About
Rachel Simmons, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder, OCD, mood and anxiety disorders, and body focused repetitive behaviors. She has an office in Rhode Island and provides telehealth to adults who reside in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Iowa, and all participating states under PSYPACT.
Dr. Simmons has more than 15 years experience providing mindfulness-centered cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT), including exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive therapy, and mindfulness and self-compassion training. Before her private practice, Dr. Simmons worked at the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Program at Rhode Island Hospital and at Lifespan Physician Group.
Dr. Simmons is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School where she supervises and teaches psychology residents. She regularly gives presentations on topics related to BDD.
Education
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Cornell University
Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania
M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Columbia College, Columbia University
B.A. in Environmental Biology
Northfield Mount Hermon School
Training
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Program, Rhode Island Hospital, CBT for BDD Study Therapist
Massachusetts General Hospital, IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI)
Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Adult Psychology Internship
Bellevue Hospital, Addiction Psychology Externship
Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Psychology Externship
Anxiety and Agoraphobia Treatment Center in Bala Cynwyd, PA, Psychology Externship
Why Nene Psychology?
Years ago while traveling, I was charmed by the nene (pronounced nay-nay) a rare goose species native to Hawaii. Nene are believed to have descended from ancient Canadian geese who lost their way during migration. The nene’s ancestors adapted to a new land of lava fields, dunes, and grasslands. Nene found their way into the hearts of native Hawaiians and are called the guardian spirits of the land in the Hawaiian creation chant. By the 1950s, habitat loss and hunting nearly brought nene to extinction. With the help of conservationists their numbers, though still small, have grown.
Like the nene’s ancestors, at times in life we may find ourselves in unexpected or unwanted places. We may feel lost and uncertain of how to move forward. Although we cannot undo the past, we can adapt to the present. With patience, persistence, and support, we can learn to more skillfully handle difficult life experiences. As a therapist, I work to help clients develop the skills and knowledge they seek to thrive.