Skillful Means

Dr. William Jackson is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in Mindfulness, chronic pain, anxiety disorders, depression, self-development, leadership and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He provides meditation training, ongoing psychological support and coaching to help clients create more meaning and take action in important life domains.

Dr. Jackson is passionate about the work he does and cares deeply for each of his clients. He spent 6 years as a fully ordained Buddhist monk and has been teaching meditation for over 15 years. Dr. Jackson utilizes mindfulness and self-compassion practices for the majority of his clients. He guides clients towards acceptance, cultivation of inner kindness and new mindsets which create a meaningful and balanced life. This approach focuses on identifying and aligning personal values to make lasting lifestyle changes rooted in self-care and investing in one’s health, relationships, business, or creative endeavors. When working with clients with OCD, phobias or other major mental illness, he typically implements additional elements of Motivational Interviewing (MI) , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and/or Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

William sees patients in Newton, Easton, and online. Outside of his private practice, he works at Cambridge Health Alliance Primary Care and the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion and is an instructor at Harvard Medical School. He is also the founder and CEO of his company Skillful Means and holds regular meditation retreats, workshops and trainings. He looks forward to meeting you.

Message to clients
Developing acceptance of where you are in your life, where you want to be, and a path to that personal vision will be the frame for most of our sessions. It is important to me that we are both clear about your values and move a pace where you feel safe but are challenged to make meaningful change.

I am a husband, father, brother and business owner who values individual perspectives, personal priorities, and kindness. I am hard to offend and quick to trust with a good sense of humor.

Specialties
Career counseling - Support around personal and professional growth; clarifying goals and steps to building a fulfilling career and meaningful work-life balance

Chronic illness - Receiving a diagnosis; adjusting to lifestyle and medication changes; coping with related changes in mood, emotions, and relationships; managing symptoms and stress

Existential crisis - Supportive exploration of meaning and purpose in one’s life; finding one’s path in the face of existential anxiety, dread, and feelings of meaninglessness

Relationships - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating

Self-esteem - Cultivating self-compassion, assertiveness, and confidence; developing ways to reduce suffering, anxiety, social withdrawal, and self-neglect

Spirituality & religion - Exploring beliefs and practices related to meaning, existence, and spiritual health and healing; enjoying a deeper felt connection with the spiritual dimension of one's life

Stress management - Strengthening effective ways of coping with the stress of life and change; managing expectations of self and others

General expertise
Anxiety
Career counseling
Chronic illness
Chronic pain
Depression
Existential crisis & challenges
Life transitions
Relationship issues
Self-esteem
Spirituality & religion
Stress management
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness Practices
Motivational Interviewing