I have always seemed to be in a helping position. Before graduating high school I started work at a large veterinarian hospital/boarding kennel in Blue Bell, PA as an animal health technician and then the hospital administrator, where I stayed for over 15 years. I decided to return to school to pursue a degree in psychology and have been in the mental health field since 1998, working for such organizations as Special Equestrians as a side aid volunteer assisting people with physical and/or mental health disabilities and Lenape Valley Foundation as both a house advisor and a Partial Hospital Program group therapist for people with severe and persistent mental illness. I also worked for Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for their Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Program where I was a counselor for people addicted to heroin. I recently worked for Catholic Charities in NJ in the roles of therapist for the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program working with kids diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence, as well as a clinical supervisor for the Comprehensive Family Treatment of Addictions Program (CFTA). This led to the position of Program Director for CFTA, the Therapeutic After-School Program (a therapeutic group for kids ages 8-12) and an In-home therapy/case management program, while also carrying a small direct-service caseload at my private practice. Finally, after taking the position of Service Area Director, with responsibility for 13 substance abuse, mental health and social service programs, I realized that I was moving further and further away from my original ambition of providing one to one service to clients. This realization led to my decision to get back into direct service. The ability to provide a safe environment for people to share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences is essential to effective counseling. Studies have shown no one therapeutic modality utilized by therapists is superior to another; rather, clinicians themselves ultimately determine whether treatment will prove effective. It’s not about the model being used; it’s the relationship between the counselor and client. This principle guides my work, in that I strive to provide a client-centered, strength-based counseling setting to individuals, couples and adolescents for issues related to addiction, anxiety, career or relationships. I look to my clients to be the experts of themselves, which encourages them to guide the therapy where it needs to go. What I offer is a space to gain insight in order for that insight to become the catalyst for change. I believe that once a person sees their truth, they have no choice but to accept that truth…though we often do our best not to. Each of us develops psychological schemas that teach us how to interact with people and the world. When we grow accustomed to a certain pattern of behavior, however, we look to repeat it, even after it’s outlived its usefulness. Addiction, for instance, is a maladaptive coping skill that worked at one time but does no longer. With a background in English literature, I bring a decidedly post-modern perspective to my therapeutic approach. One of the concepts I utilize is Narrative Therapy, which encourages and compassionately challenges clients to be mindful of the story they’re telling to better utilize their strengths. This theory acknowledges the power of language, in that not only does the language we use reflect how we feel, it also affects how we feel. Therefore, the words we choose to use can help to manifest the changes we hope to bring about. The idea is to encourage the use of more positive words as opposed to negative words while telling our life story. I have found this approach to be remarkably effective in helping clients confront the challenges of their lives in order to bring about lasting and meaningful change. Other approaches and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, and Systems Theory. I find it satisfying to be part of helping people discover who they can be and realize that perhaps they’re more than who they thought they were. Ultimately, if each of us can achieve balance and make our own little corner of the world a little bit more satisfying and a little safer, we help to create a better reality for all of us. Degrees and Credentials Bachelors Degree in Psychology/English Literature from Arcadia University in Glenside PA Masters Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from La Salle University in Philadelphia PA PA Board Licensed Professional Counselor PA Board Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor PA Board Certified Clinical Supervisor PA Board Certificate of Competency in Problem Gambling NJ Board Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor NJ Board Licensed Professional Counselor NJ Board Certified Clinical Supervisor Member of the Psi Chi, Phi Theta Kappa, and Sigma Tau Delta National Honor Societies. Modalities and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, Mindfulness, and Systems Theory. I have experience in dealing with: Relationship issues Anxiety/stress Chemical addiction Gambling addiction Compulsive behaviors (such as sexual “addiction”) Anger Management Codependency Self Esteem PTSD

Hi! My name is Karlee, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have been practicing counseling for over seven years and came to BetterHelp with the hope of extending the power and benefit of counseling to others. I came to counseling with a strong passion to help others and be part of the solution for so many of the barriers we face in our lives. I hold a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from California University of Pennsylvania. After school, I entered the addictions field where I worked with adults and adolescents through the full spectrum of substance use issues, including coping with family substance use. As I transitioned to working as a grief counselor, I came to find that my work with others remained similar: I was helping people to navigate change and restore a sense of control and peace in their lives. Recognizing this connection, and the impact that change, in all its forms, has in our lives, has become the foundation of my career. I work through change with others with the use of a person-centered approach that relies heavily on empathy, trust, and honesty. I truly believe that each person can come to know their healthiest self through a trusting therapeutic relationship. I often utilize cognitive-behavioral interventions, as well as motivational interviewing. I will encourage and support you to come to know your own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in order for you to find the solutions that will work best for you. I believe in a holistic approach that takes into account the many parts and perspectives of a complex and beautiful life, including our emotional, physical, and social health. I am open to answering further questions that you may have about my experience and approaches. Whether with me, or another clinician, I hope you can come to find exactly what you are looking for and deserve.

Welcome! My name is Andrea, and I am a LPC (licensed professional counselor) in the state of Pennsylvania. I have over 17 years' experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential, partial care, outpatient, crisis and in-home services. Although that seems like a lot, it simply means that I have had experience working with a broad range and severity of clinical issues. I have the most experience working with anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, and trauma. I also have experience working with substance use and intellectual/developmental disabilities. My dedication to the field of mental health stems from my personal experience with it. I know firsthand that getting help can be a challenge. There is still so much stigma around having mental health issues, the process for getting help can be overwhelming, and it can feel so frustrating and lonely. However, life can change for the better when you find support and take steps towards taking care of yourself! I use a person-centered, integrative approach in treatment. This means I begin where you are and tailor the treatment approach to your needs. I primarily use evidence-based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. I would describe my style as warm and supportive while also being able to challenge when needed. I view counseling as a relationship where we are working together to overcome current problems. In order to do this, we must have a good working relationship where trust is formed. I look forward to hearing from you.

Are you tired of the typical run of the mill recovery program? Do you want an alternative to AA/NA directed recovery or are you looking to supplement your AA/NA recovery program? If yes then I am your match! I am the most open minded therapist you will meet. I know how much strength and courage it takes to reach out for help because I myself was once like you. I know how it feels to reveal your vulnerabilities to a complete stranger; and I am living proof that therapy works. My name is Shannon Gaiser MA, LPC, CAADC, CDDAP and have been a practicing therapist since 2004. I have 17 years of experience with specialties in addiction and co-occuring disorders. I am in recovery from opiate addiction and can understand the special needs of these clients. I practice using client centered, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. I am open to alternatives to the traditional recovery programs including medication assisted treatment and medical marijuana treatment. I believe everyone's path to a better life is individual. I have worked 9 years in inpatient/outpatient rehabs and 8 years as a private practice therapist for a suboxone doctor. I have experience with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bi-polar d/p, sexual abuse issues and trauma. My experiences have also lead me to work with family recovery to help promote healthy boundaries. I am available for texts, video, and voice sessions. I typically will respond to messages within 5 hours, but could be longer on weekends. It would be my honor to start the journey with you. I will get in the trenches with you and we will find the light together. I look forward to working with you! Shannon Gaiser

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Welcome to BetterHelp! I am Cindy Smith, MA, LPC, NCC. I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 13 years of professional work experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I also hold a National Certified Counselor License. Prior to this, I worked in private practice, community mental health and case management for about 20+ years. Utilization of resources can often help folks to get through mental health struggles. Additionally, I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQ+ issues, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, end of life issues/hospice, aging, caregiving issues, life transitions & career difficulties. I have special interest in working with adult children who are struggling with their parents aging and decline. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients in the following areas; anxiety, understanding defenses, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, understanding values and navigating life transitions. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs, and always attempt to work within the "window of tolerance". We will look at the story you are telling yourself, and whether that is serving you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Individual therapy only, no couples therapy.

I provide coaching, therapy, and consultation for people facing challenges with depression, relationship issues, anxiety, personal development, goal-setting, and achievement, as well as other concerns. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. The therapeutic relationship is the foundation of successful change, therefore I come first from a person centered approach. I can also incorporate CBT, mindfulness, and other frames to help meet your specific aspirations. I am licensed in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, with over two decades of professional experience in behavioral health. I have experience working with people from diverse backgrounds. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

My name is Meg and I am a licensed clinical social worker in both Pennsylvania and Maryland with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, motivation, self esteem, confidence, relationship and workplace issues, coping with life changes, aging, caregiver stress and coping with grief and loss. I've got lots to offer and I look forward to helping you discover all that you have to offer in working through your current challenges. We've got this!

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 9 years of professional counseling experience. In my prior career, I was a professional engineer for 20 years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, depression, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe experience for everyone to share and explore solutions to their issues. I am open to spending time in prayer if requested and encourage you to take the steps you need to that enables you to get back on track in your daily life.

I am licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania with 25 years of professional work experience. I work with both individuals and couples. We all have obstacles that prevent us from living our one precious authentic life. Trauma, anxiety and depression, divorce, illness, chronic stress, and grieve all can bring ongoing suffering. Personalizing your journey to greater well being within a trusting compassionate relationship mixed with a bit of education, some courage, a healthy dose of curiosity, and a longing for greater self awareness is both challenging and transformative. Through greater self understanding, learning strategies, creating different experiences, and practicing well tested techniques, your journey may even be exciting. I would be delighted to accompany you on this journey. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!