Somatic Therapists in Downingtown, PA

When anxiety becomes too much it starts affecting the quality of your life. You may find you have difficulty with the day-to-day: looking after yourself, holding down a job, trying new things or simply enjoying your leisure time. Social situations can be a source of stress in which your body might tighten up for a fight response. You feel overwhelmed; thinking no way I am capable of interacting. Your body can develop symptoms from anxiety. Physical symptoms from anxiety feel like they are filling up your body: pain, fatigue, stomach upset, headaches, backache, dizziness, etc. Somatic Anxiety is the physical presentation of anxiety.

You who are highly sensitive and feel a lot, welcome! You'll explore more deeply with me than in traditional talk therapy. You’ve likely tried psychotherapy before but have noticed that the work has either gone nowhere or taken you only so far, or you felt misunderstood. With an uncanny and intuitive ability to really “get” people from many walks of life, I will invite you to go beneath your thoughts, connect with your body and emotions, and gently access the root of your emotional discomfort and hurts to facilitate noticeable shifts with each session.

My passion in life is to help others break free from eating disorders and disordered eating so that they can live fuller lives. I am an Art Therapist and Licensed Practicing Counselor with many years in the field. I believe each person's needs are different and unique. Part of recovery is becoming more connected to the self and ultimately more aware of your needs so that symptoms become less desirable. I work with clients with eating disorders as well as family members who may need guidance and direction in how to help their loved ones.

A graduate of Temple University, I have been a licensed psychologist since 1996. I work with a wide variety of clients and presenting problems including anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss. I have specific expertise in the areas of early trauma, childhood and adolescent issues, parenting and chronic stress. Throughout my experience I have witnessed remarkable healing and a return to a sense of wholeness and aliveness that comes with support through honest and gentle exploration, reflection and self-awareness. The results often manifest in improved relationships, judgment and clarity.

My therapeutic approach is informed by my background in meditation, Eastern contemplative philosophy, and evolutionary psychology. I work with clients to establish a treatment plan that is uniquely sensitive to their particular clinical needs and concerns. Some of the most common techniques I employ focus on the important relationship between body and mind; these experiential, somatic, and cognitive interventions allow for critical shifts in perspective that promote meaningful and enduring behavioral change.

If you have had an experience that seems traumatic to you despite what others may think or say, or any extremely stressful life challenge recently or in the past, I specialize in helping with these issues. If there is something you have never shared with anyone or are frightened by the prospect of disclosing what you've carried for a long time, I am here to listen. The impact of distressing experiences may result in extreme anxiety or fear, episodes of depression, repeated difficulties in personal or family relationships and even physical health issues. Emotional experiences during developmental years may result in complex PTSD.

I am a licensed psychotherapist and wellness advocate who believes in focusing on the mind-body connection for a holistic approach to healing. I am committed to creating collaborative spaces ​where people feel seen, heard, and valued. My therapeutic approach integrates contemporary psychology and Eastern spirituality. My style is warm and focused on offering a compassionate presence. I practice from a strengths-based perspective and believe in every individual’s ability to heal, grow, transform, and thrive.

Are you going through a difficult life transition or feeling confused about your relationship(s)? Perhaps you are struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, or maybe suffering from trauma. If this resonates, therapy could be beneficial in aiding you with self-reflection and by empowering you to seek the life you desire. I believe that the therapeutic relationship itself can be a powerful agent for change, and that emotional safety within our relationship is paramount. I provide a safe and trusting environment so that you can learn to trust yourself and others in your life.

I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, and couples who are going through transitions, experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and/or who are troubled by substance abuse. I also see many people who have chronic syndromes such as autoimmune disorders. I have a collaborative approach and a conversational style, and provide a safe and confidential place where people can share their story. I see psychotherapy as an opportunity to develop greater self awareness and skills to improve relationships, and to enhance coping and decision making skills so that they are in keeping with the client's values and goals.

Current appt. availability on my website. People come to me because they are struggling and feel stuck. I specialize in working with adults and children/families who are challenged by anxiety, ADHD, or "Asperger's" but have experience with many different issues. My approach involves providing info about how the brain works, how to use it as your ally instead of an enemy, and how to find strength in the very things that challenge you. (ex: There are so many wonderful things about having ADHD!) I do this in the context of interpersonal relationships where we talk about things like identity and communication/conflict resolution skills.

My approach in working has always and continues to be holistic and strength-based, interactive and collaborative. Although I am not taking new clients for psychotherapy, I am offering supervision and consultation for mental health practitioners and yoga therapists. I have 20 years experience offering supervision and mentoring, and 40 years experience working directly with clients.

If you are looking for a therapy experience that goes beyond talking and helps you connect to your whole self, Dance/movement therapy could be for you!! If you have tried traditional "talk" therapy and it has not produced the changes you are wanting, a Dance/Movement therapy session will help you make shifts in session (literally!) that you can apply in your everyday life. If you or your child or teen does not like to "talk" about your feelings, DMT is a solution! At my core, I see movement as our path to wellness. Movement connects us to our physiology and psychology to really affect change- we cannot just think our way to change, we need to move it! I use the body, which is never in the past or future, as a tool to help clients become aware of your own physical and emotional states in the present. I strive to connect my clients to your bodies and from there we practice techniques to empower you to embrace living in your bodies and connecting to your whole self.

Abby specializes in psychotherapy and integrative wellness coaching. She has thirty years of experience counseling children, adults and families and coaching adults through life transitions. Abby obtained her Master's degree in Social Work from Syracuse University with a concentration in Family Mental Health. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and upholds the highest standards in her field as a Board Certified Clinical Social Worker.

In my experience, inside every person there is a psychological center, like a ‘Light’ leading us to love, healing, joy and growth. In a deep place in each of us, it is always present, though sometimes hidden. Known by many different names and through many different senses - center, core, soul, real-self, heart or unconscious, it is wise and kind and delights to do no harm, and intends only good. We all have a longing to connect to this profound potential, goodness and love within ourselves, within others and in all. I enjoy supporting folks in their journey back to this connection.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by difficult challenges and transitions in your life? Are you angry, depressed, stuck in unhealthy relationships or self-defeating behaviors? Do you long to make the changes necessary to feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment? Whether you've been diagnosed with adult ADD/ADHD or PTSD, or you are dealing with other kinds of traumatic experience, you can learn to overcome the negative emotions and thoughts that keep you from a more satisfying, purposeful life. You may be surprised at the progress you make through your own insights and observations!

If you are struggling at home with power struggles, tantrums, big emotions feeling out of control, or an event has occurred where you want extra support, I am here to meet you where you are. All parts are welcome no matter how big or small they feel. I believe that the heart can guide us if we turn toward it to give it love. The body holds innate wisdom of unconditional love and acceptance within. I am here to walk with you on your journey home to yourself. We offer in person appointments in West Chester, PA and Telemental Health for Colorado. I am licensed in both states.

Life is full of ups and downs and sometimes along the way, we get stuck - stuck in negative thought patterns, unhealthy relationships, or maladaptive behaviors. At times it's hard to see a way forward. I wholeheartedly believe you possess the key to unlocking your inner potential. With a client-centered blend of therapeutic art directives and warm, genuine discussion together we can explore what ails you and put you on a path toward self-discovery and self-healing.

In therapy, I believe creating a safe, open, and supportive space helps to foster healing and growth. My passion is to help children, teens, and young adults find their unique strengths and skills and use these to build self-confidence and determine their purpose in life. I understand that barriers & challenges can get in the way but my focus is to guide and empower my clients to trust their ability to make it through these challenges and develop healthy ways to cope.

Hi there! Are you feeling alone, stressed, confused, overwhelmed, hopeless or helpless? Do you feel you lost control of your life? Just remember that you are not alone. I am here to guide you and support you in the journey to learn identify, process, and overcome your challenges so that you can regain full control of your life. My goal is also to empower you to discover the capable, strong, and sufficient you that can defeat the anxiety, depression, or day-to-day life stress affecting you.