Marian Kaplun Shapiro

Psychologist

17 Lantern Lane Lexington Massachusetts, 02421 Show map

About
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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...

I think I may have Aspergers?
Good thinking – it is possible, but I cannot tell without meeting a person and sometimes adding some psych testing. Why not make an appointment with a psychologist who does such testing, if they think it is called for? Many people do fine in their lives with that diagnosis – some have become quite famous in their fields, in fact. But it is always better to know, and to use whatever methods help manage your life. Peace, Dr. Marian K. Shapiro, Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
Never sleep well?
Hi, Have you ever tried consulting a medical hypnosis specialist? There are many hypnotic methods that possibly can help you in a drug-free way. If you want to try that, consult someone with credentials from the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis or the Society For Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. It can be done on Zoom, believe it or not – and is harmless. Give it a try! Peace, Dr. Marian K. Shapiro READ MORE
Need help as soon as possible?
I am so sorry – that is a very very long time to feel depressed! Please seek help right away, despite the COVID. Contact or go to a psychiatric hospital if you have one in your area. If not, go to the best hospital available, or get your doc to refer you. Not that you may need to stay in a hospital, but you need a good treatment plan to start on. Good luck, Dr. Marian K. Shapiro READ MORE
How do you break a binge cycle?
A binge is a compulsive behavior. If it is not an addictive substance, and you don’t usually get into such things, pick something to distract yourself – go out, get busy, get rid of the thing you are binging with if possible. If that doesn’t do it, consult a mental health person who does hypnosis. They can give you a method to succeed. If it is an addiction, that is another issue and both of those methods won’t be enough. You basically have to call on another part of your brain than the part that is engaged in that particular behavior. Good luck. Peace, Dr. Marian K. Shapiro READ MORE
How do you get rid of nightmares?
That’s actually a complicated question – it’s not like getting rid of dandruff by buying a medicated shampoo. It involves many questions: how long you have had them; whether they are all on the same topic; whether they followed some particular event, especially a trauma; whether you are on some new medication; whether you have tried a substance (illegal or legal); whether you have an illness with a fever; etc. So, first thing is to pursue the meds question: if you are taking some new medication, go to your prescriber. And if you are experimenting with any other substance, stop using it. If none of that is relevant, please go to a psychologist/psychiatrist/ clinical social worker and investigate the other possibilities. If you deal with the problem, the nightmares will decrease and disappear. What a relief! Good luck – and by the way, telemedicine is fine for this problem. You don’t need to be seen in person. Peace, Dr. Marian K. Shapiro READ MORE
What are typical signs of work related stress?
I assume you aren’t asking a hypothetical question – either you or someone you care about is showing some signs you suspect are related to work-related stress. There are more than I can fit into a small book! More eating/smoking/substance using/drinking alcohol…..Panic attacks….sleeplessness…nightmares….body pains (you know the expression, ‘he’s a pain in the____’)…short temper…. How’s that for starters? Perhaps simple to resolve, perhaps not – why not speak to a counselor and at least see what it is and what might be done. Good luck – and good that you are nipping it in the bud, Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
What type of therapy is used for anxiety?
Both anxiety and depression are treated in many ways and require an informed diagnosis to direct the choice of therapy. So, first off, locate a good consultant (via your p.c., local clinic, or referral service). You might be sent for medication or for a practitioner who uses various talk therapies, individual or group. It’s great that you are seeking help! Both depression and anxiety are the most common psychological conditions and there is lots of experience out there for you. Good luck! Dr. Marian K Shapiro READ MORE
What can I take for my heightened anxiety right now?
I would not suggest a pill for that kind of anxiety – I suggest you join a group meditation class. There are many on line, and also some at many houses of worship. There you will learn to reach a state of equilibrium, and also make some friends with whom to share your feelings and thoughts. And you will have a skill that you can use the rest of your life. Believe me, every life will have stress – more, less – so you might as well learn to deal with it in a productive and satisfying way! Peace – yes, inner AND outer peace Dr. Marian K. Shapiro READ MORE
Is psychotherapy effective for anxiety?
Yes, many flavors of psychotherapy are very effective for anxiety. There are cognitive behavioral methods, psychodynamic methods, hypnosis methods, meditation methods…and of course there is psychopharm. Perhaps you could consult your primary care who, I hope, knows you well enough to help you to choose a practitioner (psychologist, social worker, psychiatrist, meditation teacher) who best fits your style of thinking. Good luck! There will certainly be a treatment that will match your needs. Peace, Marian Shapiro, Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
Is anxiety all in your head?
Well, it is generated by your brain, which is certainly in your head, but it is a real feeling that affects your body as a whole - stomach, heart, muscles, skin….So, when anxiety limits your enjoyment, get some help and some tools to reduce/eliminated it! Speak to your doctor and get a referral – psychologist, hypnotherapist, even a meditation teacher may help. Or more than one of these. Life with limited anxiety is so much better! Peace, Dr. Marian Kaplun Shapiro READ MORE
How serious is ADHD?
It is necessary to know the diagnosis. But it is NOT a sentence of doom! Some of the most famous accomplished scientists - whom I know personally - have this learning issue. Adapting learning situations isn’t so hard. Schools have extensive experience in 2020 — this diagnosis will help your son get what he needs. Peace, and good luck, Dr. Marian K Shapiro READ MORE
Can a couple attend anger counseling together?
Yes, if the therapist feels that it will be most effective that way. Also possible: each separately and then together. So great that you are both going to deal with it! Good luck! Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
Are nightmares a sign of stress?
Who created this dream/nightmare? YOU! So you are all the parts of this dream. You could say that some part of you that you are unaware of (‘do not know’) is chasing you. Translation: some part of you is making you run! Any thoughts about your ambitions pushing you? Peace, Marian Shapiro Licensed Psychologist READ MORE
What can I do for my child with suicidal thoughts?
Of course you are worried. You don’t say what medications she is supposed to be taking, and whether they were prescribed by a psychiatrist or a PC. In my opinion you should contact that physician and seek a good evaluation from a mental health specialist, perhaps at a hospital or affiliated with a hospital with a mental health unit that takes people of 16. Your instinct is to do something – that is good! The ‘something’ should be at a skilled professional level. Peace, Marian K. Shapiro READ MORE
What does it mean when my teeth fall out in my dreams?
There’s no one answer for a symbol in a dream. It depends on what it means in your life. Sorry, the so-called "dream translators" are not useful. Imagine asking what the sun means - if you lived in the desert, it might be a sign of death, but if you lived in Seattle, a symbol of hope and joy. You get the point. Perhaps a therapist who knows YOU can help. Clearly, you want to know, and you just keep dreaming it in hopes of getting the message! Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
Is my boyfriend a sociopath? What do I do?
Sociopath or not, sounds like you don’t like him very much. Do you want a boyfriend you don’t like? The diagnosis of him isn’t the point - it is whether you want to be exclusively in relationship with him. Right? Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
How do I prepare to speak to a psychologist about my depression?
Great that you are going for help! The psychologist will doubtless have forms for you to fill out in which you can state that you feel depressed. In addition, the therapist will probably start by asking you what leads you to be coming. If not, you start by saying you have come because you feel depressed. Straightforward is the rule of this road. Good luck! Peace, Marian Shapiro READ MORE
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
Hi, All that term means is that you feel anxious without any particular cause - nothing threatening you in your life. Perhaps you feel worried about your health, but the doctor finds nothing wrong. Or you worry about a lot of things without specific cause. Some people will prescribe medication, others exercise or meditation techniques, others some therapy or counseling individually or in group. A joke - just don’t worry about it! Peace, Dr. Marian Shapiro READ MORE
Should my child attend our divorce counseling sessions?
Hard to answer this not knowing your child and not knowing how you and your husband are likely to behave in such a session. But kudos to you for thinking of this possibility! It leads me to think that you both will be able to manage the situation with respect and intelligent responses. So, if your child is on the mature end of his age group, why not? No harm done, and maybe some good. Dr. Marian K Shapiro READ MORE
Do you have to be married for couples therapy?
Absolutely not! It’s called ‘couple therapy’ and no license is required for the couple. A great idea for people BEFORE they marry! Peace, Marian 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