Hello! I have successfully practiced clinical social work for over 30 years and have enjoyed helping the many clients I have counseled during my career. You will find me to be caring, understanding, respectful, nonjudgmental, knowledgeable and attentive to your needs. I have experience as a therapist /counselor, case manager, clinical supervisor and mental health clinic director, working with adults, adolescents and children and families and have been effective in helping my clients consistently achieve positive change. My number one objective is to help you feel better and resolve any difficult issues you are coping with. My approach is goal oriented and problem solving, often using cognitive behavioral therapy strategies and motivational interviewing techniques designed to challenge any negative thoughts and improve and maintain your motivation to make the changes needed to resolve issues and problems you are facing. I graduated from The Hunter School of Social Work in 1990 with a Master's Degree in Social Work in New York City and I am currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Pennsylvania. I'm here to help you and look forward to working with you!

Fulfilling our potential is a lifelong journey of becoming more at peace with ourselves, deepening the intimacy in our relationships, being more authentically human, and feeling more alive each day. Along the way, certain challenges arise to cause us distress or confusion. Such moments can make us feel held back, afraid, or unsure of where to go from here. But these moments can also be the points of growth and healing from which we renew ourselves in ways we did not think possible. It is a great privilege helping men and women in their search to improve their relationship with themselves and others, to lessen the burden of emotional pain, to experience freedom from addictions, or to embark on new life challenges - to find the hope and courage needed to take those important next steps. My clients have consistently taught me that, despite various pains and hurts we may encounter, the human power of resilience and love is much stronger. My counseling approach is primarily one of empowerment: allowing your personal strengths to be nurtured and developed, while lessening or managing psychological hindrances that may be damaging your quality of life. I am especially mindful of the whole person - your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. In this way, I utilize a variety of techniques depending on your particular needs, strengths, and goals. These techniques include behavioral and cognitive skills to more in-depth existential or transpersonal therapy approaches. I have specialized training in mindfulness meditation, treating both substance-based and behavioral addictions, recovery from childhood and adult trauma experiences, sexual identity struggles, anxiety and depressive disorders, bereavement, and other life transitions.

Hi there! My name is Melissa Hochbaum Strauss and I am looking forward to working with you. I have over 7 years of experience working with individuals, families and couples as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I believe that every client can teach me something and my approach is warm and engaging. I hope that you feel you have control over our time as well. Every individual has strengths and it is important to use this in the therapeutic process. My approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Emotionally Focused and Internal Family Systems Therapy. I tailor each therapeutic style to the individual's needs. My experience includes; Depression, Anxiety, Relational Issues, Family Dynamic Issues, Trauma, Sexual Identity Work, School and Career Work, Infertility and Parenting.

Hello My name is Laverne P. Hoffler-Duckworth, I have been in the counseling field since 2009. Over the course of 10 years, I have gain experience in the drug and alcohol field and became empathetic towards individuals with substance abuse issues due the epidemic of drug overdoses in our society. My practice serves individuals who are struggling with various issues, such as relationships, self esteem, drugs and alcohol, bullying, anger management, grief and loss and other mental hurdles. I help clients who feel that their life is spiraling out of control, gain self-discipline and develop coping strategies, which ultimately leads them to inner peace. Take the first step and contact me. Together we work through your concerns and get you on the road to recovery so that life is meaningful again. I am a therapist who will support yet hold you accountable at the same time. I have a gentle approach and desire to help you find coping strategies that will help you have lasting change.

Hi. My name is Susan Jarvis and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Pennsylvania and Colorado. I have over 20 years of experience working with people struggling with mental heath issues. I have worked in environments that have allowed me to gain experience in a variety of mental health diagnoses and symptoms. I feel that my strongest attributes are compassion and a non-judgmental approach. I believe all people have strengths and are unique. Life is very difficult and we can all become lost at times. I absolutely believe there is hope. I am a person who has had my own struggles with the challenges of life. I feel that without experiencing life's difficulties, how can I possibly understand my clients. I can empathize and help you to begin your journey to healing by gaining awareness and control. It does get better! I utilize several therapeutic techniques in my practice, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-based Therapy. I am a compassionate and supportive therapist who truly cares for the people I'm working with. I look forward to getting to know you working with you to find your way through this complicated journey of life.

Welcome to my profile page! I have been working as a therapist for 36 years in the state of Pennsylvania. I have extensive experience with a variety of populations and their challenges. I am a client centered therapist which means that I will work with you collaboratively to conquer the obstacles that are preventing you from leading your best life. If you think we might be a good fit to work together, you can expect that I will listen, provide observations without judgment, and ask questions to help you focus on what is most important to you. In life there is "the problem" and there is "how you think about the problem"; the latter makes all the difference! Collaboratively we will explore your world view, identify, and most importantly, reconstruct views that are flawed or simply not true. To borrow a couple of quotes from Winnie the Pooh, "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think" and "Stop worrying. Stop letting others hold you back. Work hard, take chances and keep the faith. You will never know if you never try." Know that you are entering a safe space regardless of your identity, your past, the body you are in, what you believe, who you love, or obstacles you have faced or are facing now. You and I will work as a team to develop a plan to meet your individual needs and goals so you can get back to being you.

In 1992 I was fortunate to end a 20 year period of continued substance use. I have since been able to participate in significant rehabilitative activities including but not limited to education and employment. I completed the Masters of Arts degree from The Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2016. I recently resigned from employment as a Behavioral Health Therapist with The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Western Psychiatric Hospital – Narcotic Addiction Treatment Program (NATP) to pursue private practice. I have received mentoring/supervision at The Mt. Ararat Counseling Center (MACC), starting in 2011 when I started a practicum for an undergraduate degree in Human Services from Geneva College and continued after completing the requirements for the MA. I have previous experience as a Batterers Intervention Specialist with The Domestic Abuse Counseling Center(DACC) from 1996-2002 to go with 28 years of continued ongoing recovery which has been the basis for unlimited growth. In 2018 I successfully completed the 30 hour level I clinical training presented by The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, Inc. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I operate from a strength’s based prospective which is informed by integrating person-centered theory, cognitive behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing that emphasizes self-actualization, and responsibility. I view counseling from a tripartite approach where I assist my clients with self-awareness, gaining knowledge, and developing skills that may assist them with strategies to manage effectively and successfully the various transitions experienced in life. I believe people long to live lives that reflect harmony between their thoughts and their actions. Many times, stress and distress complicate this effort. The therapeutic environment represents a safe place to explore options, diverge thinking, and resolve tension. I believe the highest aspiration of the human heart is helping others while encouraging mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Let’s journey together.

I am a licensed professional counselor in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I have been practicing professionally since 1995 and have my masters of science in counseling and human relations from Villanova University. I believe strongly in meeting clients where they are - person centered therapy - and then working with them using a blended counseling model to help them reach their goals. I am a certified clinical trauma professional, a certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor and a certified co occurring disorders professional diplomate. I use narrative trauma therapy as well as motivational interviewing and psychodynamic psychotherapy dependent upon needs of each individual person. Your treatment plan will be individually tailored to your needs and I will respect your goals and the path you wish to walk. Your courage and bravery and commitment to self care are noted and I commend you for reaching out. I look forward to our work together. Amie

The decision to talk with a counselor is significant. All of us have developed skills to deal with life. Most of us have also experienced overwhelming circumstances, and in these moments, we realize the coping/managing skills we usually turn to fall short. Counseling provides opportunities to develop new perspectives, additional skills, and insights to apply in our current situation. Together, as counselor and client, we can establish goals to give hope for a future on the other side of the present issue. I look forward to the opportunity to hear your story and work together on formulating the next steps. I began my education in Marriage and Family Therapy over 30 years ago. Out of the desire to understand my own family dynamics, as well as to be of better help to members of the congregation and local community, I obtained my Marriage and Family Therapy license in Pennsylvania. For the past three decades I have worked with individuals, couples, and families in a variety of settings, both in more formal counseling offices as well as in our local church. I have experience with clients with a broad range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, life-change challenges, parenting and family struggles, career transitions, faith-related issues, and communication, among others. I am committed to hearing people’s stories and assisting them in the process of understanding. As such, to address the issues, I utilize methods such as : cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, client-centered, psychodynamic, multi-systemic, and motivational interviewing therapies are all considered for the best fit.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) outside of Phila. with over 12 years of clinical experience. I've worked with individuals, couples and families in both in-patient and out-patient settings dealing with a wide range of mental health and life issues. Prior to getting my training and degree from Bryn Mawr School of Social Work I lived at an intentional community on 130 beautiful acres in Wisconsin. Collaborating and communicating with people has always been most satisfying and important to me. My goal in providing coaching and therapy is always to promote effective solutions for whatever issues clients face. My style is warm, empathic and tailored to the individual. I am a strong advocate for self directed learning, having homeschooled my son and daughter for 9 years. I bring that same philosophy to facilitating growth in all I work with. My work with clients is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidenced based approach to problems in living. If you would like to have a more valued and vital life, have issues or problems you struggle with, and want to reduce your struggling and increase valued living, then ACT is for you! I will collaborate with you to promote psychological flexibility and self awareness.. I utilize the ACT Matrix to collaborate with clients in discovering how to move toward who and what is important to them.

I am licensed in Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Oregon, Massachusetts and Nevada with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 30 some years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming issues that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Hello. My name is Kanako Okuda. I am a licensed clinical social worker in New York and Pennsylvania with over 20 years of experience helping individuals from various walks of life. I earned my Doctorate of Social Work from Rutgers School of Social Work and a Master’s Degree from Columbia University. I have worked with parents of children with life-challenging diseases and adults of all ages. I have also helped them successfully manage major life transitions, chronic health conditions, coping with educational anxiety, and dealing with work challenges. One of my specialties is in managing educational anxiety. I have several years of experience counseling students through their college careers, as well as offering counseling to professionals regarding work-related issues. I've provided counseling at schools, in the home environment, in hospitals, and through web-based platforms. The premise of my work is based on positive psychology. I want to help you cultivate the best parts of you to enhance the areas of your life that you may feel the need to change. I believe that we all have the innate potential to achieve a meaningful life. My role is to help you identify the strengths and resources you already have by recognizing your fears and insecurities through our work together. It is important to work collaboratively to accomplish the most meaningful results, and you will find my approach genuine and supportive. I look forward to collaborating with you to help you discover your best self.

I am licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!