Female Therapists in Lafayette Hill, PA

People enter therapy at all levels of readiness for change. While some people are ready for immediate change, others need time to process their readiness. Ambivalence is understandable in a client's journey. My non-judgmental approach helps clients explore potential barriers to change in order to help them make positive life choices. The therapeutic alliance is absolutely central to the work that is done and the outcomes that are achieved. I create an environment that allows safety, promotes a sense of compassion and empathy and fosters trust. When the therapeutic relationship is strong, clients are empowered to work towards change.

Tamara Smith is a Licensed Clinical social worker who practices in the state of Pennsylvania. She has experience in providing therapeutic support for adolescents and adults who are facing some of life's most difficult challenges. Tamara has worked in the mental health field for over 11 years and has worked in various settings which has allowed her to gain experience within different populations. Tamara has a passion for helping others heal and has the ability to tailor her treatment approaches suitable to the clients needs.

My background is working with adolescents and young adults with dual diagnosis mental health and substance use disorders, family conflict and support through life transitions.

I believe mental wellness is an essential part of an individual's total well being. It involves developing a favorable outlook, including positive thoughts and self talk. And mental wellness includes understanding your strengths, growth opportunities, and the tools in your mental wellness toolbox!

Integrated Behavioral Health Services LLC, an affiliate of Tiffany Griffiths, PsyD & Associates, Inc. provides integrated and evidence-based psychological, counseling, assessment, and wellness services for individuals, families, and groups. We believe in a holistic approach to the wellness of mind, body, and spirit. Our experienced and skilled clinical staff work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. The associates in the practice have diverse backgrounds, interests, and training. No matter what problem or difficulty with which you present, someone in our group can assist you.

Are you or a loved one struggling with loss of focus and inablility to complete projects? Are you and your adolescent feeling disconnected? Are you suffering from a traumatic loss? Are you struggling with a divorce or challenges being in a step family? Do you feel isolated and misunderstood in your role as a single parent? Are you chronically worried or anxious? Are you worried you won't recover from an eating disorder? Do you or your loved one struggle with an addiction? Are you looking for communication or conflict/resolution strategies to enhance your intimate relationship?

Sometimes painful experiences that have not been processed impact adjustment in our present lives. Sometimes recent loss or trauma may impact an individual or family. As a clinical psychologist who has worked in community mental health and privately, I am comfortable with a wide range of clients. I am effective working in a playful way with young children, and understand that often they may need less direct and more developmentally accessible ways to tackle the challenges that bring them in. I enjoy work with adults using more exploratory approaches and work with parents helping them develop skill and confidence in this role

Today's world offers many challenges for individuals, families, and couples a like. Just like adults, teens can be under extreme stress, which takes its toll on their mental and emotional well-being. The stress can come from, the pressure to perform well in school/sports/activities, family, or from their own friendship/dating relationships. I also work with adults suffering from similar issues, as well as, stress due to family/relationship conflicts, job/career, etc. When I work with couples, they learn how to communicate more effectively with each other through practice with me and without me.

My work has been devoted to helping people work through relationship issues. Often clients enter therapy feeling lonely, depressed, or anxious. I hope to help clients feel comfortable with therapy and to begin to learn more about their early experiences, which may have led to negative thoughts and/or difficulty in relationships. I utilize EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples) to help clients understand how their underlying feelings may result in behaviors which contribute to unsatisfying relationships. My ultimate goal is to help clients change negative patterns and find more comfort and closeness in their lives.

On the surface, things are going well, but you constantly feel anxious or overwhelmed. Work, children, marriage, "life"- just keeps piling up, which is keeping you anxious, depressed, stressed, etc. So, how are you coping with these uncomfortable feelings? Just to name a few...is it substance use, isolation, overworking, avoidance, irritability, people pleasing? You are not alone, but it is time to find a healthy way to cope. You need to prioritize yourself and recognize something needs to change. After all, "nothing changes if nothing changes". Therapy is not something to dread, we can have fun and grow simultaneously.

The most important aspect of a therapeutic relationship to me is trust. I will provide a non-judgmental and nurturing space for you to feel safe and able to share difficult issues. I have a wealth of personal and professional experience to draw upon, and will strive to understand your experience with compassion. I feel that my job is to help you recognize your strengths and to access your own internal wisdom, to help you to help yourself. Together we will discover paths for you to reach your goals. Each person I come to know, is a gift, and for that I am grateful.

Whatever your concerns, whether related to an addiction, depression and anxiety, or relationship and family issues, I will help you find practical solutions that create meaningful change. As a psychotherapist, my role is to guide and support you in understanding and resolving issues.

My emphasis is on strengthening your relationships through exploration of relational fairness, trust, and loyalty. Particular focus is on discerning your own relational ground and terms for living while reconnecting with those who matter to you and recognizing their merit. Licensed as an LMFT, I have clinical experience (over 2000 individuals, couples, families) in diverse settings including independent practice, Waldorf schools, court, health care, academia. I can work with you on re-balancing relationships, challenges during uncertain times, stress, anxiety, grief/loss, career/life/parenting transitions and spiritual crossroads.

I work with clients who want to break negative cycles, set healthier boundaries, increase confidence in decision-making, and embrace their authentic selves. I specialize in treating anxiety, trauma, and emotional abuse/neglect. My clients oftentimes make the decision to come to therapy when existing coping skills fail, and they're left feeling "stuck", "trapped", and "alone" in their experiences and shame-spirals. That's where I come in! I support clients with processing past hurts, establishing realistic goals, recognizing barriers, and introducing helpful techniques to move forward in a way that feels safe and supportive.

You are at a point in your life where you realize that something has to change. Sometimes this awareness stems from a traumatic event, a spiritual awakening, an interpersonal betrayal, a stressful life transition (good or bad) or simply an aha moment. You may feel anxious, depressed, confused, disconnected and alone. You have tried seeking clarity through meditation, exercise, religion, talking with friends or clergy and yet life still feels meaningless and unfulfilling. You are searching for purpose, connection, and access to your Inner Wisdom because you know there is something more to this experience here on earth.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist who provides therapy with respect, acceptance, and compassion in a setting that is safe and supportive. My goal is to make therapy a trusting, collaborative effort, helping people to create the change they seek in their lives. My particular areas of research, expertise and interest include: relationships and communication; grief and loss; the impact of chronic illness; struggles related to gender and sexuality; coping with transitions in life; and job related stressors particularly for healthcare providers.

People are confronted with challenges at various times in their life-cycle. Despite their best efforts, they may feel stuck, have relational difficulties and experience feelings of confusion, sadness, anxiety, depression, anger and other difficult and unpleasant emotions. I focus on assisting people in identifying unresolved issues enabling them to feel empowered, make changes reaching their healthiest potential to promote personal and relational healing. I work with adolescents, adults, seniors, couples and families.

I have extensive experience and interest in working with individuals looking to recover from the effects of growing up in alcoholic or other dysfunctional households. Adversity and traumatic experiences are common. Strategies to reduce the impacts can include numbing, detaching, becoming depressed/hopeless, compulsiveness (i.e. acting without thinking), over-functioning, over-responsibility, avoidance, isolation, perfectionism, procrastination, hypervigilance and many others. All of which are protective and helpful when needed but often lead to inner conflict and unintended blowback including feelings of shame and worthlessness.

Sometimes life is messy and navigating it on our own can feel overwhelming. Whether you are facing a life transition, a change in relationship, or a serious illness or grief, you may find yourself struggling. Recognizing this is a big step and reaching out for help is one of the bravest things you can do. I value each human's uniqueness and approach therapy from a place of warmth, compassion and free of judgment. I believe that a good therapeutic relationship allows us to be seen, heard and offers an opportunity for healing and growth.