nothing you can do. Mostly, the condition worsens so eventually the police become involved. Then a mental health facility - and then, we hope, some help. You are wise to stay out of this situation which could turn hazardous for you. Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
Will I get better after feeling worse?
Hello, This is not my specialty – I am a psychologist, not a psychiatrist. If you were my therapy patient, I would make sure you see a psychiatrist to reset your medication safely. I know that Lamictal is used in bipolar disorder to treat the kind of bipolar that features mostly depression. Sometimes it is used without an anti-depressant. Please seek MEDICAL advice about this. No one should have to feel so miserable! Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
Sleepy?
Since you say this is a new-ish problem, it probably can resolve pretty quickly. I assume you are living in the same situation, same kind of bed, same life situation, not full of new worries….If all that is benign, try learning deep relaxation methods. The oldest one is called Jacobsonian Relaxation (named after – of course – Jacobson). There are many apps that teach that – it’s been around since at least the 1930’s, not very revolutionary. You could also go for a couple of sessions with a qualified hypnotherapy person (psychologist, social worker, nurse) to teach you a hypnotic method for falling asleep. It will be interesting and helpful to learn some of these things! Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
OCD?
Well, good for you taking the step to reach out! If you have a good major hospital in your area, you can contact them to ask for a referral for a consult. Tell them you think you may have OCD and want someone who could offer some guidance about that - tests that are more specific than the ones on line for example. Many successful adults have some amount of OCD, so get help managing it and you will be glad you did! Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro 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