Ethan Lester, PhD
Hello - I'm Ethan. I am a clinical psychologist in Boston, MA. I moved to the Northeast from Texas (hometown - Houston) in 2018 to begin my fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) at the Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research (formally IBHCRP). Here I specialized in neurological illness and intervention development.
I am currently a staff psychologist at Mass General Brigham and work at Mass Eye and Ear (ophthalmology), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital (physical medicine & rehabilitation), and MGH (psychiatry), and hold a duel appointment as an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School in both the Psychiatry and Ophthalmology.
I love my work as a clinical psychologist - specifically the diversity of experiences that comes with it. All of my clinical work is informed by both theory and research, and my research is informed in kind by my unique clinical encounters with patients, families, and professionals.
My work is heavily influenced by the works and teachings of psychologists as well as educators, physicians, philosophers, theologists/spiritual teachers, and artists. I take an integrated and personalized approach to psychotherapy, holding the therapeutic relationship and patients' values as the cornerstones of change and growth. More than anything, I see the art and science of psychotherapy as being a mutual journey the patient and psychologist take together in the service of increasing psychological flexibility and valued living. I value authenticity in all domains of my life, and I strive to provide genuine care to my patients and colleagues.
When I am not working, I enjoy cooking and baking, spending time with my amazing family, and taking small day/weekend trips around New England.
Education
I earned my PhD in clinical psychology at the University of North Texas (UNT) and completed my advanced practicum training at Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC). in 2018, I began my clinical and postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research (CHOIR, formally IBHCRP) at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School (MGH/HMS). Here, I acquired advanced skills in delivering diverse clinical care, research, grant writing, consultation, and teaching/supervision.
In 2020, I was promoted to Staff Psychologist (MGH) and Assistant Professor of Psychology (MGH/HMS). I currently serve as a core research affiliate for CHOIR and I continue to provide clinical care to patients and families across my various institutions (MGH, MEE, SRH).
Clinical Expertise and Specialized Training
I treat patients using an array of cognitive behavioral and behavioral medicine interventions across the spectrum of health and illness. My clinical expertise centers around the theory and practice of mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions (e.g., ACT, DBT), while integrating other therapeutic modalities and techniques (interpersonal, psychodynamic, existential/humanistic). I use mindfulness, acceptance, and behavioral commitment to help improve my patients' distress, functioning, quality of life, meaning/purpose, and symptoms while facing medical and mental illness.
I specialize in treating patients and families who are adjusting to medical illnesses - particularly neurological illnesses and medical traumas (e.g., stroke, dementias, traumatic brain injuries, eye trauma) and co-occurring adjustment. In my clinical practice, I also see patients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, psychosocial adjustment, grief, adult ADHD, and trauma.
Consultation, Teaching, & Research
Through opportunities at the CHOIR and MGH/HMS, I have developed clinically innovative services focused on improving quality of care for patients, families, and staff. As a consulting psychologist, I synthesize clinical, research, and training priorities that benefit all stakeholders.
I am involved in the teaching and supervision of clinical fellows, medical students, undergraduate and graduate students, and clinical research coordinators. I have taught independent coursework and have been invited to speak locally, regionally, and nationally.
I also conduct both mentored and independent clinical research in both intervention development and medical illness adjustment (mostly funded through individual foundations and fellowships).
My personal and professional values
Authenticity
(Noun) - true to one's own personality, spirit, or character
Connection/Relationship
(Noun) - contextual relation or association/connected with another
Service
(Noun) - contribution to the welfare of others
Inclusion
(Noun) - practice of including and accommodating people
Professional Affiliations
