Empire BlueCross BlueShield Therapists in Blue Bell, PA

With over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, I provide a non-judgmental & safe space for each of my clients that promotes growth & self-discovery. I utilize a refreshingly straightforward style that incorporates humor and empathy to connect to individuals and couples on a "real" level. I work with adolescents, young adults, & adults struggling with: Stress Reduction & Management, Self-Esteem & Self-Worth, Depression, Anxiety, Perinatal & Postpartum, Parenting Stress, Age & Life Transition Issues, Relationship & Communication Issues, Work/Career Issues, & Dealing with Divorce.

I am a Licensed Social Worker and have worked in both healthcare and mental health settings with a variety of client populations across the lifespan. I am passionate about helping clients that suffer from trauma, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and women’s issues. I know that therapy can be scary so it is important for me to create a comfortable space where we can build trust and work together to help you reach your goals in a supportive, empathic and compassionate space.

With more than 14 years of experience working in the field, I bring warmth, hints of humor, and an empowering voice to support my clients in creating more fulfilling lives for themselves. My therapeutic style is grounded in open communication, mutual respect, and creative collaboration. I work with adolescents and adults struggling with: Anxiety, Depression, Pregnancy-Related Concerns, Parenting Stress, Age & Life Transitions Issues, Gender & Identity (LGBTQ), Body Image & Self-Esteem, Women's Issues, Work/Life Balance, Relationship Challenges, & Family Conflicts.

I have 30 years of experience in the field of Counseling. I have an extensive work history in a variety of settings including mental health and drug and alcohol programs as well as in group private practice. I work with a variety of populations including women, young adults, families and groups. I utilize CBT as well as a client centered approach. I encourage clients to use their self help skills and to find their inner voice on the path to self advocacy and empowerment. I ensure that clients are active in developing their own goals in their treatment plan and assist them in taking steps to achieve these goals.

My passion for helping and empowering others shines through my connection to clients. I focus on the individual client and believe that a strong and safe therapeutic relationship built on trust is essential. I am here for you. Anxiety, trauma and depression can be debilitating and difficult to process. I focus on the mind-body connection, and learning how to manage emotional responses to life and its stressors. Promoting healthy self-esteem, improving relationships and communication skills, are also fundamental in the healing process. I am fully trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Gottman Method for couples.

I am a Master’s Level Therapist with a strong passion for helping my clients work through the difficulties they encounter. I have experience in providing a variety of counseling services to adolescents ranging in ages from 5 - 18 within schools. The majority of my practice focuses on helping clients with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My approach is taking a collaborative holistic approach, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and person-centered techniques to foster a sense of hope and resilience.

With seven years in the field, I utilize both empathy and humor to create a comfortable space for my clients. I support my clients by encouraging them to find their voice in order for them to meet their own therapeutic goals and to create a fulfilling life. My therapeutic style includes open and honest communication that provides transparency between my client and myself. I encourage my clients to see that they are resilient beings who can adapt to the changes life may bring.I use various creative techniques and incorporate mindfulness practices, meditation, and spiritual components for those who are interested.

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.

“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.

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 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.

I have assisted clients with family, parenting, emotional and behavioral issues since 1997 by focusing on increasing coping skill, communication skills, social skills and promoting a healthy secure family unit where the risks of drug and alcohol abuse is decreased. I have provided individual and family counseling to military members and their families, children and parents in the foster care system, families in the community setting.

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 am a licensed Psychologist who has been in practice for 35 years. I create a safe, comfortable environment. My clients feel secure so that they can address their intimate, personal concerns. I am goal directed, helping people identify what they want to accomplish. I am kind, direct and straightforward. Most people allow their past to define their future. I am committed to assisting people in creating a healthy future. I teach my clients how to resolve their past. Then, their future is limitless. Each person is then able to see their world with more hope and optimism.

I have been in practice for 30+ years. I graduated from Temple University in 1988 with a Master's Degree in Social Work. During my College studies I studied the theories of Salvador Minuchin, Jay Haley, and Carl Whitaker. I utilize that training in order to make my work with Individuals, Families and Couples the best it can be. I am a recognized authority on the diagnosis and treatment for ADHD and OCD. I am known for my expertise in helping Adults deal with depression, anxiety, diabetes & pain management. I consider all options in treatment planning.

You're stressed and tired. Work and family demands are overwhelming. You've experienced losses you're not sure if you've grieved. The busy pace of life itself may make that seem impossible. In your efforts to be strong, support others, and get everything done, your own needs may be on the back burner. Slowing down enough to recognize and process feelings may feel overwhelming. Many women struggle with the burdens of family and work expectations, not knowing where or how to set meaningful boundaries. Unsure how to prioritize themselves, it may seem easier to just keep pushing forward. You want more from your life.