Therapists in Venango, PA

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

My guess is you hate the person in the mirror because they are so different from what you pictured for yourself by now. You don't know how anyone else could love you because you can't even stand yourself. Are you lost in life and searching for purpose? Maybe you've lost that initial spark in your relationship and are desperately trying to get that feeling back. Or stuck in a rut at your job and just want to quit. You overthink everything and somehow you accomplish nothing. Life has got you overwhelmed, exhausted, unmotivated, hopeless and wondering why you even get out of bed in the morning. Are you getting in your own way? Imagine one day you wake up motivated for your dream job, you actually smile back at the person in the mirror, you are surrounded by people who light your fire all day, and you get excited for the life you created after work. That's what it feels like when you have developed self-worth. It takes a brave soul to get in touch with one's vulberabilities, but if you do that you will better understand what you truly need and how to effectively get it. The first step is learning to love and take better care of yourself. It's time to put you first! I have worked in a range of settings (community, residential, private practice) for the last 6 years. I have intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy which helps clients better regulate their emotions and work well with others. My specialty is working on mindfulness and mind/body connection because I believe that when we take some time to listen to our bodies, we find the ability to better take care of ourselves and truly understand what we need. I believe in the importance of self-care and self-love which will ultimately attract the life you want and help improve relationships with others. When we allow ourselves to embrace our vulnerabilities, we can come out on top as stronger, more confident individuals and accomplish our goals. My strongest specialties include helping clients improve self-esteem, understanding the weight loss journey, anxiety management, identity issues, and relationship issues. I can help you because I was that person above once. I've done the transformation myself and have the DBT and mindfulness skills that will teach you how to love yourself, work well with others, handle your emotions, and attract the life you want. Together we will discover ways to be more comfortable being you and better able to navigate the stressors surrounding you.

Hello and Welcome! Here is a bit about me and how I can join you on your counseling journey: I have a master’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2012), am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania, and a National Certified Counselor. My experience lies in working with individuals with substance use issues, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, stress management, identity issues, and LGBTQ concerns. My approach to counseling is humanistic with a foundation in Existential Therapy. I view the client as their own expert and seek to build a collaborative counseling relationship that will aid in the process of connecting to a meaningful life. I believe that this can be accomplished by exploring personal experience, how we exist in the world, and the meaning we find/create in our lives. It is my belief that the healing is in the lessons that we can discover through the counseling process. It is my goal to be present with the client and to offer a nonjudgmental, understanding atmosphere. In my practice I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches to explore client needs. Some of these approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Mindfulness. Through the use of these approaches the client is able to learn to cope more effectively with the conditions of the human experience with a sense of meaning and purpose. Our lives are like a tapestry, with experiences being woven together to create an image. We need the contrast of the light and dark to depict our story. We may not be able to see the beauty or understand the meaning until we take a step back, with another set of eyes, and see our story from a place of compassion. It is then that we can appreciate, and even love, our fate.

I am a White cis-gendered gay/queer male Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in the State of Pennsylvania who has been working in the mental health field for over 15 years. I have worked extensively with individual struggling with addictions, mood disorders, trauma, LGBT issues, and chronic medical conditions. My therapeutic style is one of collaboration and empathy mixed with encouragement and motivation. I am particularly versed in motivational interviewing, which is a technique to assist individuals in discovering their own internal motivations for change. Sometimes interacting with another person who is a skilled listener can be in and of itself helpful to someone looking for help. I am a skilled listener and additionally I have experience helping individuals to identify and create tangible plans of action to create change in their lives. I look forward to working with anyone who desires and is motivated to make change in their lives.

With 25 years of experience both counseling and supervising counselors, I have the knowledge and dedication needed to make a positive impact in your life. I believe that you have a compass within that can help you to self-direct and move out of any current and future strife. You can find your center, your own wisdom, and get unstuck! Let's work on it together. My style of counseling is warm, informal, compassionate and collaborative. I'm here to help you find your own answers and make the needed plans to create movement and change in your life. It would be an honor and privilege to participate in your healing journey.

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 37+ years of professional work experience. I earned a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a program accredited by the APA (American Psychological Association). I have worked in a variety of settings, including group practices and hospitals. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I have also specialized in working with survivors of suicide, in behavioral medicine/health psychology approaches, as well as embracing Positive Psychology. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. 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 South Carolina with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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. 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! I am Colin MacCrory and am licensed in Pennsylvania with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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! :)