About Angela Ficken, LICSW

 

A more thoughtful way to approach change.

Most people who find their way here are not starting from the beginning. They are self-aware and often used to figuring things out on their own. For a long time, that approach worked. But things shift. What once felt manageable starts to feel heavier. Mental clarity becomes harder to obtain. The strategies that used to work no longer bring the same sense of stability or control.

That is not a sign of failure. It is often a sign that the demands of your life have outgrown the tools you have been using to manage them.

Progress Wellness was built for that moment.

— PHILOSOPHY —

The work here is grounded in a simple but important idea. Effective change does not come from forcing yourself to do more. It stems from understanding how you think and respond under pressure, and learning how to shift that in a way that feels realistic and sustainable.

Sliver Shifts™ are a core part of this approach. They are small, intentional adjustments that create movement without overwhelm. Over time, they begin to change how you experience your day-to-day life.

— BACKGROUND —

Angela Ficken, LICSW, is a Boston-based licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Progress Wellness. She earned her undergraduate degree from Northeastern University and her graduate degree from the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work.

She completed specialized training at the OCD Institute at McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, where she focused on Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD and related anxiety disorders. Angela later served as a Senior Clinical Social Worker at McLean Hospital and provided care through Harvard University Student Health Services.

Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, her work is built on the belief that small, consistent shifts are the foundation for lasting change.

— EXPERIENCE & INTERESTS —

EDUCATION & TRAINING 

  • Northeastern University

  • Boston College Graduate School of Social Work

  • OCD Institute at McLean Hospital (Harvard Medical School Affiliate) — Exposure and Response Prevention

  • McLean Hospital Adult Short-Term Inpatient Unit — Senior Clinical Social Worker

  • Harvard University Student Health Services

  • Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

— CLINICAL APPROACH —

Sessions draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy,  supportive psychotherapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention, applied flexibly depending on what each client is navigating. The focus is always on helping you understand your patterns and shift them in ways that feel realistic and sustainable.

— FAQ —

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps you better understand and navigate your emotions, especially in moments that feel overwhelming.

    It focuses on four core skills:

    • Mindfulness: staying present and aware in the current situation

    • Distress tolerance: navigating difficult moments without reacting impulsively

    • Interpersonal effectiveness: communicating clearly while maintaining self-respect

    • Emotion regulation: managing emotional responses more effectively

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

    Often, the way we think shapes how we feel and how we act. CBT helps you recognize unhelpful thought patterns, question them, and develop more balanced ways of thinking.

    Over time, this can lead to meaningful shifts in mood, behavior, and overall clarity.

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often driven by persistent “what if” thoughts that create anxiety and uncertainty.

    These thoughts (obsessions) can lead to repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) meant to reduce discomfort. While these behaviors may offer temporary relief, they often reinforce the cycle over time.

    Treatment focuses on helping you step out of this pattern and build a more sustainable sense of control.

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective treatment for OCD.

    It involves gradually facing the thoughts or situations that trigger anxiety without relying on compulsions. Over time, this helps retrain the brain to recognize that the feared outcome is not actually dangerous.

    The result is increased tolerance, reduced anxiety, and greater freedom in daily life.

  • Progress Wellness does not participate in insurance panels.

    If you have a PPO plan, I can provide documentation for possible reimbursement. Because coverage varies, I recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand your benefits before scheduling.

    For HMO or non-PPO plans, reimbursement is typically not available, though you may be able to submit expenses for tax purposes.

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