Therapists in Whitaker, 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

Welcome to BetterHelp! Reaching out for help is often the first and most difficult step to initiating change in our lives, so you should know that I'm glad you are here. I'm Cheryl, a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania with more than 20 years experience. I've worked with clients who struggle with a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relationship issues, grief, trauma, and life transitions. I believe there isn't a one size fits all approach as far as treatment modalities go. The therapeutic relationship, in my opinion, is about feeling safe, comfortable, and connected. I care about my clients, and I pride myself on making the "uncomfortable comfortable." Our time together will be focused on personal growth and working to help you develop the tools to find a place of peace and balance. *Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider *Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional

Greetings! If you are here, that most likely means that you are looking for support as you are navigating a potential area of life that is challenging to you. I welcome being able to support you through it. Whether you are here to navigate work challenges, relationship difficulties, trying to understand yourself better, or whatever it is, I would like to walk alongside you as move through (and ultimately overcome) this challenging part of your life. I have been in the field of mental health counseling for 20 years, providing therapy to a plethora of folks who have been needed support at varying times in their lives. My approach is always valuing what is important to you so that you can achieve the results that you seek.

I am a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania, and I have worked in the mental health field since 2005. I have worked with a wide range of clients from adolescents and adults in both individual and group settings. I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and communication difficulties. As a strong mental health advocate, I address the societal and cultural causes and solutions to issues faced in the counseling process. I work to build a welcoming, safe space to empower individual clients in creating positive change. I believe that by focusing on a client's strengths, and accepting and validating a client's experience, emotional healing can occur. I use tools and techniques such as role-playing, and assertiveness training to help clients build their identity and self-esteem to the degree that they can embrace their own personal power. I am dedicated to using evidence-based practices and my approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and solution focused therapy. I tailor the dialog and treatment plan to meet a client's unique and specific needs. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Cultural Studies as well as a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I am a strong advocate for self-care and therefore prioritizes practices such as meditation and breath-work to achieve a healthy state of mind and overall well-being.

I am licensed in New York with 28 years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression and anxiety by understanding how this develops while learning tools to navigate around these issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I want to help you learn how to change negative thinking to positive which will help increase self esteem and courage. 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'm Brandais, a licensed counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. I have 9 years of professional experience in the counseling profession. My expertise lies with helping clients with lgbtqia+ related issues, multicultural concerns, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties and anxiety & depression. I strive to give my clients a warm, open and safe environment to share thoughts and feelings without judgment. It takes courage to seek help and take steps towards change. I am here to support, encourage and empower you in that journey. I am available to work with you through all the platforms that BetterHelp allows. Please note that I am only licensed within the state of Pennsylania and can only work with clients from that state. I look forward to working with you soon!

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, development for motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with families raising grandchildren, those who have children with special needs and have certifications for working with those with autism or those who may need to be diagnosed with Autism. I have a private practice, but also want to give others who are not able to come in person the opportunity to receive therapy. 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 healthier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I use a very open approach ( first and foremost CBT), that allows for individulas, couple and families to share what their journey has looked like to this point and what the journey can look like going forward. It is a long and difficult road at times with many obstacles, and rugged terraine. I will provide each one with a back pack full of tools to help explore and futher navigate the journey. I look welcome the opportunity to serve you, assist you to develop a more complete life perspective, with an individual road map that will provide guidance for your life's journey. On a personla note, I think it is important to be honest with those we serve, I am the wife of a husband who was diagnosed with a very aggressive stage of cancer and we also raise a severly autistic grandaughter who just turned 4, and her little brother who just turned two with developmental dealys. I practice from a professional standpoint, but I do understand from a personal perspective, the difficult challanges life may present. I look forward to assisting you to learn what I have learned both professionally and personally. I look forward to offering you hope and, once again that road map to assist you on your journey through this life!

I am a warm, empathic, kind hearted Licensed Mental Health Counselor with great listening skills and I love the work that I do. Serving others brings me fulfillment and gives me a sense of meaning and purpose. I received my Masters Degree at Nyack College in N.Y. and I have been practicing for five years. I am fluent in English and Spanish and can also provide Christian Counseling. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy flowing from a Psychodynamic perspective to help address irrational core beliefs stemming from the past, as well as Behavioral Therapy to teach interpersonal skills, Solution Focused, Problem Solving Therapy to help clarify what the root of the issue might be, Motivational Interviewing techniques to help arrive to a decision that clients choose. You have taken the first step towards improving the quality of your life. Feel free to reach out to me as soon as you are ready. I would love to help you achieve your goals. I also work with victims of interpersonal violence aka domestic violence and help with healing from Narcissistic personality disorder abuse.

I am licensed in Maine with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & parenting 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I came to the world of therapy the long way, following two decades of outdoor leadership, adventure group work, mountain guiding, and experiential education. I found many connections between my work as an outdoor leader and my work as a therapist. I believe the same principle used by leaders to help folks achieve their goals in the backcountry apply to our everyday lives. I feel I can be most helpful to those who accept being challenged and are working towards goals. When working with clients I combine the principles of experiential education with more traditional, psychiatric treatment modalities, such as CBT, narrative therapy, and MI. I believe good therapy should be safe but also effortful and aspiring to bolster personal growth.

If you’re navigating difficult life experiences, anxiety, grief, personal growth, chronic illness, LGBTQ+ life experiences, or relationship challenges, I’m here to support you. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, build resilience, and feel empowered to make lasting changes. Using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), compassion-focused, and trauma-informed care, I’ll work with you to manage distress, regulate emotions, and improve your relationships. Together, we’ll focus on your goals, helping you build the confidence and tools you need to thrive.