What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
4.89
Bedside manner
5.00
“Meeting with Dr. Brewster has been extremely beneficial.
She has been direct and empathetic which has resulted in my developing insight and skills around complex family dynamics and personal growth.”
EHMore than 1 year ago
“Dr. Brewster is incredibly insightful. Her knowledge, experience and dedication to helping you life your best life makes her an excellent therapist. She meets you where you are at and gently guides you though your trauma, your past struggles, sadness, depression, grief and anxiety. Dr. Brewster presents different ways to see and understand feelings and behaviors that may have prevented you from enjoying your life. Her use of Internal Family Systems changed my life. For many of us, therapy is a long process. I would not be who I am at this point in my life without Dr. Brewster.”
MFMore than 1 year ago
About Dr. Arlene Brewster
Focus areas
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightFaith
JewishEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Arlene Brewster
I have been a therapist for over thirty years and have witnessed many changes in diagnosis and treatment techniques. What remains consistent is that therapy is a team effort between the therapist and the patient. Clients seeking therapy want, above all, acceptance and competence from their therapist. Whatever therapeutic modality is practiced, if the client feels judged, dismissed, or not understood, therapy is not a safe place to explore the deep feelings of shame, confusion, anger, and loss that often arise in the work. The client also needs to trust that the therapist has enough training and experience to help them move from their current state to a place of hope. These factors are more important and better predictors of success than the depth of the crisis that brings people to therapy. I earned my PhD in Psychology and Education from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and completed my internship in Psychology at Henry Ford Hospital. My goal is to keep acceptance and competence at the center of my therapy with every client.
What should a new client know about working with you?
I primarily practice Internal Family Systems therapy. I believe that IFS therapy embodies a more humane way of helping clients than more traditional models of therapy. Many older models work from the premise that the client has symptoms of sickness, such as intrusive thoughts, painful feelings, or problematic behavior that must be fixed or eliminated so that the client can then be healthy. IFS, in contrast, believes that we all have protective parts that try to cope with challenging and painful situations in childhood and adulthood. These parts have good intentions to protect us, even though their attempts to cope can result in difficulties with thoughts, feelings and behaviors. When clients can understand and accept the good intentions of protective parts they are better able to deal with them without the feelings of shame or beliefs that they are not good enough. Clients can approach their issues as a way of learning about themselves and healing their wounds rather than viewing themselves as damaged or sick.
My background includes working in a number of medical facilities as well as private practice. In addition to working in the Pediatric Department of Henry Ford Hospital, doing my doctoral dissertation on hospitalized children's understanding of their illness and treatment, I also worked at the Northeast Ohio College of Medicine as an adjunct faculty teaching medical students. I was the behavioral scientist for the Youngstown Hospital Family Practice residency where I taught medical residents psychological issues in medical care.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
I am a certified ISF therapist. I do IFS therapy when I feel it is appropriate and beneficial.
Dr. Arlene Brewster is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $190 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $190 for 60 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
More information on payments and coverage
Super bills are provided each month for the month prior for you to submit to your insurance company.
Office location
Dr. Arlene Brewster, PhD also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, PhD in Psychology and Education
- Henry Ford Hospital, Internship in Psychology
Professional memberships
- American Psychological Association
- New Hampshire Psychological Association
- Maine Psychological Association
NPI number
1043255136
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
4.89
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
9 reviews
Most relevant
Meeting with Dr. Brewster has been extremely beneficial.
She has been direct and empathetic which has resulted in my developing insight and skills around complex family dynamics and personal growth.
More than 1 year agoEH
Dr. Brewster is incredibly insightful. Her knowledge, experience and dedication to helping you life your best life makes her an excellent therapist. She meets you where you are at and gently guides you though your trauma, your past struggles, sadness, depression, grief and anxiety. Dr. Brewster presents different ways to see and understand feelings and behaviors that may have prevented you from enjoying your life. Her use of Internal Family Systems changed my life. For many of us, therapy is a long process. I would not be who I am at this point in my life without Dr. Brewster.
More than 1 year agoMF
Since my first visit I felt at peace with Arlene. I am thankful for her knowledge and gentle guidance throughout the therapy process.
More than 1 year agoKM
Dr. Brewster is incredibly easy to open up with, warm and patient. She listens intently, asks very stimulating questions and helps you work through the thoughts and issues which result. I would highly recommend Dr. Brewster!
More than 1 year agoBG
Arlene Brewster is the warmest, kindest, smartest (spot on) and most experienced therapist I have ever had. She has the deepest emotional understanding and intellectual breath and depth of her profession. Arlene is also flexible and will try her hardest to get you in. Truly caring and able to help you heal.
More than 1 year agoMW
Dr. Brewster has an excellent understanding of my long-standing issues. She is very warm, caring, empathetic, and professional. Her treatment approaches, including Internal Family Systems, are very effective and I am finally finding answers and relief. With Dr. Brewster's help, I have gained more confidence and hope for my future. I highly recommend Dr. Brewster and only wish I had come to her years ago.
More than 1 year agoKW
I have had many sessions over the years with Dr. Brewster. She is extremely knowledgeable and with deep insight. She is always professional and kind. She doesn’t just sit and listen but participates and gives practical advice. She has a really good sense of humor and laughs easily. Which I greatly appreciated.
Honestly I think she is brilliant in her field.
I can’t not give her a high enough recommendation!
More than 1 year agoER
Dr Brewster has been wonderful, very attentive, and honest.
I have felt very comfortable being transparent with Dr. Brewster, she is very personable and flexible to pivot the conversation based on what I have needed.
I would highly recommend Dr. Brewster! I wish that I had found her years ago!
More than 1 year agoJB
June 7, 2023Patrick M.Verified patient
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Arlene Brewster?
Generally, Dr. Arlene Brewster has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Brewster's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Arlene Brewster accepting new patients?
Dr. Arlene Brewster generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Brewster's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Arlene Brewster accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Brewster is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Arlene Brewster online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Brewster using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Arlene Brewster work with?
Dr. Arlene Brewster works with Arlene Brewster, Ph.D..
Where is Dr. Arlene Brewster's office located?
Dr. Arlene Brewster has 3 office locations, including in Windsor and Kittery Point, view full addresses on Dr. Brewster's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Arlene Brewster?
Dr. Arlene Brewster frequently sees patients for Anxiety, Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Arlene Brewster on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Arlene Brewster speak?
Dr. Arlene Brewster speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Arlene Brewster in reviews?
9 patients have reviewed Dr. Arlene Brewster. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.89/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.