Psychodynamic Therapists in Philadelphia, PA

You may find yourself feeling stuck, struggling with unsatisfying relationships, or wanting to feel more connected to yourself and others. Together we will work on co-creating an environment most conducive to what you need to feel safe and heard to heal and grow. My approach is compassionate, humorous and committed to helping you to live your life more fully. I enjoy working with adults and couples. I specialize in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma and queer folks exploring questions of gender identity and sexuality. Expertise working with parents/families of transgender youth.

My goal is to guide people toward making meaningful change. My patients can vary from people who have experienced acute traumatic events, suffered from health-related problems, or are struggling with the problems of everyday life. Utilizing a trauma-informed treatment perspective, I invite my patients into a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship. I have a decade-plus history of helping individuals experiencing issues ranging from social anxiety to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Do you feel anxious about how you have been showing up in relationships lately? Do you worry more about how other people are going to react than what you actually need? Does setting boundaries make you feel an unbearable sense of guilt? Do you want to advocate for yourself and feel confident in what you want? Relationships can be the most gratifying and challenging part of our lives. Together, we’ll work on identifying how you can lessen the struggle and increase the comfort in your relationships, including the one with yourself.

I have had over 30 years of experience working with clients who are experiencing difficulties at transition times in their lives. I work with adolescents, adults and the elderly who are going through challenges associated with life cycle changes such as relationship problems, school or job related problems or dealing with chronic or acute medical problems. I work from a family systems perspective and often work with family members of those experiencing the kinds of issues I mentioned above. Many of the clients I work with present with depression, anxiety, anger, significant loss , couples issues and/or parenting issues.

I like to help people explore their patterns in life and discover ways to become a happier and healthier person. Feelings and experiences may be keeping us stuck. I provide a safe space to understand and express these feelings, offer tools how to work with feelings and thoughts, and then help clients discover their interests and path forward. Therapy may be helpful to deal with a difficult event or a way of living. I help my clients to navigate a better, more fulfilling and meaningful life.

It’s easy to get stuck, to become convinced that it’s too late to have the life you’d dreamed of, or just plain impossible to just be happy, comfortable, fulfilled or feel ‘right’. That’s how I felt. The more I tried, the more frustrated I became. I didn’t think I even deserved these things. I desperately wanted answers, but I didn’t know where to turn, or who to turn to. There are many mirrors in the world – friends, family, therapists, partners – but the key to making lasting change is being willing and able to see your Self clearly in the mirror.

Therapy is one avenue to building a life that is more authentic, connected, and filled with meaning. My goal as a therapist is to co-create a space that is warm and safe where you can approach issues from a strengths-based lens, and where curiosity and creativity can flourish. As a therapist, I value my unique relationship with each client, and I am deeply grateful to be able to witness growth, meaning-making, and changes that positively impact a client’s life. Therapy is a unique, personal, and specific journey, and I am humbled and eager to be on that journey with each individual client with whom I work.

Difficult experiences in childhood can linger on in adulthood as low self esteem, difficulties dating, and feeling like an imposter. You may also wonder if better relationships with difficult family members are possible. I specialize in working with individuals who want relief from anxiety, insecurities and a harsh inner critic, but also want to better understand themselves. As a psychodynamic/psychoanalytic therapist, I can help you make sense of how the past lives on in the present, so that you can get unstuck from patterns that no longer serve you, to live with greater clarity, confidence and joy.

In life, it is not uncommon to find yourself stuck in patterns that no longer serve you but you are unsure of how to change. Perhaps at times you experience difficult emotions that you don't fully understand or know how to address. In my work as a psychotherapist, I provide a safe, collaborative environment in which clients can more freely get to know their emotional and physical states so that they may release distress and discover their more authentic self. I help clients to develop a more compassionate self-awareness and build greater flexibility in how they respond to the pressures and stressors of life.

"Accepting new clients" Are you struggling with stress that is creating anxiety, depression, conflicted relationships or job stress? I can help. I provide a safe and supportive environment to uncover limiting beliefs and behaviors that are preventing you from living your optimal life.

Have you tried brief symptom focused therapy, only to have your problems return? Are you feeling stuck with longstanding patterns in your life? Psychodynamic therapy may be the change you are looking for. Since 1939, the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia has promoted psychoanalytic training and practice. Through our Consultation & Referral Service, our members offer high quality therapy and psychoanalysis to the community. Through PCOP, you can be confident that your therapist has the training to provide you the kind of insightful therapeutic experience you're looking for.

As a compassionate and dedicated Masters level, Pre-Licensed Professional Counselor, I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking guidance and healing. With a Certification and Master's degree in School Psychology and 20 years of experience in the field, I offer evidence-based therapeutic interventions tailored to each client's unique needs.

There’s a big difference between thinking and feeling something to be true. Many of my clients are painfully aware of their patterns, but despite their best efforts, they struggle to embody their values. I know firsthand how hard and frustrating therapy can be for just this reason, as well as how life-changing a good therapeutic relationship can be. In my practice, I work with individuals who have experienced trauma, relationship issues, and want to work through life transitions, and boundary setting.

THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH (Robert Frost)... It is human to suffer and it is human to face challenges. When the suffering becomes too great, and the challenges too large, good therapy can play a key role in bringing about change. If you decide to work with me, I would consider it an honor to become part of your journey towards increased health and well-being. When you come to therapy, you will be treated with respect. I bring many years of experience as a therapist, providing both brief evidence-based interventions and long term psychodynamic approach. I will work carefully with you to define and achieve your personal goals.

I am a licensed psychologist with 25 years in clinical practice working with adults of all ages and backgrounds. My practice is located in Philadelphia where I work with a broad range of problems including anxiety, mood and adjustment disorders, interpersonal problems, attention, avoidance, overuse of screens, technology, substances & other problem behaviors. My strength is in helping clients to better understand, face & manage problems through a wide range of evidence-based treatments - with short-term focus on reducing symptoms and ultimately, increased confidence and motivation to make changes that lead to better functioning.

I believe that therapy begins with the building of a strong, honest, and collaborative relationship. Through the creation of this alliance, it becomes possible to discover a client-centered focus for treatment and to engage dynamically in the therapeutic process. I see therapy as a space for healing and growth, co-created and nurtured by both client and clinician. My practice is psychodynamic, relational, and at its core holistic, recognizing and integrating the biological, psychological, and social aspects of experience, as well as the individual, institutional, and cultural roots of issues as they arise.

The decision to seek help for life's issues can be both scary and exciting. I know how important it is to have someone to talk with, who can see more objectively than we can see ourselves. I have worked extensively with people who have mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar, anxiety and panic, anger problems, communication and relationship difficulties, and more. I have worked with many people who feel that their spiritual relationship has been damaged or destroyed. Spirituality does not have to be part of our work, but if you have spiritual wounds that you would like to work on, I can help you to heal them.

Many of us may become stuck at different stages in our lives for myriad reasons. Its possible you may or may not be aware of what events may have led to this which can manifest in mental health and/or substance use difficulties. Examples range from traumatic events such as abuse, neglect, and death of loved ones; oft under-emphasized circumstances such as daily stress, breakups, life changes/transitions, and loss of employment; or broader systemic issues such as racism, poverty, and other types of discrimination. If you are looking to identify the stuck parts to help all of you move forward, this is a good place to start.

You are capable of creating change in your life. My role is one of encouragement and support for making that change. Together we will find ways to cope better in the situations that matter to you and facilitate personal growth by exploring new ways to interact with your world, yourself and those around you. I believe you are the best resource on what works for you. In session we will spend time exploring the issues most important to you and find a way to work through those together.