Somatic Therapists in Midtown Village, Philadelphia, PA

Three beliefs I hold that influence how I practice are 1) human beings are not problems to be solved 2) therapy is ultimately about relationship 3) the process itself is the solution. We humans are infinitely complex; we're full of opposition and paradox. Our culture pushes quick fixes and immediate answers, but lasting change rarely comes about when we work in this way. I'm interested in helping you come into fuller, richer, more conscious relationship with all of your moving and sometimes disparate parts. Together we will work from the inside out through a deep, relational process.

Welcome! My clinical practice is geared towards supporting Queer and Trans (TGNC) individuals, and those impacted by intergenerational and systemic trauma. I aim to walk alongside each client as they repair relational and systemic wounds, and work to pursue healing and thriving! I view therapy through a holistic lens that recognizes the human capacity for growth and change. This approach honors the impact of how intergenerational themes and trauma along with systemic and social oppressions, can shape a person’s lived experience.

Psychotherapist, toy analyst, Senior Leadership Strategist, and Diversity and Inclusion Professional in the Greater Philadelphia region. Peter’s research and practice interests are invested in community mental health, theories on adult play and the ways it frames our social interactions, and trauma informed work with clients and artists/creatives. Peter’s clinical approach is rooted in holistic, relational and humanistic theory. Peter’s research and Op-Eds have been featured in the ​Psychology Today, The Wall Street Journal, Philadelphia Gay News, The Mighty, and others.

Trauma. We all experience it at some point in our lives. It’s that thing that keeps you up at night. The thing that you distract yourself from by working extra hours, scrolling endlessly on Tik-Tok, self-harm, addiction, codependency. We run, fight, freeze, fawn, shut-down. Our bodies are built to adapt to the stress in our lives but what happens when the stress is too much? When we run into obstacles like bullying, abuse, illness, separation, loss, disasters? What happens when there is no one to witness our pain? We forget about the parts of ourselves that are creative, brave, intuitive, funny, smart, kind, gentle, strong.

I am a relational therapist with 20+ years of experience in the field. My specialties include working with caregivers, activists, helping professionals, educators, parents, folks within the LGBTQ+ community, and people impacted by traumatic experiences. I bring an open heart and humility to our work together, and honor the power and vulnerability of getting support and sharing your truth. I will work collaboratively with you to support you in living a fuller, more connected life - wherever you are in your journey of self-discovery & healing.

Having an eating disorder can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to control your life. I help you or your teenager understand the function their eating disorder has played in their life, and how to create a healthier way to move forward, free of the eating disorder’s rules and fears. When working with teens, I also help parents better understand their child’s experience and how best to support them. While I specialize in eating disorders, I also support clients through parenting, divorce, career transitions, and managing the stressors of everyday life, including break-ups and the often-tricky transition into adulthood.

However you show up, my bottom line is to provide a safe, respectful, and validating space where you are listened to without assumptions, judgement, or an agenda. I have diverse practice experiences that taught me to listen beyond words and look beyond appearances. My trainings in art and music allow me to do so with greater agility and accuracy, bringing us closer to your inner voice and shedding light on your inner world. This foundation of human-to-human understanding will help us work together as partners to reach your goals - whether it is healing, growth, self-exploration, or change - with a deep sense of clarity and peace.

As a Somatic Healing Justice Art, Play, & Hip-Hop Therapist, I view you as the master of your own narrative; my purpose is to walk beside you, offering light through the shadows when the path seems unclear. Together, we will navigate the unique landscape of your experiences. Embracing the principle of 'Sankofa', we recognize the courage in looking back to forge ahead, using this reflection to craft the narrative you aspire to live by. My approach integrates creative practices grounded in the understanding of trauma's impact on the brain, aiming to help you sculpt the life narrative you seek.

Accepting new clients! I help people overcome difficulty and use it to grow and pursue a life of meaning and purpose. Sometimes we start by treating stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, career, or LGBTQ+ and other identity issues, and over time turn to deeper issues about the life you want to create, your identity, and your values. I’m a humanistic counselor, which means I’ll never tell you what to do and I’ll always empower you to make the choice that’s best for you. I use a collaborative, gentle approach that helps you connect with your intuitive sense of self and your intrinsic motivation to grow and do difficult things.

People come to therapy for many reasons, sometimes it’s an unexpected or painful transition, other times it might be conflict in important relationships. Often, people have tried to help themselves feel better, and are unsure of where to go next. Regardless of the reason you are seeking help, you are likely looking for relief from pain or suffering. I’m glad you’ve taken this important first step. My role is to offer you a warm and non-judgmental space to process life’s complexities and create meaningful change.

Update - as of 7/30/24 I'm offering EMDR for short-term work with new clients! I can support you with approaching and coping with intense or overwhelming feelings; finding balance meeting your needs & your obligations; building a compassionate relationship with yourself, and improving your relationships with others. I'm open to discussing whether I'd be the right fit for anything you may bring. My primary approaches are Internal Family Systems & Gestalt Therapy. We can discuss what approach will work best for you. I also offer clinical supervision.

Are you a solution seeker that wants to enact change? Are you done with worksheets, breathing exercises and lack of concrete action steps? Examining problems requires help of an honest, direct, solution focused clinician with a concrete approach. Anxiety, co-dependent patterns ("people pleasing") or just trying to understand an experience to determine next steps look different when explored thru a "curious" approach. Every focused, achieving individual wants to "fix it" or do whatever it takes to feel better to live better. A solution focused approach operates on reason and concrete actions to take fostering hope.

I approach therapy with the understanding that many of our symptoms and struggles are normal human attempts to manage pain, loss, anxiety, and even difficult or overwhelming emotions. My goal is help you find your way through these struggles and reclaim a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling to you. I will collaborate with you and set therapy goals that feel right for you in the context of your personal history and identity, and use evidence-based treatments that have been shown to be effective for anxiety and mood management, grief, trauma, and chronic pain.

These are uncertain times. Therapy can be an anchor as we all weather the unpredictable circumstances of our lives and the world around us. It can be a place to grow, heal, or make changes in your live that feel difficult. I work with clients who need help managing anxiety, are feeling sad or confused, or are going through a hard time. I see my job as sitting next to you, seeing the world through your eyes, and helping you come up with the plan that's right for you. I come from a relational and social justice perspective and bring tools from narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness based stress reduction.

My mission is to help you navigate and understand the human experience in ways that fit you uniquely. By creating a welcoming, safe, and accepting environment, I will gently invite you to explore your ideas and feelings in order to help you find clarity in your life. For clients with ADHD, I have a very special understanding for how the ADHD mind works, and I would be honored to help you learn how to use your ADHD to your advantage.

Are you in search of a therapist who understands the unique experiences of trans and queer individuals? Are you navigating how to address trauma, cope with late-stage capitalism, handle ADHD and autistic burnout, or explore gender and sexuality? I am committed to serving individuals within my community, particularly those who identify as trans and queer. I approach my practice as kink-aware, anti-capitalist, pro-sex worker, and knowledgeable about non-monogamous relationships.

"Mark is different. It's like he actually listens to you, like he really cares". "It's like spending time with a really trusted friend or confidante. He's different than other therapists". "I don't know what to say. Mark helped me to make friends with myself and to find happiness for the first time in my life". While these testimonials really speak for themselves, please visit www.ReturnToYourBreath.com to learn more about holistic psychotherapy, mindfulness meditation, and lifestyle coaching with yours truly :)

I enjoy working with people in challenging transitions, who struggle with loss or suffering, or who want to overcome a vulnerability. My style is warm and collaborative. Let's talk about how I can help you achieve growth, meaningful change, and relief from distress. Each of us has, inside, the ability to heal and transform. You can focus these inner resources to move your life forward. The good news is that it's all right there, inside you.

My approach is holistic, with an awareness of cultural and systemic impacts on mental health. I bring deep empathy, openness, creativity, warmth, an intersectional lens, and a sense of humor to the therapeutic relationship. I believe that the therapeutic process can impact my clients ability to grow, heal, and reach their full potential. Areas of expertise include grief and loss, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships.