Psychodynamic Therapists in Lafayette Hill, PA

Dr.Alyson Nerenberg, a clinical psychologist is a compassionate and dynamic therapist with over 30 years in practice. She works with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, divorce, addictions and eating disorders. Dr. Nerenberg integrates philosophies from the medical, psychological and self-help communities in order to treat the whole person. She is a positive person who focuses on her clients strengths in order to help them heal.

ACCEPTING NEWS PATIENTS: We are an all Female group of seasoned and skilled therapist who are passionate about working with people. We know how to give you the tools to feel better and live the life you want. We specialize in a broad array of presenting issues that include eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, Adolescent and Women's issues to name a few. We bring a warm, compassionate approach to partner with you in the process of seeing and understanding long standing ineffective behavior patterns and, through our experience and training, will help you to reach your goals.

Children, teenagers, and adults all want to feel in charge of their own lives; I believe in fostering your personal growth and change despite any obstacles you might encounter. As humans, we strive to feel capable, considered, content, centered, and connected to others. I will help you realize your inherent strengths; such as, encouraging parents to feel competent in their parenting strategies; guiding children and teens to respect and understand their parents’ values and expectations; bridging gaps in communication between couples and family members; and challenging you or your child to take new, manageable risks in your life.

At The Growth and Recovery Center, we believe that everyone can improve their lives. We assist this process through support, insight, and direction. We offer telehealth and in person counseling for a wide variety of problems and situations. Our growing staff of psychologists, social workers, and professional counselors provide caring, compassionate, and insightful guidance through emotional and personal difficulties.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Life can be challenging and stressful. As M. Scott Peck wrote, "Life is difficult." Life can also be filled with enormous joy and pleasure. If you are suffering with depression or anxiety, struggling with the daily stresses of parenting, relationships, work place issues, coping with illness or grieving the loss of a loved one, I offer a safe, supportive and compassionate environment to assist you with these life challenges. The emotional support and guidance of a caring and empathetic professional, can truly make a positive difference in your life experience and emotional well-being.

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.

The psychotherapy I do is depth-oriented, offered in a safe and peaceful setting, where we can build your sense of inner peace. We will uncover your family legacy, as well as the maladaptive patterns you are living that underlie your suffering. Within that context, we will practice awareness of the present moment and unhook you from the influences of the past. We can work to improve your relationships, clarify your life goals and help you find a sense of ease and confidence in yourself. If you are depressed and/or anxious, we will find the ways to release you from emotional pain and move toward personal fulfillment.

My typical client is a child, teen or adult struggling with depression/anxiety, ADHD, OCD or ASD. Problems adapting to school, work, marriage, relationships, and executive functioning bring havoc and heartache to life. Underachievement, activation troubles, damaged self-esteem, or issues navigating priorities are the norm for the population I help every day. Clients look to me for coaching improved decision making, optimizing work/school performance, and better overall psychological health. I offer strategic tools and templates to fulfill these goals by identifying problem sources and collaborating upon action steps for solutions

There are so many of us in this world who are hurting and broken. I believe that you have the right to be heard. You deserve a safe place to share your thoughts, feelings and situations that are causing you pain. All of us have different reasons for pain; anxiety, depression, fear, broken relationships and so many more. I am privileged to provide you a safe place to share your pain, to walk along side you as you process your pain and to help you achieve healing as you move beyond your pain. Not only do I believe in this process of therapy; I BELIEVE HEALING DOES AWAIT YOU. Let’s begin the process of healing together!

How does the "talking cure" help? It might have even been called the "listening cure." Having a helpful and supportive ear is something many people find they need at various transition points in their lives. Having a safe place to talk, in a warm and supportive environment, is crucial. The tool of our work is the relationship and, as research has shown, is the most important predictor of success in psychotherapy. I enjoy working with my patients as they seek to find their way to a richer and more fulfilling life.

Having extensive experience, I use empirically supported therapies, and have treated a wide range of ages as well as the most serious disorders. It is my belief that salient therapy treats a client in 3 different directions: top-down (spiritual dimension), inside out (healing of memories), and outside-in (Cognitive-Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). After a thorough assessment, I would identify with my client, determine problems on which to work, set appropriate goals, and determine the correct therapeutic intervention(s) to be used. Meeting those goals would be a therapeutic benchmark throughout the therapy.

Do you feel like you've tried everything and nothing's working? Maybe your relationship is suffering.... or your stress is so overwhelming that you can't cope...or perhaps your anxiety is paralyzing you. Maybe it's all of those things. All you know for sure is that you desperately want peace, less stress, a more satisfying relationship...but you keep spinning your wheels. Luckily, you don’t have to live like that forever. I can help you have the life you want and deserve.

Momentum, motion, stepping forward. Here you are. I applaud you for taking a step in finding a therapist as a supportive partner on your journey towards continued health and wellbeing. My approach centers us, the therapeutic relationship, as the essential catalyst for transformation. If you are struggling with life transitions, anxiety, grief, or invested in learning more about who you are, we will develop goals together through a collaborative and relational process. Our work will identify your strengths, amplify them, and engage in creative experiences to support you in finding momentum towards greater psychological freedom.

I have 30 years of experience in the field of Counseling. I have an extensive work history in a variety of settings including mental health and drug and alcohol programs as well as in group private practice. I work with a variety of populations including women, young adults, families and groups. I utilize CBT as well as a client centered approach. I encourage clients to use their self help skills and to find their inner voice on the path to self advocacy and empowerment. I ensure that clients are active in developing their own goals in their treatment plan and assist them in taking steps to achieve these goals.