It is always a significant milestone when the work we do at LightWork Therapy & Recovery resonates with the community we serve. We are incredibly honored to announce that our founders, Molly and Jackie, were recently featured on the North of Boston Lifestyle blog in a deep-dive conversation with Jodi Crowley.
Jodi is well-known across the North of Boston area, from Woburn and Reading to Burlington and beyond, not just as a lifestyle expert and Realtor, but as a vital community connector. Her platform celebrates the local businesses and resources that make this region a beautiful place to live and work.
In this special feature, Molly and Jackie sat down with Jodi to discuss the unique challenges facing women today, the silent weight of burnout, and why having a localized, specialized support system is more critical than ever.
Beyond “I’m Fine”: Addressing the Invisible Mental Load
One of the most poignant themes of our conversation with Jodi was the “invisible load” that women carry. Across the North of Boston communities, women are balancing high-pressure careers, the complexities of modern parenting, caregiving for aging family members, and personal goals, often all at the same time.
While many women appear to be “fine” on the outside, the internal emotional load can quietly build to a breaking point. As we discussed in the interview:
“Many women say, ‘This came out of nowhere.’ In reality, stress often builds slowly over time.”
This sentiment resonates deeply with our clients. Society often praises women for their “strength” and ability to “do it all,” which can inadvertently create a stigma around seeking help. At LightWork Recovery & Therapy, we want to normalize the fact that you don’t have to wait for a crisis to deserve support. Recognizing that you are struggling to get through daily routines or feeling disconnected from the person you used to be isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of self-awareness.
Why an IOP? Filling the Gap in Women’s Mental Health
During the interview, Jackie and Molly explained the “Why” behind the founding of LightWork. Jackie’s background in private practice revealed a recurring gap in care: many women needed more than just one hour of therapy per week, but they didn’t require—or want—the disruptive experience of a hospital stay.
This is why we specialize in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). It is designed specifically for women in Woburn, Lexington, Winchester, and surrounding towns who need a “deeper dive” into their healing without pausing their lives.
Our IOP structure provides:
- Time for Real Change: 3 hours per day, 4 days per week.
- Accessibility: Morning, afternoon, and evening tracks to accommodate professional schedules.
- Holistic Modalities: Beyond traditional group and individual therapy, our program incorporates yoga therapy, medication management, and skill-building workshops.
By providing a concentrated dose of support over an average of seven weeks, we help women rebuild their foundation while they continue to live in their homes and stay connected to their families.
Healing in a “Wellness Retreat” Setting
Jodi noted something that many of our first-time visitors comment on: the environment at LightWork doesn’t feel like a medical facility. We intentionally designed our Woburn center to feel more like a wellness retreat or a sanctuary.
We believe that the physical space where therapy happens is a key component of the healing process. Traditional behavioral health settings can often feel sterile, clinical, and intimidating. At LightWork, you’ll find:
- Warm, natural lighting and soft colors.
- Comfortable, cozy seating that encourages relaxation.
- Real plants and thoughtful design elements.
Creating an environment that feels safe and inviting reduces the physiological “fight or flight” response, allowing the brain to be more open to therapeutic work. When you walk through our doors, the goal is for you to feel an immediate sense of “I can breathe here.”
Signs You May Benefit from Extra Support
During our conversation, we highlighted several common signs that suggest a woman might need more than traditional weekly therapy. If you live in the North of Boston area and recognize these feelings, know that you are not alone:
- Feeling “Stuck”: You feel like you’re just going through the motions of a life that no longer brings you joy.
- Emotional Reactivity: You find yourself becoming irritable or “snapping” at loved ones over small things.
- Physical Exhaustion: You wake up tired regardless of how much sleep you get, or you struggle with persistent anxiety-related physical symptoms.
- Isolation: You’ve begun withdrawing from the social activities and communities in Reading or Burlington that you used to love.
Supporting Our North of Boston Communities
At LightWork, we believe that healthy women create healthy communities. When a woman in Woburn or Wilmington gets the support she needs, the ripple effect is felt by her children, her spouse, her colleagues, and her neighbors.
Our partnership with community leaders like Jodi Crowley is about more than just “lifestyle”, it’s about the lifeblood of our region. We are dedicated to ensuring that every woman North of Boston has access to high-quality, trauma-informed care that respects her unique experience.
Taking the First Step If our conversation with Jodi Crowley resonated with you, we invite you to take the next step. Whether you are navigating postpartum challenges, high-level professional burnout, or a major life transition, LightWork is here to stand in your corner.
You don’t have to do it alone. We encourage you to watch the full interview with Jodi Crowley here and reach out to our team for a confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an IOP is right for me?
If your mental health is significantly impacting your daily life, work, or relationships—and weekly therapy hasn’t provided enough relief, an IOP offers the intensive structure needed for a breakthrough.
Is LightWork only for residents of Woburn?
While we are located in Woburn, MA, we serve women from across the North of Boston region, including Reading, Burlington, Stoneham, Winchester, and Lexington.
Can I attend while working full-time?
Yes. Our evening tracks are specifically designed for professional women who wish to remain in their careers while dedicating time to their mental health.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any mental health symptoms or medical conditions. Never disregard professional clinical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this guide. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately. Accessing this content does not establish a clinician-patient relationship with LightWork Therapy & Recovery.
