DAPP Lab Members
Michael Basseches, Ph.D.
I am currently Professor of Psychology at Suffolk University in Boston, MA, USA and maintain a private practice of developmentally-oriented psychotherapy and psychotherapy supervision in Cambridge and Gloucester, MA, USA as well as in Lisboa, Portugal. After doctoral training in life-span developmental psychology and a clinical psychology respecialization program, I began to practice psychotherapy in 1985, to provide training in clinical-developmental psychology in 1986, and to develop the DAPP method of psychotherapy research in 1995. In addition to my continuing interest of the past 30 years in a life-span developmental orientation to psychotherapy practice, training and research, I am currently very interested in the concept of “Socially Responsible Psychology” and co-edited the Springer 2014 book, Toward a Socially Responsible Psychology for a Global Era. My research in adult development that preceded my psychotherapy career is summarized in my 1984 (Ablex) book, Dialectical Thinking and Adult Development. To link to my CV, click here.
I divide my time between living in Gloucester, MA, USA and Almada, Portugal, where my wife, Dra. Angela Brandao, is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist. I have two sons in the United States, Joshua Basseches and Benjamin Basseches, and two cats in Portugal, Isis and Poseidon. I love spending time near the ocean, and my favorite beaches are, in the US, between Wellfleet and Truro, Massachusetts, and in Portugal, between Costa da Caparica and Fonte de Telha.
I am currently Professor of Psychology at Suffolk University in Boston, MA, USA and maintain a private practice of developmentally-oriented psychotherapy and psychotherapy supervision in Cambridge and Gloucester, MA, USA as well as in Lisboa, Portugal. After doctoral training in life-span developmental psychology and a clinical psychology respecialization program, I began to practice psychotherapy in 1985, to provide training in clinical-developmental psychology in 1986, and to develop the DAPP method of psychotherapy research in 1995. In addition to my continuing interest of the past 30 years in a life-span developmental orientation to psychotherapy practice, training and research, I am currently very interested in the concept of “Socially Responsible Psychology” and co-edited the Springer 2014 book, Toward a Socially Responsible Psychology for a Global Era. My research in adult development that preceded my psychotherapy career is summarized in my 1984 (Ablex) book, Dialectical Thinking and Adult Development. To link to my CV, click here.
I divide my time between living in Gloucester, MA, USA and Almada, Portugal, where my wife, Dra. Angela Brandao, is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist. I have two sons in the United States, Joshua Basseches and Benjamin Basseches, and two cats in Portugal, Isis and Poseidon. I love spending time near the ocean, and my favorite beaches are, in the US, between Wellfleet and Truro, Massachusetts, and in Portugal, between Costa da Caparica and Fonte de Telha.
Megan Clapp, M.A.
I am currently a Ph.D. student in the clinical psychology program at Suffolk University, and the main architect of this website. Through my various practica I've gained a foundation in CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance Based Behavioral Therapies (ACT, MBBT). I have special interest in critical psychology, and expertise in LGBTQ issues and complex PTSD.
I am currently a Ph.D. student in the clinical psychology program at Suffolk University, and the main architect of this website. Through my various practica I've gained a foundation in CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance Based Behavioral Therapies (ACT, MBBT). I have special interest in critical psychology, and expertise in LGBTQ issues and complex PTSD.
Alison Thomas, M.A.I am currently a Clinical Psychology PhD student at Suffolk University and a clinician (practicum student) at the Center for Early Detection, Assessment, and Response to Risk (CEDAR) at Massachusetts Mental Health Center and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. At CEDAR, we assess, treat, and support older children and young adults who are at risk of developing psychosis. I also did one year of training as an outpatient therapist at a VA. My master's research was a case study of the course of a client's psychotherapy using DAPP 2.
I have about 5 years of experience as a research psychometrician, study coordinator, database manager, and all-purpose research assistant. After completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Brown University, I worked as a barista for two years and can make a mean latte. When I'm just hanging out, I spend much of my time with my husband, a musician, and my lovely cats.
I have about 5 years of experience as a research psychometrician, study coordinator, database manager, and all-purpose research assistant. After completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Brown University, I worked as a barista for two years and can make a mean latte. When I'm just hanging out, I spend much of my time with my husband, a musician, and my lovely cats.
Vanessa Alvarez, M.A.
I am currently a third year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at Suffolk University in Boston, MA. As a clinician in training, I have been privileged to serve a diverse population of clients via practicum placements at Brigham and Women's Hospital (2012-2013) and Suffolk University's Counseling Center (2013-2014). My master’s thesis involved tracking the process of development through conflict resolution in a case of couple therapy using the DAPP framework and methods. More recently, I’ve become increasingly interested in the link between therapists’ self-compassion and compassion toward clients.
I spend my leisure time riding a stationary bike, eating delicious food, visiting family and friends, planning summer trips and spontaneous weekend adventures, meditating, and spending quality time with Teddy (my furry 9 pound Shih Tzu baby). As a native South Floridian, I miss spending time near the water and look forward to the summer months when I can take trips to the beach!
I am currently a third year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at Suffolk University in Boston, MA. As a clinician in training, I have been privileged to serve a diverse population of clients via practicum placements at Brigham and Women's Hospital (2012-2013) and Suffolk University's Counseling Center (2013-2014). My master’s thesis involved tracking the process of development through conflict resolution in a case of couple therapy using the DAPP framework and methods. More recently, I’ve become increasingly interested in the link between therapists’ self-compassion and compassion toward clients.
I spend my leisure time riding a stationary bike, eating delicious food, visiting family and friends, planning summer trips and spontaneous weekend adventures, meditating, and spending quality time with Teddy (my furry 9 pound Shih Tzu baby). As a native South Floridian, I miss spending time near the water and look forward to the summer months when I can take trips to the beach!
Grace Gu, B.A.
Born in China and raised in Southern California, this first year clinical psychology student moved to Boston to experience a "real winter." Other than saying goodbye to my year round tan, I have loved the learning and developmental opportunities at Suffolk University.
After graduating from UC Irvine with a Bachelors in Drama and Clinical Psychology, I was a research assistant at the University of Southern California and worked with gang affiliated youth who had recently been released from incarceration. We provided social support and counseling to the participants, their families, and helped participants find jobs. Clinically, I have worked as a crisis counselor with Survivors of sexual and domestic assault for several years and then served as a trainer for future crisis counselors. I will start my practicum at McLean's OCDI in September.
I love loosing myself in a good book, on a hike, in yoga, or in my thoughts. There's something luxurious about letting go of knowing where I am and where I'm headed.
Born in China and raised in Southern California, this first year clinical psychology student moved to Boston to experience a "real winter." Other than saying goodbye to my year round tan, I have loved the learning and developmental opportunities at Suffolk University.
After graduating from UC Irvine with a Bachelors in Drama and Clinical Psychology, I was a research assistant at the University of Southern California and worked with gang affiliated youth who had recently been released from incarceration. We provided social support and counseling to the participants, their families, and helped participants find jobs. Clinically, I have worked as a crisis counselor with Survivors of sexual and domestic assault for several years and then served as a trainer for future crisis counselors. I will start my practicum at McLean's OCDI in September.
I love loosing myself in a good book, on a hike, in yoga, or in my thoughts. There's something luxurious about letting go of knowing where I am and where I'm headed.