Therapists in Chester Springs, PA

Sometimes it's difficult to talk about what hurts. Words to describe our feelings and experiences don't often come easily, or things can feel so big and complex that it's hard to share them with someone else. Maybe you've tried other forms of therapy and are still feeling confused or stuck.

Benjamin (pronounced Ben-ya-meen) Lasner, M.S., is a pre-licensed counselor. He is compassionate, open, and committed to creating a therapeutic relationship where everyone feels safe and respected. Benjamin understands and values the perspectives of both sides of the therapeutic relationship and firmly believes that two individuals sitting in a room, and having a conversation, is one of the most powerful, healing events that can occur. Benjamin strives to make the therapeutic environment welcoming, giving you his full focus and attention. It is important to meet each client where they are in order to help them achieve their goals.

Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Are your intimate relationships not what you hoped they would be? Are you worried about your children's behavior or social skills? There are times in everyone's life when help from a professional can make all the difference. Therapy starts with an effort to get to know you and your concerns. We then work together to create clear goals and form a plan that fits for you.

In working with children and adolescents (ages 5-18) you accept the responsibility of meeting with a population who may not have consented to therapy. Although guardians act within the child's best interest, the intervention may not be something the adolescent supports at the time. With this understanding, my primary goal is to simply connect regardless of who walks through that door. Progress cannot occur without a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. To ensure this result, I rely on genuineness and transparency with the client. My extensive experience, both as a School Counselor and Therapist, lead my counseling direction

I specialize in working with those who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, attachment disorders and relationship complications (including relationships with high conflict individuals). My goal is to support you in the journey back to your true self and provide tools that allow you to find your worth, deepening the connection with yourself in order to have healthier connections with others.

I pursue a therapeutic framework that supports setting goals and strategies for productive therapeutic work. I enjoy counseling individuals, couples, and families. I am committed to compassionately working with clients who may experience depression, anxiety, mood disorders, marital and relational issues, and difficult family dynamics. I also help clients who need assistance in life coaching, communication, and conflict resolution. I create a safe haven that encompasses transparency, non-judgment, and acceptance, while empowering you to achieve goals with desirable results.

My ideal client is seeking help with an open mind to gain a better understanding of the underlying issues related to their challenges. Clients interested in addressing issues related to anxiety/depression, social isolation, impulsivity, procrastination, addiction, parenting, family and relationships with the goal to gain self-awareness and coping skills will work well with my counseling approach. My hope is that those that I work with will gain a greater sense of self, improve communication skills, enhance life balance, and develop feelings of self-empowerment.

In over 25 years practicing as a licensed clinical psychologist, I have helped people overcome a wide range of challenges and issues so they can not just survive, but thrive.

Thanks for taking the time to learn a little bit about me. I have over 30 years experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I've worked in a variety of settings, including private practice, public schools, colleges, and non-profit organizations. It's so important, in addition to education & credentials, for the therapist you choose to be a good fit for you in personality & style. I would be happy to provide you with a free phone consult to give you a sense of whether I am the therapist best suited to meet your needs.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."Lao-tzu You have just taken the first step of that journey. Life presents us with many challenges along the way. We may experience loss and significant changes in our lives. These challenges may present themselves in the many relationships we have with others, in our jobs, at school, and in our families. These challenges may affect our moods, cause us worry and despair, hamper our spirits, sadden us, confuse us and result in either our stumbling off course or losing a sense of direction. Therapy can be most helpful in getting you back on track and continuing your journey.

Do you find yourself preoccupied, unable to sleep well, or moody and irritable? Have you found it more difficult to get out of bed and face the day with motivation and energy? Have you or others noticed that there is more conflict in your interactions? I have been successful in helping many individuals, couples and families clarify and understand their difficulties, identify strategies for change, and collaboratively work together for problem resolution. My approach is engaging, with an emphasis on reflective listening, giving feedback and information, and empathically supporting the difficult but rewarding process of change.

I offer a strength-based, solution-focused approach to change. We can work together to relieve anger, fear, anxiety or symptoms of depression. I can share tools & skills toward bettering your marital & family relationships. I will assist you to navigate the often turbulent & challenging phases of adolescence & young adulthood. I will help facilitate better communication in blended families. I offer counsel to help manage life transitions-marriage, divorce, relocation & career change. I will support you through the process of grief & loss. I will foster improved self-esteem, empowerment and self-compassion.

If you have had an experience that seems traumatic to you despite what others may think or say, or any extremely stressful life challenge recently or in the past, I specialize in helping with these issues. If there is something you have never shared with anyone or are frightened by the prospect of disclosing what you've carried for a long time, I am here to listen. The impact of distressing experiences may result in extreme anxiety or fear, episodes of depression, repeated difficulties in personal or family relationships and even physical health issues. Emotional experiences during developmental years may result in complex PTSD.

Do you find yourself thinking that you are not yourself or how you could feel better? Are you worried about your child? Are they experiencing academic struggles or peer relationship problems? Do you think things are just getting worse?

Sometimes life hands us more than we can deal with on our own; that’s why I became a therapist- to help people manage through difficult times so they can find a sense of safety & security to function at their best. Whether it's due to stress, anxiety, relationship/family challenges, or past emotional pain, we’ll work together to help you discover what you need to heal and grow. As a licensed therapist as well as a clinical supervisor of therapists, over the years, I’ve guided hundreds of individuals, couples, parents, and families in defining and connecting to the ideals, values, and relationships that made them feel whole again.

Do you ever feel like you're swimming up stream? Does it feel like the littlest things bother you? Maybe you're feeling like you aren't enjoying life like you did before? Or, maybe your child doesn't seem like he or she is as happy as before? Hard time sleeping? Struggling to manage your weight? It may be time to think and do your way to a happier and healthier you! It may have taken you quite some time to decide if you wanted to pursue treatment. That's okay, the most important thing is that you are here now!  I am here to support you in learning strategies to live the life that is best for you!