Gestalt Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
We are a group of psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and counselors who work with individuals, couples, and families. We competently treat all age groups, sexual orientations, and ethnicities. We tailor our treatment to your needs in a supportive environment, drawing on highly effective and well-supported interventions. Depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, insomnia, ADHD, and interpersonal problems are some of the many issues with which we can help. We also offer psychological evaluations for adult ADHD and therapy in German, Hebrew, Korean, and Spanish.
We are a group of psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and counselors who work with individuals, couples, and families. We competently treat all age groups, sexual orientations, and ethnicities. We tailor our treatment to your needs in a supportive environment, drawing on highly effective and well-supported interventions. Depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, insomnia, ADHD, and interpersonal problems are some of the many issues with which we can help. We also offer psychological evaluations for adult ADHD and therapy in German, Hebrew, Korean, and Spanish.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 5 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and young adults navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in supporting individuals through career transitions, relationship struggles, dual diagnoses, and personal growth. My own journey of healing and self-discovery has shaped the way I guide others today, and I believe the best teachers are often those who were once students of their own healing.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 5 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and young adults navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in supporting individuals through career transitions, relationship struggles, dual diagnoses, and personal growth. My own journey of healing and self-discovery has shaped the way I guide others today, and I believe the best teachers are often those who were once students of their own healing.
You might be here because trauma, relationship struggles, or burnout from constantly holding everything together has left you feeling stuck. You might disconnect when touched, say yes when you mean no, or feel always on edge. You want to feel safe in your own body again, stay present during difficult conversations, and stop exhausting yourself by performing okay-ness. You're looking for a space where your protective patterns are understood, not judged—where you can learn to trust your instincts, set boundaries without panic, and experience genuine connection rather than just surviving interactions.
You might be here because trauma, relationship struggles, or burnout from constantly holding everything together has left you feeling stuck. You might disconnect when touched, say yes when you mean no, or feel always on edge. You want to feel safe in your own body again, stay present during difficult conversations, and stop exhausting yourself by performing okay-ness. You're looking for a space where your protective patterns are understood, not judged—where you can learn to trust your instincts, set boundaries without panic, and experience genuine connection rather than just surviving interactions.
I use a holistic & integrated therapeutic approach primarily in Gestalt, EMDR, DBT, IFS, & Somatic work to support you.
You're facing a lot right now: maybe it's trauma from a traumatic experience, or dealing with a chronic illness/pain, or caring for a loved one, or challenges with interpersonal relationships, or anxiety, or depression, or dealing with a challenging family that doesn't understand you. You want and deserve to be heard. Maybe you feel like you've tried everything else and feel overwhelmed and scared. Maybe you're feeling like something is wrong with you or you're broken or you don't matter or you'll never be good enough. Whatever you're feeling right now is real, and my goal is to work with you to figure out ways to obtain your goals.
I use a holistic & integrated therapeutic approach primarily in Gestalt, EMDR, DBT, IFS, & Somatic work to support you.
You're facing a lot right now: maybe it's trauma from a traumatic experience, or dealing with a chronic illness/pain, or caring for a loved one, or challenges with interpersonal relationships, or anxiety, or depression, or dealing with a challenging family that doesn't understand you. You want and deserve to be heard. Maybe you feel like you've tried everything else and feel overwhelmed and scared. Maybe you're feeling like something is wrong with you or you're broken or you don't matter or you'll never be good enough. Whatever you're feeling right now is real, and my goal is to work with you to figure out ways to obtain your goals.
These range from psychodynamic to solution focused therapies, as well as EMDR, mindfulness, cognitive therapy, narrative therapy, and gestalt and existential techniques.
I believe that we all struggle with trauma, and most mental health challenges stem from how one adapts to these experiences. I specialize in working with trauma, identifying how it is held in the body, the strategies we uphold as defense mechanisms, and how to negotiate with our inner self to move toward a healthy healing of mind and body. Coming from either a top down approach for those thinker types, or a bottom up approach for those feeler types, we will compassionately reconnect the mind and body, in order to achieve relief and greater connectivity to self and others.
These range from psychodynamic to solution focused therapies, as well as EMDR, mindfulness, cognitive therapy, narrative therapy, and gestalt and existential techniques.
I believe that we all struggle with trauma, and most mental health challenges stem from how one adapts to these experiences. I specialize in working with trauma, identifying how it is held in the body, the strategies we uphold as defense mechanisms, and how to negotiate with our inner self to move toward a healthy healing of mind and body. Coming from either a top down approach for those thinker types, or a bottom up approach for those feeler types, we will compassionately reconnect the mind and body, in order to achieve relief and greater connectivity to self and others.
Even when we’re doing our best, many people find themselves struggling
with anxiety, depression, or dread. Therapy can offer a space to slow
down, reflect, and better understand what’s shaping how you feel both
now and in the context of your past. Together, we’ll explore patterns
in your thoughts, relationships, and experiences, with the goal of
helping you feel more grounded, clear, and connected.
Even when we’re doing our best, many people find themselves struggling
with anxiety, depression, or dread. Therapy can offer a space to slow
down, reflect, and better understand what’s shaping how you feel both
now and in the context of your past. Together, we’ll explore patterns
in your thoughts, relationships, and experiences, with the goal of
helping you feel more grounded, clear, and connected.
Using Gestalt Therapy I'll help you approach challenges from a different perspective which allows you to make choices and take actions that create possibility.
I enjoy helping clients who want to explore themselves and work towards being more accepting and confident in who they truly are. If you want to gain a broader perspective in how you are approaching your relationships, both personal and professional, I'd love to help you. Growth and change are challenging, and can also be fun and exciting. In our work we'll practice being more aware of what is really there for you in the area(s) you're working on. It might be that devloping a new skillset in your relationship will help it grow, or that you need help ending a relationship and starting a new one.
Using Gestalt Therapy I'll help you approach challenges from a different perspective which allows you to make choices and take actions that create possibility.
I enjoy helping clients who want to explore themselves and work towards being more accepting and confident in who they truly are. If you want to gain a broader perspective in how you are approaching your relationships, both personal and professional, I'd love to help you. Growth and change are challenging, and can also be fun and exciting. In our work we'll practice being more aware of what is really there for you in the area(s) you're working on. It might be that devloping a new skillset in your relationship will help it grow, or that you need help ending a relationship and starting a new one.
I am a strength based, future-foused clinician who facilitates therapy as an experiential process. I enable clients to access their own personal history of learnings and achievements while guiding them to create future memories of success. I incorporate mindfullness, hypnnotic zone exercises, and solution-focused/strategic therapies to help clients become smart enough to know when to stop thinking. What-iffing, Why-ing, and Self-Criticizing clients are welcome to experience a peak performance therapy that allows them to access, reconnect with, and be their best self. I also work extensively with athletes, corporate professionals, and performers.
I am a strength based, future-foused clinician who facilitates therapy as an experiential process. I enable clients to access their own personal history of learnings and achievements while guiding them to create future memories of success. I incorporate mindfullness, hypnnotic zone exercises, and solution-focused/strategic therapies to help clients become smart enough to know when to stop thinking. What-iffing, Why-ing, and Self-Criticizing clients are welcome to experience a peak performance therapy that allows them to access, reconnect with, and be their best self. I also work extensively with athletes, corporate professionals, and performers.
I have extensive training in family/couple therapy, Gestalt therapy, mindfulness and sandtray therapies.
Treatment methods: talk, sandtray and play therapies, mindfulness and other creative techniques. I provide supervision/consultations for clinicians; present at conferences; provide workshops/trainings for mental health agencies. Employ a special approach with parents, making them pivotal to the change process by learning how to do "special play" time with their children.
I have extensive training in family/couple therapy, Gestalt therapy, mindfulness and sandtray therapies.
Treatment methods: talk, sandtray and play therapies, mindfulness and other creative techniques. I provide supervision/consultations for clinicians; present at conferences; provide workshops/trainings for mental health agencies. Employ a special approach with parents, making them pivotal to the change process by learning how to do "special play" time with their children.
For people who have experienced anxiety, persistent stress or trauma— one of the greatest fears is feeling helpless to a pattern that keeps repeating itself over and over. In our painful search for relief, we might feel lonely and disconnected from friends/family. In the process, we might wear a “mask” to please others. The moments of self-doubt can leave us uncertain about our authentic voice and question whether we can truly trust ourselves. You deserve to feel acceptance and security within yourself. I believe our work together can help you move towards a life of meaningful healing and growth.
For people who have experienced anxiety, persistent stress or trauma— one of the greatest fears is feeling helpless to a pattern that keeps repeating itself over and over. In our painful search for relief, we might feel lonely and disconnected from friends/family. In the process, we might wear a “mask” to please others. The moments of self-doubt can leave us uncertain about our authentic voice and question whether we can truly trust ourselves. You deserve to feel acceptance and security within yourself. I believe our work together can help you move towards a life of meaningful healing and growth.
Using gestalt, somatic, attachment-focused and trauma-informed models, I incorporate mindfulness/embodiment into our sessions.
There are times in everyone's life when they benefit from more support - whether you are feeling stuck, isolated, impacted by societal stressors, or just ready to shift things that are no longer working for you. In therapy I honor your unique story & experience in shaping our treatment together, and I see therapy as a form of community healing. I love working with helpers (therapists, educators, caregivers, activists, health professionals), parents, folks within the LGBTQ+ community, and people navigating life transitions. I also have experience working with folks who are impacted by grief, depression/anxiety, trauma & codependency.
Using gestalt, somatic, attachment-focused and trauma-informed models, I incorporate mindfulness/embodiment into our sessions.
There are times in everyone's life when they benefit from more support - whether you are feeling stuck, isolated, impacted by societal stressors, or just ready to shift things that are no longer working for you. In therapy I honor your unique story & experience in shaping our treatment together, and I see therapy as a form of community healing. I love working with helpers (therapists, educators, caregivers, activists, health professionals), parents, folks within the LGBTQ+ community, and people navigating life transitions. I also have experience working with folks who are impacted by grief, depression/anxiety, trauma & codependency.
Shonda Christina Raymond
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Hi there. You have made a big step today for your mental health journey. You started (or re-started) to look for a therapist. I can imagine you are hoping for changes in your life. Do you feel stuck and unsure what to do next? Overwhelmed with adulting? Do you find yourself in your head with racing thoughts and worry? Having trouble getting through each day? I empathize with you, and I am here to help!
Hi there. You have made a big step today for your mental health journey. You started (or re-started) to look for a therapist. I can imagine you are hoping for changes in your life. Do you feel stuck and unsure what to do next? Overwhelmed with adulting? Do you find yourself in your head with racing thoughts and worry? Having trouble getting through each day? I empathize with you, and I am here to help!
I work with adults of all ages, but I have the most experience working with Gay men, and men and women in their 20's and 30's struggling with romantic, friendship, and familial relationships. I believe that therapy itself is built on a sincere relationship, and I use curiosity and empathy to form meaningful connections with my clients within the context of our professional work.
At the start of our work together, a client of mine may feel anxious, lonely, or enraged. My goal is that people are comfortable enough with me to feel, destigmatize, and explore these feelings, while continuing to pursue change, acceptance, and peace.
I work with adults of all ages, but I have the most experience working with Gay men, and men and women in their 20's and 30's struggling with romantic, friendship, and familial relationships. I believe that therapy itself is built on a sincere relationship, and I use curiosity and empathy to form meaningful connections with my clients within the context of our professional work.
At the start of our work together, a client of mine may feel anxious, lonely, or enraged. My goal is that people are comfortable enough with me to feel, destigmatize, and explore these feelings, while continuing to pursue change, acceptance, and peace.
Not currently accepting new clients.
I want to say thank you for checking out my page on your search for a therapist. Over the years I have become a trusted resource for people from all identities, races, cultures, genders, sexualities, and ages. I have been a practicing clinician under supervision for 2 years. I am currently pre-licensed and operate under the supervision of Dante Barfield, LPC at Unorthodox Wellness LLC. Finding where you fit in, your place, what your purpose is, and where to find meaning is a difficult journey. Together, we can explore the past, present, and future in a way that feels comfortable to you.
Not currently accepting new clients.
I want to say thank you for checking out my page on your search for a therapist. Over the years I have become a trusted resource for people from all identities, races, cultures, genders, sexualities, and ages. I have been a practicing clinician under supervision for 2 years. I am currently pre-licensed and operate under the supervision of Dante Barfield, LPC at Unorthodox Wellness LLC. Finding where you fit in, your place, what your purpose is, and where to find meaning is a difficult journey. Together, we can explore the past, present, and future in a way that feels comfortable to you.
I support clients through a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, and identity or self-esteem issues. My approach is centered on creating a safe, judgment-free, and culturally sensitive space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions openly. Together, we’ll identify patterns, uncover strengths, and build resilience, giving you the tools and perspectives to make meaningful changes and foster personal growth. Therapy offers a powerful path toward self-awareness, healing, and a more balanced, fulfilling life.
I support clients through a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, and identity or self-esteem issues. My approach is centered on creating a safe, judgment-free, and culturally sensitive space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions openly. Together, we’ll identify patterns, uncover strengths, and build resilience, giving you the tools and perspectives to make meaningful changes and foster personal growth. Therapy offers a powerful path toward self-awareness, healing, and a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Life doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all manual, and its challenges can feel exhausting—especially when you’re carrying them alone. But you don’t have to navigate them in isolation.
Life doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all manual, and its challenges can feel exhausting—especially when you’re carrying them alone. But you don’t have to navigate them in isolation.
Welcome! I would like you to know that you are here on purpose and the first step is that you acknowledged that things haven't been "OK". If you are an adult surviving life’s most difficult challenges from your traumatic experiences, to stress, unhappiness, life transitions, self-doubt or you’re losing your way - I’ve had you in mind and created a space for you. My hope is that you’ll take the time to connect with me and allow me to help you overcome those obstacles. You’ll have the tools to face the world - anything that prevents you from being the best version of yourself.
Welcome! I would like you to know that you are here on purpose and the first step is that you acknowledged that things haven't been "OK". If you are an adult surviving life’s most difficult challenges from your traumatic experiences, to stress, unhappiness, life transitions, self-doubt or you’re losing your way - I’ve had you in mind and created a space for you. My hope is that you’ll take the time to connect with me and allow me to help you overcome those obstacles. You’ll have the tools to face the world - anything that prevents you from being the best version of yourself.
I draw from person-centered, art therapy, gestalt, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed practices.
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and board certified art therapist (ATR-BC) with over ten years of experience. I have a passion for helping adults navigate life’s complexities with more clarity, compassion, and connection. My focus is on supporting people who are moving through transitions, processing trauma, or feeling disconnected from themselves and their sense of meaning.
I draw from person-centered, art therapy, gestalt, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed practices.
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and board certified art therapist (ATR-BC) with over ten years of experience. I have a passion for helping adults navigate life’s complexities with more clarity, compassion, and connection. My focus is on supporting people who are moving through transitions, processing trauma, or feeling disconnected from themselves and their sense of meaning.
I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor with a dual master’s degree in School and Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania. I specialize in trauma-informed care and have completed EMDRIA-approved training in EMDR, a highly effective therapy for trauma and post-traumatic stress. In addition to trauma work, I frequently support clients navigating anxiety and depression, using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to build distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and healthier coping skills.
I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor with a dual master’s degree in School and Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania. I specialize in trauma-informed care and have completed EMDRIA-approved training in EMDR, a highly effective therapy for trauma and post-traumatic stress. In addition to trauma work, I frequently support clients navigating anxiety and depression, using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to build distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and healthier coping skills.
I practice Gestalt Therapy and EMDR to help individuals learn about and work through any past traumatic experiences, as well difficulties with substance use.
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 practice Gestalt Therapy and EMDR to help individuals learn about and work through any past traumatic experiences, as well difficulties with substance use.
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.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Nearby Gestalt Therapists Searches for Philadelphia
- Ardmore
- Bala Cynwyd
- Elkins Park
- Gladwyne
- Glenside
- Haverford
- Havertown
- Jenkintown
- Narberth
- Upper Darby
- Wyndmoor
- Wynnewood
Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.