Therapists in 19118

As a therapist, my passion is helping clients develop a greater ability to understand themselves and handle what happens to them. I use an integrative approach which is grounded in research and shows that the most effective healing occurs in the context of a strong client-therapist relationship. Beginning therapy can be intimidating so I try to create a warm, safe space by using an empathic, nonjudgmental, and, at times, humorous approach. Clients have described my style as compassionate and supportive while also being honest and direct.

As a licensed psychologist, board certified clinical hypnotherapist and medical psychotherapist, I have been in private practice for 30 years in center city Philadelphia and Chestnut Hill,Pa. I am primarily Jungian, feminist, and cognitive/behavioral in orientation and use a blend of whatever suits the person and situation. My specialties include relationships, depression and anxiety/panic, self-esteem. trauma, and life transitions. I am widely published, formerly on staff at the Belmont Center and at Hahnemann and Temple Universities.The goal is to diminish negative symptoms and patterns, facilitate individuation, find your path and personal meaning in life, at work and in relationships.

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.

I believe entering therapy is a brave step. I tailor my counseling style to fit the needs of my clients. I am client focused and use an integrative process of cognitive behavioral, supportive, mindfulness, and holistic techniques to help you address your concerns. Together we will find new solutions to the issues that trouble you. I look forward to you joining my practice.

Leiza Stanley believes in the power of relationship. Through the use of the therapeutic relationship she aims to achieve what is referred to as a corrective experience. A positive corrective experience is achieved when the therapist and client together resolve emotional pain. Leiza's treatment approach is rooted in the philosophy that therapy is about claiming or reclaiming your authentic self, and is provided with genuine warmth, understanding, and validation.

My clients describe me as warm, engaging, thoughtful and funny, but also as direct, challenging, and focused; seeking out the hard and stuck places in their approach to living and loving. I don't try to convince my clients that life is easy or carefree, but I do believe a lot of contentment with life and acceptance of the self can be found when we face and come to terms with our truths. Unlike many folks offering therapy services, I have engaged in extensive education and training, in analytically informed psychotherapy, which I belief enriches and deepens the work.

I am taking new clients! I can generally schedule new clients for a session within 2 business days. I offer both telehealth sessions as well as outdoor, nature therapy sessions in which we can talk on a park bench or walk along a trail. If you have been struggling to find a therapist, please reach out. Working together, we will explore who you are and create your vision of a healthy, happy life.

As a clinician, the therapeutic process is only meaningful and complete with the reciprocity and engagement of those I work with. Each individual is unique and their stories are interwoven with a rich tapestry of diverse emotions. By balancing the abstract, creative, philosophical, and introspective aspects of life with friendliness, compassion, empathy and care, I walk the path with you on your journey toward peace and happiness.

Can you image a life where you are able to treat yourself with kindness and compassion? A life where you can discover the roots of your pain and learn new, healthy ways of approaching daily difficulties? A life where you don’t need to use alcohol and substances to cope with your pain? Whether you are new to therapy and curious about how therapy can benefit you, or are returning to healing, I am here to help. All that is needed to start this process is a willingness to be curious about your life, which is the first step to initiating the changes you would like to make.

"I can’t believe I did it again! Why do I always do this to myself?" "OK, I decided to stop drinking, now what?" Or “ I just want my kid to talk to me. I have no idea what’s going on and I’m worried.” Sound familiar? Being stuck in a cycle you want to break can bring shame or guilt that you are not enough, or not doing enough. You want to learn how to live without numbing out, overcompensating, or burning out. Maybe you have gone to therapy before and it helped, but you feel you’re slipping. Now you want to do something different and step away from thought-focused work as you see it’s limitations to incorporate your whole self.