It’s time to feel like yourself again.
Meet Jana Ross, LMHC
Boston Therapist & Supervisor
You’re here because you know something feels off.
You're tired of trying to meet everyone’s expectations — whether that’s how you look, having the successful job, perfect relationship — you’re exhausted. Maybe you have a gold star in self-care but still don’t feel like you can keep going at this pace. Even when everything looks great on paper, sometimes you go to bet wondering if this is all there is.
You’re in the right spot.
I’m Jana - therapist, dog mom (aren’t they perfect?), book lover, couch and adventure enthusiast.
I see the full spectrum of “I think I have a food thing” to eating disorders in my private practice, and I love working with clients on all things food and body image. I grew up in a sports family and have been active throughout my life. I’ve witnessed how something that starts with great intentions can take a sharp turn towards unhealthy. I love working with folks on building a positive relationship with movement that works for them long-term.
I also see lots of people looking for support around anxiety and relationship issues. My clients often identify as over-thinkers, people-pleasers, perfectionists, or the “glue” / “easy one” in their families. We can work on slowing down, identifying your needs and desires, and creating healthy boundaries.
Things my clients know about me: We’re going to laugh together and drop an appropriately timed curse word here and there. I have their back even when I might be pointing out some patterns that aren’t working well for them. I’m obsessed with my dogs, and I fill my time reading fiction, rooting for Michigan football (Go Blue!), running, cross-country skiing, and rock climbing. Every weekend is a battle between time outside and time telling Netflix “I’m still watching.”
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Massachusetts License #12617
MA in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine
BA in Communications, Boston College
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Unified Treatment Protocol for Eating Disorders
Cognitive Processing Therapy for Trauma
Extensive training in eating disorders & body image
Continuing education in Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness, Somatic Trauma Therapy, ACT
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Inclusivity: Every gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, ability, and body is welcome. I’m rooted in an anti-diet, trauma-informed, and anti-racist framework. I will work hard to make sure you feel as safe as possible with me, and I encourage open dialogue if/when I miss the mark.
Compassion: I believe change can only happen when people feel safe enough to take risks, and that starts with trusting you won’t be judged when things don’t go according to plan. You will always receive kindness from me, but even more importantly, we’ll work on developing more self-compassion so you can become your biggest supporter.
Autonomy: I trust that everyone is doing the best they can with the resources they have. I respect your ability to choose, even when you might regret a choice or feel nervous people won’t understand.
Authenticity: People often think therapy is only talking about where you’re struggling, but I also want to know all the things that make you you. If I’m asking you to show up as yourself, it’s only fair that I do the same. The session is always your space but I try to engage as authentically (non-therapist robot) as I can.
Get the support that’s right for you.
THERAPY APPROACHES
While I think our relationship matters more than any method, here’s an overview of approaches I’d incorporate:
Relational Cultural Theory (RCT)
There’s a reason why people say we’re a product of who we spend the most of our time around. The relationships we have with our family, friends, and coworkers shape how we see ourselves, and we’re also hugely influenced by the culture around us. RCT doesn’t just look at personal relationships but also considers the impact of societal forces—like diet culture, racism, and patriarchy—and how they influence your self-esteem and identity.
Exposure Therapy
You know that thing you’ve been avoiding and it keeps getting scarier over time? Maybe it’s dating, making new friends, wearing the clothes you really like - just the thought of it makes you anxious so you go out of your way to avoid feeling that discomfort. Exposure Therapy helps you work towards whatever scares you in small, manageable ways so the fear or anxiety feels like something you can handle.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Do you ever feel like the more you try to fight tough feelings, the worse they get? Or you’re just going along with life, not ever fully present or clear about what you want? ACT teaches you how to accept all emotions as a normal part of life, without feeling like your emotions control you. You’ll get clear on your values and learn how to make choices that are aligned with those values, even when things are hard. We’ll also work on mindfulness skills to help you stay present and reduce stress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Maybe you’ve noticed that you’re really critical of yourself or you make decisions that don’t get you any closer to what you want. For example, you have the thought that you can’t start dating until you lose weight so you avoid social situations even though you’d really like to have a meaningful relationship. CBT would help us look at where that thought came from, whether we can practice any flexibility with that thought, and identify behaviors that would get you closer to your goals.
Why Sandstone?
I feel most myself when I have my feet buried in the sand or I’m spending the day in the mountains. My favorite childhood memories are from a sleepy beach town, and as an adult I’ve found just as much peace rock climbing or hiking beautiful places. Turns out nature is also healing for most people so I was drawn to the blend of beach & mountain imagery. Apparently sandstone also signifies resilience over time, grounding, stability, and transformation - so that’s all great, too.