Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
![Photo of Michael Dean Kaltenbach, DSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d53ad34-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Dean Kaltenbach
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19107
I work with clients experiencing any of the following issues: anxiety, work-related stress, sexuality issues, relationship issues, depression, over-partying, HIV+, cancer, creative blocks, life transitions, career goals, family issues, etc.
Oftentimes, people just need someone to listen to them, to help them work through an issue, and sort out their feelings. That's where I come in as a licensed psychotherapist as well as a medical social worker. I'm skilled at hearing what people are saying and helping them to figure out strategies for improving their situation. I work with a variety of clients ---men, women and children from all sexualities, gender identities, and races to help them with all sorts of issues. My clientele ranges in ages; however, a majority of my clients are in their early 30's.
I work with clients experiencing any of the following issues: anxiety, work-related stress, sexuality issues, relationship issues, depression, over-partying, HIV+, cancer, creative blocks, life transitions, career goals, family issues, etc.
Oftentimes, people just need someone to listen to them, to help them work through an issue, and sort out their feelings. That's where I come in as a licensed psychotherapist as well as a medical social worker. I'm skilled at hearing what people are saying and helping them to figure out strategies for improving their situation. I work with a variety of clients ---men, women and children from all sexualities, gender identities, and races to help them with all sorts of issues. My clientele ranges in ages; however, a majority of my clients are in their early 30's.
![Photo of Jan Horner, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f0ee4ae-70de-49dd-a60c-fd5c8ec1aef6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jan Horner
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19125 (Online Only)
I believe that an authentic, caring, and strong connection between therapist and client is essential to facilitate meaningful change and it is an honor to be invited to participate in another person’s transformational journey.
I believe that an authentic, caring, and strong connection between therapist and client is essential to facilitate meaningful change and it is an honor to be invited to participate in another person’s transformational journey.
![Photo of Katherine M Schneider, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49d0d1e5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Everyone has a story and it is my privilege to be invited into yours. My unique blend of warmth and tenacity set me apart as a therapist and allow me to work with clients towards meaningful change. I value the relationships I form with clients and my goal is to make everyone I work with feel safe, respected and accepted for who they are. My practice is shaped by a combination of formal education and hands-on experience, including training in psychoanalysis, couples counseling, ExRP, play therapy and family therapy.
Everyone has a story and it is my privilege to be invited into yours. My unique blend of warmth and tenacity set me apart as a therapist and allow me to work with clients towards meaningful change. I value the relationships I form with clients and my goal is to make everyone I work with feel safe, respected and accepted for who they are. My practice is shaped by a combination of formal education and hands-on experience, including training in psychoanalysis, couples counseling, ExRP, play therapy and family therapy.
![Photo of Omar Alsaadi - Hill Counseling LLC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f7e44d0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hill Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Hill Counseling is committed to helping clients grow. Please click on the link to our website (underneath the profile picture) for specific information as to our specialties and our therapists. We pride ourselves on being able to see clients quickly as we generally have no waiting list. Thank you for choosing Hill Counseling!
Hill Counseling is committed to helping clients grow. Please click on the link to our website (underneath the profile picture) for specific information as to our specialties and our therapists. We pride ourselves on being able to see clients quickly as we generally have no waiting list. Thank you for choosing Hill Counseling!
![Photo of Victoria Fallon, MA , LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ffcb23b-5ad6-4b10-a7b4-5e6a5bbb4bbb/1/320x400.png)
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Do your needs include increasing coping skills and expanding your informal support? Are your goals to decrease your current symptoms, increase/build mastery of coping skills, and continue to build your support system? My ideal client is ready and open to work.
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Do your needs include increasing coping skills and expanding your informal support? Are your goals to decrease your current symptoms, increase/build mastery of coping skills, and continue to build your support system? My ideal client is ready and open to work.
![Photo of Yeva Ventura, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a71de428-74aa-434a-a246-111fc9c54638/2/320x400.jpeg)
Yeva Ventura
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102 (Online Only)
I believe that in order to change anything, we first need to understand and accept it. This is done through talking. I bring an empathetic, worldly, and multidisciplinary approach to help you gain a deeper understanding of who you are and what you want. We all repeat the same patterns through our lives that sometimes prevent us from happiness.Through therapy, we can start to observe those patterns, and then decide how we want to change them.
I believe that in order to change anything, we first need to understand and accept it. This is done through talking. I bring an empathetic, worldly, and multidisciplinary approach to help you gain a deeper understanding of who you are and what you want. We all repeat the same patterns through our lives that sometimes prevent us from happiness.Through therapy, we can start to observe those patterns, and then decide how we want to change them.
![Photo of Peter Andrew Danzig, LSW, MSS, MA, CTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/afa139ee-017b-45ab-83b4-80b370bba5bb/3/320x400.jpeg)
Peter Andrew Danzig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MSS, MA, CTP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19107
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.
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.
![Photo of Dr. Jonathan J Tomlin, EdD, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f45bea8-f571-4183-9b5f-c717c1bb47d8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jonathan J Tomlin
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19115 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Dr. Tomlin, and I am a licensed and nationally certified professional counselor and traumatologist. I specialize in various modalities, including strength-based coaching, existentialism, multicultural awareness, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I am passionate about helping others achieve social, emotional, and behavioral improvements and providing them with the fundamental tools to overcome life struggles so they can prosper. Life is full of obstacles and difficult circumstances, which can feel overwhelming and all-consuming.
Hello! My name is Dr. Tomlin, and I am a licensed and nationally certified professional counselor and traumatologist. I specialize in various modalities, including strength-based coaching, existentialism, multicultural awareness, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I am passionate about helping others achieve social, emotional, and behavioral improvements and providing them with the fundamental tools to overcome life struggles so they can prosper. Life is full of obstacles and difficult circumstances, which can feel overwhelming and all-consuming.
![Photo of Khalilah Yadullah, MSEd, NCC, LPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44acd7c0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome everyone! My name is Khalilah Yadullah. I am a psychotherapist. I believe in providing each person with a safe and judgement-free space, when in a therapeutic session. I use techniques from different therapeutic schools of thought to assist in the therapeutic journey with each person. We can talk in office, online or over the phone. I understand flexibility in our busy lives is needed. LET US TAKE THIS JOURNEY TOGETHER.
Welcome everyone! My name is Khalilah Yadullah. I am a psychotherapist. I believe in providing each person with a safe and judgement-free space, when in a therapeutic session. I use techniques from different therapeutic schools of thought to assist in the therapeutic journey with each person. We can talk in office, online or over the phone. I understand flexibility in our busy lives is needed. LET US TAKE THIS JOURNEY TOGETHER.
![Photo of Joan Quilligan - Féideartha Hypno-Practice LLC, MSc, BSc, DHP HPD, SFBH, CCH](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91eab829-6d02-4ccf-b24e-1d7612cdd393/2/320x400.jpeg)
Féideartha Hypno-Practice LLC
MSc, BSc, DHP HPD, SFBH, CCH
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Online Only)
Coming from a diverse and experienced background, my qualifications and training in various disciplines have helped me to expand on an innate ability to cater to a client’s individual needs and potential. I do not believe “one size fits all” which means that each client is given services unique to them and the intricacies of their life, their experiences. This approach is coupled with an individual professional style and conscientious quality of service. I run a “gold standard” practice with a personal belief of “people before profits”. Quite simply, I care about people and help people to care about themselves.
Coming from a diverse and experienced background, my qualifications and training in various disciplines have helped me to expand on an innate ability to cater to a client’s individual needs and potential. I do not believe “one size fits all” which means that each client is given services unique to them and the intricacies of their life, their experiences. This approach is coupled with an individual professional style and conscientious quality of service. I run a “gold standard” practice with a personal belief of “people before profits”. Quite simply, I care about people and help people to care about themselves.
![Photo of Andre Steven Watson, PsyD, PLY, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bc2a4b6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Andre Steven Watson
Psychologist, PsyD, PLY
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19139
Waitlist for new clients
Hi, My name is Dr. Andre Watson and I am a clinical psychologist in Aldan, Pennsylvania: just west of West Philadelphia. I have experience working with people from all kinds of situations, from overwhelmed parents, to anxious teens, to those depressed and lonely, to those coping with childhood trauma and abuse, to perpetrator's and victims of violence , to those couples getting ready for a loving life together, to those just working on more having more fulfilling lives. It is important to me that we spend time talking about how therapy can help and how you can get the most benefit from therapy.
Hi, My name is Dr. Andre Watson and I am a clinical psychologist in Aldan, Pennsylvania: just west of West Philadelphia. I have experience working with people from all kinds of situations, from overwhelmed parents, to anxious teens, to those depressed and lonely, to those coping with childhood trauma and abuse, to perpetrator's and victims of violence , to those couples getting ready for a loving life together, to those just working on more having more fulfilling lives. It is important to me that we spend time talking about how therapy can help and how you can get the most benefit from therapy.
![Photo of A. Maria Marcelin, LCSW, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89699019-bfae-4624-9819-d7a4e2820469/2/320x400.jpeg)
A. Maria Marcelin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
We’re in an age of overwhelm. I help clients develop healthy self-compassion as they balance responsibilities and relationships with the cumulative stress of unresolved traumas and/or the current economic, political, and environmental crises. When we explore patterns in our boundaries, families, and relationships, we can reveal deeper truths and unmet needs, and are empowered to make changes that promote safety and reduce the feeling of being stuck. It is important that you feel heard by a professional who supports you. Third Culture Kids, nomads, fish out of water, and micro-minorities welcome. We will create context.
We’re in an age of overwhelm. I help clients develop healthy self-compassion as they balance responsibilities and relationships with the cumulative stress of unresolved traumas and/or the current economic, political, and environmental crises. When we explore patterns in our boundaries, families, and relationships, we can reveal deeper truths and unmet needs, and are empowered to make changes that promote safety and reduce the feeling of being stuck. It is important that you feel heard by a professional who supports you. Third Culture Kids, nomads, fish out of water, and micro-minorities welcome. We will create context.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Victoria Fallon, MA , LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba6dc673-e47a-4040-8e45-878972eb1550/1/320x400.png)
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Do your needs include increasing coping skills and expanding your informal support? Are your goals to decrease your current symptoms, increase/build mastery of coping skills, and continue to build your support system? My ideal client is ready and open to work.
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Do your needs include increasing coping skills and expanding your informal support? Are your goals to decrease your current symptoms, increase/build mastery of coping skills, and continue to build your support system? My ideal client is ready and open to work.
![Photo of Kia Felicia Everett - Finding Your Way, LLC, DCC, MHS, MPSL, LPC, LBS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56bd2469-480e-433e-af62-b54dce816787/1/320x400.jpeg)
Finding Your Way, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, DCC, MHS, MPSL, LPC, LBS
Verified Verified
Secane, PA 19018 (Online Only)
Is your life unmanageable? Are you suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of a traumatic situation? Are you in a crisis? You have found your therapeutic solution. Finding Your Way, LLC is a Mental Health Urgent Care/ Mental Health Practice that will meet all of your immediate Mental Health needs. We are a well rounded comprehensive practice to move you to a place of Wellness.
Is your life unmanageable? Are you suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of a traumatic situation? Are you in a crisis? You have found your therapeutic solution. Finding Your Way, LLC is a Mental Health Urgent Care/ Mental Health Practice that will meet all of your immediate Mental Health needs. We are a well rounded comprehensive practice to move you to a place of Wellness.
![Photo of Amy DeGirolamo - Amy DeGirolamo, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7cef4e4-7889-4025-83a8-5f92010aa594/3/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Degirolamo, LPC. I am licensed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. For the last 15 years my work with clients has focused on personal issues of all kinds: depression, self-esteem, conflict resolution, better communication, adult children of alcoholics, parenting, anxiety, chronic illness, addictions, and sexual abuse. I specialize in adjustment issues and assisting clients take steps to get back to a place where they can overcome issues and move on for a better, healthier life. Many of my clients are going through a life transition such as a seperation, divorce or dealing with "failure to launch" issues.
Amy Degirolamo, LPC. I am licensed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. For the last 15 years my work with clients has focused on personal issues of all kinds: depression, self-esteem, conflict resolution, better communication, adult children of alcoholics, parenting, anxiety, chronic illness, addictions, and sexual abuse. I specialize in adjustment issues and assisting clients take steps to get back to a place where they can overcome issues and move on for a better, healthier life. Many of my clients are going through a life transition such as a seperation, divorce or dealing with "failure to launch" issues.
![Photo of Rik Fire, MSW, LCSW, LISW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/024bdf9b-2dee-4b6c-9cd0-e16f21147818/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rik Fire
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LISW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Rik Fire (aka Manjot Singh Khalsa) is a psychotherapist in private practice since 1996, sacred healer, interfaith minister, teacher and co-creator of Radikal Healing. Radikal Healing is a process of life transformation utilizing a complement of modalities tailored to each client's individual needs including psychotherapy, meditation, Kundalini yoga, Shamanic technology, energy medicine, life coaching and supervised fasting. Village of Radikal Healing in Montgomery County, PA & Radikal Healing Suite Asbury Park, NJ are healing centers that provide opportunities for people to embrace the Radikal Life they were meant to live.
Rik Fire (aka Manjot Singh Khalsa) is a psychotherapist in private practice since 1996, sacred healer, interfaith minister, teacher and co-creator of Radikal Healing. Radikal Healing is a process of life transformation utilizing a complement of modalities tailored to each client's individual needs including psychotherapy, meditation, Kundalini yoga, Shamanic technology, energy medicine, life coaching and supervised fasting. Village of Radikal Healing in Montgomery County, PA & Radikal Healing Suite Asbury Park, NJ are healing centers that provide opportunities for people to embrace the Radikal Life they were meant to live.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Dr. Dianne Marino-Surovcik Phd Dms Psychological Services Llc, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ab06dff-17b4-478c-9ef1-10caa6cfe7ad/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Dianne Marino-Surovcik Phd Dms Psychological Services Llc
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Center Valley, PA 18034
I am trained to diagnose and treat clinical psychopathology from mild to severe using techniques such as psychiatric interview, psychological testing, cognitive assessment, career evaluations, and diagnostic reports from your physician and family.
As a Counseling Psychologist I am searching to find health or “ego strength“ in a person. People are capable of having internal positive and negative aspects in play at all times. Working from a psychodynamic model to see the whole clinical picture, I believe insight is crucial but it doesn’t guarantee behavior change. To that end I work from a cognitive and behavioral model to build strength.
I am trained to diagnose and treat clinical psychopathology from mild to severe using techniques such as psychiatric interview, psychological testing, cognitive assessment, career evaluations, and diagnostic reports from your physician and family.
As a Counseling Psychologist I am searching to find health or “ego strength“ in a person. People are capable of having internal positive and negative aspects in play at all times. Working from a psychodynamic model to see the whole clinical picture, I believe insight is crucial but it doesn’t guarantee behavior change. To that end I work from a cognitive and behavioral model to build strength.
![Photo of Valerie Palencar - Valerie Palencar, LPC, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47b46840-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Valerie Palencar, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Pittston, PA 18640
Hello! I work with my clients using a Cognitive Behavioral, Psychoanalytic, Solution Focused Approach. Solution Focused means we try to solve issues and problems as soon as possible. I am also a trauma specialist and have worked with military and domestic violence victims for many years. Trauma is relative to each individual and shouldn't be compared. And there are ways to heal and thrive! I also work with sexual addiction, childhood behavioral issues, depression and anxiety, chronic pain, career coaching, and all female issues. I also offer premarital and marital counseling.
Hello! I work with my clients using a Cognitive Behavioral, Psychoanalytic, Solution Focused Approach. Solution Focused means we try to solve issues and problems as soon as possible. I am also a trauma specialist and have worked with military and domestic violence victims for many years. Trauma is relative to each individual and shouldn't be compared. And there are ways to heal and thrive! I also work with sexual addiction, childhood behavioral issues, depression and anxiety, chronic pain, career coaching, and all female issues. I also offer premarital and marital counseling.
![Photo of Mike Otto - Dr. Mike Otto, PsyD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/020ba809-14a2-4796-ab13-4bff0d55b041/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Mike Otto
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Allentown, PA 18103
Since 2001, my career has had a focus on young people and family systems with complex emotional and behavioral challenges.
Telehealth appointments available. Areas of specialty are: anxiety and depression, challenging adolescents (behavior management) and their family systems, insomnia treatment and sleep regulation, and working with young adults adjusting to life transitions. I can work with individuals with drug and alcohol challenges and help support the recovery process. Psychological assessment and recommendations for civil (custody, etc.), criminal (forensic), and diagnostic clarification services are also available. Couples work available through direct clinician referral only. Please check out our website for more information: www.ottopsych.com
Since 2001, my career has had a focus on young people and family systems with complex emotional and behavioral challenges.
Telehealth appointments available. Areas of specialty are: anxiety and depression, challenging adolescents (behavior management) and their family systems, insomnia treatment and sleep regulation, and working with young adults adjusting to life transitions. I can work with individuals with drug and alcohol challenges and help support the recovery process. Psychological assessment and recommendations for civil (custody, etc.), criminal (forensic), and diagnostic clarification services are also available. Couples work available through direct clinician referral only. Please check out our website for more information: www.ottopsych.com
![Photo of Angela Reyer Gillespie, MA, LPC, TCP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b0e41f3-d44f-4237-ba37-b79ea382598e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Reyer Gillespie
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, TCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
LIfe is hard but I love my job! I am passionate about providing empathetic and compassionate therapy for people struggling with a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, communication struggles, & more. I specialize in processing and moving beyond trauma and believe that the root to many of our struggles can be found in past relationships and attachments. I utilize systems theories and relational framework as a foundation for clients to explore and connect how relationships and environment impact larger goals and sense of self. I want to help you understand yourself better and utilize your past as strength to move forward.
LIfe is hard but I love my job! I am passionate about providing empathetic and compassionate therapy for people struggling with a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, communication struggles, & more. I specialize in processing and moving beyond trauma and believe that the root to many of our struggles can be found in past relationships and attachments. I utilize systems theories and relational framework as a foundation for clients to explore and connect how relationships and environment impact larger goals and sense of self. I want to help you understand yourself better and utilize your past as strength to move forward.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Career Counseling Therapists
How do I know if I need career counseling?
Determining whether a career counselor is needed involves assessing one's current career and identifying what changes can be made to improve one's overall quality of life. In particular, feelings of loss of motivation, fatigue, anxiety, depression, procrastination, or ongoing levels of high stress can all be indicative of a need for career-related counseling. In addition, individuals changing jobs may want the decision-making support or self-reflection opportunities provided by a career counselor.
Who can benefit from career counseling?
Anyone can benefit from the self-reflection, skill development, and stress management techniques that career counseling can provide. However, individuals who are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out with their current job and individuals considering a major career change may particularly benefit from career counseling to improve their wellbeing. Additionally, individuals who are facing issues in their current job, such as coworker relationship challenges or not meeting performance goals, may benefit from the perspective that a career counselor can provide. College-age or young professionals may also uniquely benefit from career counseling as they make key decisions surrounding education and job training that will impact their career trajectory.
How long does career counseling typically last?
The length of career counseling can vary greatly depending on the needs of the individual and what type of support they are seeking. Career coaching or advising services—which serve clients in a specific, goal-oriented capacity—often last for a shorter duration and are sometimes only a single session or a few sessions in length. In contrast, career counseling as part of a more integrative therapeutic relationship with a counselor may last longer, particularly if the issues faced by the client are longstanding and/or more complex in nature; in such cases, individuals may expect therapy to last multiple months or longer.
How to prepare for career counseling?
Clients can prepare for career counseling sessions by outlining the specific topics they would like to address with the counselor, such as current job challenges or hopes for the future of their career. Compiling one's thoughts on such topics often requires reflection on one's career and future goals, which in itself can be beneficial for session preparation. Clients may also want to put together a list of questions they would like to ask the counselor, particularly if the career counselor they are seeing has particular expertise in a given career area. Conducting research into potential future jobs, training opportunities, or support resources in one's area may also help clients prepare for career counseling by providing them with a background of what resources are available in their area.