Highmark Therapists in Ambler, PA

Frank is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with many years’ experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and family dynamics in inpatient, outpatient, and chemical depended facilities. Frank specializes in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, multi-level trauma, grief and loss, substance use, mood disorders, communication and intimacy challenges, anger management, problems related to internal and external stressors, career paths, life transitions: large and small, and increasing one’s self-worth: value and esteem.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Music Therapist focused on creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment in which I collaborate with clients to pursue their goals. I draw from psychodynamic and humanistic theories to assist clients in becoming aware of ways in which past experiences may influence one’s connection with self and others today, while accessing and engaging with inherent areas of strength and health.

The first time that I sat with a prisoner who shared with me his troubled story, I knew that as an undergraduate psychology major this would be my life’s call. I continued my education, obtaining a Master in Social Work with the clinical licensure, and on to a doctorate in clinical social work. All the while, I engaged in work in a residential treatment center, in high schools, in a university, and in outpatient and inpatient behavioral health programs. My internships and volunteer positions have ranged from probation/parole work, counseling for first responders, work with gang members and a private practice.

I’ve worked with ages 4-18, as well as adults. I have experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, parents, and families dealing with a wide range of challenges including the impacts of generational trauma, parent-child relational challenges, and relational difficulties. I’ve also worked with a wide range of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, autism, adjustment disorders, PTSD, personality disorders and mood disorders.

I have worked in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings across various age ranges, developmental, and life stages. I have worked with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, victims of trauma, substance abuse, co-occurring substance abuse/mental health diagnoses, relational conflict, bereavement, and other behavioral diagnosis. I use therapeutic modalities, including Narrative therapy, Emotionally focused Therapy, CBT, Person Centered Therapy, systemic therapy, mindfulness and trauma focused techniques. I use an eclectic approach in effort to enable my clients to be their authentic and deepest self.

My career has been spent in treating persons experiencing eating and substance use disorders, PTSD, depression, anxiety, Career Difficulties, Agoraphobia, Anger Management, Divorce, OCD, Panic Attacks, Self Esteem, Social Anxiety, Grief, Social Anxiety, along with any other condition that has these ingredients present.

My goal as a professional counselor is to provide genuine support and assistance to people looking to heal, make meaningful improvements, and solve problems in their lives. My approach is client-centered, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I believe that the most significant and lasting changes come from within. My role in the therapeutic relationship is to help facilitate self-discovery in my clients. This process helps bring to the surface the strengths they possess which will assist them in functioning in the most productive and emotionally balanced manner possible.

In the last ten years I have worked with clients in a variety of settings; outpatient, in-home, intensive outpatient, legal systems, clinic, and emergency room. I have also worked with a variety of needs; anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, attachment disorder, other trauma related disorders, suicidal and self-injury thoughts/behaviors. In working with clients, I have seen so much resiliency. I have witnessed so much strength that often goes unnoticed by the individual them self. I find that once a client is able to identify their strength, they are able to identify their solution.

I started in the field working as a substance abuse counselor intern conducting group therapy and individual therapy in an IOP/PHP setting. I had the experience working with court mandated clients. I have also worked in an inpatient substance abuse setting where I also conducted groups, facilitated lectures on recovery topics and provided individual therapy and case management. Following this position, I found myself in outpatient mental where I gained the most clinical experience working with a diverse population and treating a variety of issues. I have worked with children as young as 10, adolescents and adults up to age 65.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” -Carl Rodgers. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor focused on creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment in which I collaborate with clients to pursue their goals of change, self-discovery, acceptance or understanding. I believe that everyone can benefit from a relationship that is authentic, curious, non-judgmental, honest, and provides a space supportive of growth and self-discovery. This is the environment I seek to cultivate with clients in my practice.

Elizabeth Ventre is a licensed professional counselor and board-certified music therapist, who believes in developing a therapeutic alliance by providing a safe space where clients feel comfortable exploring the thoughts, feelings, and issues that led them to seek out therapy. Through a supportive, encouraging, and dynamic therapeutic relationship, she endeavors to help individuals discover and strengthen inner resources as well as learn new tools to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and empower themselves with knowledge.

I have a foundation in humanistic and cognitive behavioral therapies, I am trained in motivational interviewing, and have a specialty in dialectical behavior therapy. I treat mood and anxiety disorders, the impact of trauma, and co-occurring addictive problems. I also help with problems in self-perception, identity, and esteem. Specialty populations include essential workers, professionals maintaining wellness, balance, and recovery, perfectionism, and persons facing difficulties resulting from the impact of chronic bullying, feelings of emptiness, and/or feelings of purposelessness.

I love being a therapist, and I have several beliefs about therapy that embody my therapeutic philosophy. First, I believe that the therapist-client relationship is sacred, and that only meaningful therapeutic work can occur through a strong alliance built on trust and free of shame and judgment. Secondly, I believe that therapy is a portal to healing wounds that loneliness and isolation worsen. Thirdly, I believe it is important to support and guide clients in living lives that are true to their own values and reflective of their authentic selves.

I believe nothing is more important than an individual’s story. Your story, and the relationships it consists of, have a deep impact on your life and make up who you are, and who you become. I believe this is true for every individual, young and old. My experience as a trauma therapist has shown me the resilience of human beings and how meaningful their stories are. Through mutual trust, understanding, and the processing of your emotional experiences, we will begin to see change and embark on a pathway to healing that is comfortable and effective for you.

I present with an open, light-hearted personality to support the establishment of trust and to build, engage, and grow with patients. My theoretical framework values the following core principles: communication, specifically through movement expression; supporting tension release and vitality; the role of imagery, fantasy, symbolism, and play in the therapeutic process, and the importance of meeting clients where they are physically, emotionally, and developmentally within a trusting environment.

Hello. I'm James and I appreciate that you are considering me to be your therapist. The decision to begin therapy for the first time or with a new treatment professional requires strength, courage and commitment. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, financial pressures, addiction or any other obstacle that prevents you from living the life that you want, finding the right therapist for you is an important part of getting yourself back to where you would like to be.

With over 15 years of experience working in an inpatient setting with children, adolescents, adults, and families I am a seasoned social worker. I believe the counseling relationship is built on trust, which leads to growth and change. I will meet you where you are and together, we will embark on this counseling journey. Together we will work towards your identified goals through communication, self-care, and utilization of healthy coping strategies.

J Snyder Therapeutic Services LLC is a multidisciplinary practice specializing in the integrated delivery of Counseling, Psychotherapy, and Psychiatrically overseen Medication Management, via three brick and mortar locations in Ambler, North Wales, and Blue Bell, Pa, in addition to Telehealth. JSTS treats a spectrum of patients with ages ranging from five throughout the lifespan, struggling with symptoms or diagnoses of myriad afflictions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, and ADHD.

Are you feeling stuck, unmotivated, or lost? Perhaps wondering how to climb out of the dark hole that anxiety, depression, or addiction has you feeing trapped in? Self-exploration is the bravest journey one can take when you are lost in these feelings. The overwhelming pace of life may increase these unpleasant feelings, and I support you in taking the courageous step to collaborate with someone to improve satisfaction, happiness, and confidence in your life. Together, we will work towards developing healthy coping skills, behaviors, and thought patterns to enhance your ability to cope with daily life.