Psychodynamic Therapists in Elkins Park, PA

I believe that most personal problems have developed over time and need careful and systematic exploration in order to be understood and modified. This calls for a conjoint effort in which both therapist and client collaborate to expand understanding. In my practice this occurs as a trusting, meaningful relationship develops, making it possible for me to develop a thorough understanding which I can then share with my client. I believe that symptoms are indications of underlying issues of which most people are only partially aware. As the therapy brings there issues into conscious awareness they can be effectively addressed.

For the past twenty five years I have been working with clients from various backgrounds and presenting issues as a licensed therapist in both private and agency settings. I am a native New Yorker, and find my background as a non-judgmental, open minded, and compassionate person has aided in the treatment I offer. I believe in collaborative, client led therapy, largely utilizing a psychodynamic approach. I have extensive experience working with the LGBTQ2+ community, treating sexual issues, familial/partner conflicts, depression, substance misuse, and trauma.

​I approach patient care with the belief that we all have the inner resources needed for healing. Being in therapy does not need to be a life-long process yet one can gain invaluable insight as well as emotional and mental support from working with a seasoned clinician. The therapeutic process should help one to become increasingly more honest with self and ultimately more capable of enjoying life's precious moments.

An experienced clinician and Grief and Loss Educator, I'm devoted to helping clients manage life's challenges while uncovering their unique strengths and resources. I work with a broad range of issues-trauma, anxiety (OCD, Panic) depression, relationships. Grief over the loss of a loved one is an area of special interest. Grief is traumatic and transformative. There is no ‘cure’ for grief. No timeline. You tell yourself that time will heal the wound, yet every day opens it anew. I am your guide, the journey is yours. You will leave our first session feeling understood, more hopeful and with at least one new coping skill in hand.

I believe that people are naturally resilient, possessing a deep well of inner strength. Every experience, past and present, is relevant to therapeutic work, and I strive to create a collaborative space to explore the things that weigh us all down. I approach each session with empathy, curiosity and an open mind, and encourage you to approach your own relationships, thoughts, and day-to-day life the same way. My relational approach to therapy is strongly rooted in the psychodynamic tradition, integrating narrative, DBT, and mindfulness techniques to meet the specific needs of each person I work with.

In my practice with adults, I address a range of issues from emotional stress, grief, anxiety, depression, and relational issues. I also specialize in helping people cope with health conditions and chronic illness/pain. I incorporate a psycho-dynamic and relational analytic orientation to my work. I engage clients in a process of greater reflection and mindfulness and guide them to learn how to lower reactivity, stress and anxiety. I provide a holistic approach including reducing symptoms that limit quality of life and improving one's awareness of self-experiences that hinder greater personal freedom, growth and healing.

Now accepting new clients at this time. * Se habla español/Spanish speaking. Is there something in your life that needs improvement, is causing you stress, or are you just looking for personal growth? Let me help you. Life can be challenging due to unexpected events that cause someone to struggle with day-to-day routine. Learning coping techniques and skills can help with regaining your power and enthusiasm for a brighter future. Pat yourself on the back for having the insight to want to change behaviors and courage to seek change.

For more than 35 years, I have helped clients develop healthy, growth-inducing insights, face life's most difficult challenges more successfully, and enjoy life's most wondrous moments more fully.

Sometimes we look around and life is not the way we want it to be: full of disappointment, stress, sadness or loss. Sometimes we need help finding our way. In my practice, I seek to create a compassionate, supportive space for collaborative exploration, growth and positive change. I create a place where you can be seen and acknowledged, and you can give words to feelings and experiences, to discover greater understanding and self- awareness. When we understand our patterns of behaviors and feelings, we can free ourselves of the unwanted burdens that weigh us down, and live more fully and happily in the present.

Leading a healthy, fulfilling, and successful life often involves managing complex circumstances and responsibilities -- whether personal, family-related, or occupational. With 30 + years of clinical practice, my experience has taught me that each and every person encounters unique challenges requiring creative, committed and broadminded resolutions. You can rest assured that you will receive caring and compassionate assistance with your concerns.

The challenges of recent years and their unique stresses and isolation may have increased the feeling that no one understands the difficult world that you carry around inside. Seeking therapy is an important decision that may mean you are ready to grow and change and understand more fully the roadblocks that get in the way of living the life you want for yourself. You are seeking an experienced, empathic and trusted professional who will come to learn your inner landscape along with you and will support and guide you as you make the changes you seek. Together we will work toward your creating a more joyful and meaningful life.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY With compassion and understanding gained from over 38 years of professional experience, and over fifteen years studying compassion and mindfulness-based healing approaches, I provide empathetic support, deep listening and insight, constructive feedback, and effective coping and communication skills to help clients address current life challenges and long-standing inner and outer conflicts.

Thank you for visiting my profile, my name is Marissa and I am passionate about helping and encouraging others. Therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental, unconditionally supportive environment where people can unburden, increase self-understanding and collaboratively heal and grow in line with their personal needs. Whether it is a past hurt, present problem or decision(s) that must be made, I can provide you with a safe and compassionate space combined with skilled expertise in order to help you not only understand yourself better, but also figure out the path that is right for you.

Whether you are coming to therapy for the first time or have therapy experience, I welcome you to my practice. I tailor the therapy experience to meet your needs, drawing from a variety of treatment approaches. Together, we focus on building your strengths and recognizing your inherent wisdom as pathways for healing and growth. My practice is informed by mindfulness meditation, which I have studied as a practitioner and instructor. I encourage clients who are interested in this approach to develop mindfulness techniques that will help them to overcome anxiety, depression and other life challenges.

Ryan is a marriage and family therapist who offers individual therapy, couples counseling and family counseling for children, adolescents and adults. With degrees from both Millersville University and Walden University, Ryan has worked in a myriad of treatment setting, most notably and recently working in chronically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals. We believe you're best served by a therapist passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to helping therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. Working with us, you'll get results.

Are you feeling stuck, lost, or worried about your future? I work with people who are struggling with grief and other life transitions who yearn for a new beginning. My ideal client is someone who views their life through a spiritual perspective. I also provide Clinical Supervision to LSWs seeking their LCSW and credentialed LCSWs. My areas of specialty include grief and loss, relationship concerns, Adult Children of Alcoholics , self-esteem , giftedness in adults, relationship issues and life transitions. I also assist those who are working on career issues and those striving to be their authentic selves.

I have devoted my work life to helping people who have experienced abuse, neglect, and trauma and who are suffering from the consequences of that trauma.

Life is difficult; there is no rule book. I am here to support you to help you learn new coping skills and strategies. I will partner with you so that you can move toward a life of enthusiasm, wholeness, and fulfillment. Have you ever felt like the “other?” I specialize in working with adults and adolescents who have felt like the “other.” Perhaps you may have experienced anxiety or depression, low self-esteem, are an artist or artistic type, are part of the LGBTQ+ community, trans, are a black or brown (person of color), or have felt rejected by your family or religious community.