Jewish Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
I believe that therapy is an intuitive and collaborative process. I view my work as a privilege, and believe that the therapeutic relationship is built over time. I hope to co-create a space of mutual growth with you, exploring pathways of healing, connection, and meaning. I bring humor, compassion, and support to our work together. In our sessions, we’ll explore the foundational patterns that shape your relationships with yourself, others, and the world.
I believe that therapy is an intuitive and collaborative process. I view my work as a privilege, and believe that the therapeutic relationship is built over time. I hope to co-create a space of mutual growth with you, exploring pathways of healing, connection, and meaning. I bring humor, compassion, and support to our work together. In our sessions, we’ll explore the foundational patterns that shape your relationships with yourself, others, and the world.
My clients come to me because they want to deepen and strengthen their relationships - not just with each other, but with themselves. They want to understand the family and societal systems that shaped them into who they are today, and to heal old wounds and trauma so that they can move forward from a place of strength, healing, and connection. Many of my clients exist at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities, and have struggled to find a therapist who will understand and not further stigmatize their identities, and who is committed to unlearning systems of oppression. I seek to provide a healing space for them.
My clients come to me because they want to deepen and strengthen their relationships - not just with each other, but with themselves. They want to understand the family and societal systems that shaped them into who they are today, and to heal old wounds and trauma so that they can move forward from a place of strength, healing, and connection. Many of my clients exist at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities, and have struggled to find a therapist who will understand and not further stigmatize their identities, and who is committed to unlearning systems of oppression. I seek to provide a healing space for them.
You're carrying something heavy—grief, uncertainty, overwhelm. You may be navigating pregnancy loss, infertility, abortion, transitioning into parenthood, or choosing to be childfree. Or you might be in the midst of a life transition, feeling stuck in anxiety, burnout, or grappling with identity shifts.
I specialize in reproductive mental health, but the heart of my work is supporting people through moments of change, grief, and rediscovery. Whether you're processing a specific loss or simply trying to feel more like yourself again, I offer a warm, affirming space to be fully seen and gently supported as you make your way through.
You're carrying something heavy—grief, uncertainty, overwhelm. You may be navigating pregnancy loss, infertility, abortion, transitioning into parenthood, or choosing to be childfree. Or you might be in the midst of a life transition, feeling stuck in anxiety, burnout, or grappling with identity shifts.
I specialize in reproductive mental health, but the heart of my work is supporting people through moments of change, grief, and rediscovery. Whether you're processing a specific loss or simply trying to feel more like yourself again, I offer a warm, affirming space to be fully seen and gently supported as you make your way through.
Do you lose your temper in an instant? Do you find it difficult to stay calm when people don't do what you want them to do? Is your anger putting your job or relationships at risk? Feelings of anger can play a positive role in our lives, letting us know when something is wrong. Unfortunately, without the right tools to express our emotions in healthy and appropriate ways, anger can be a destructive force. But you can learn how to stay in control of your behavior and communicate calmly.
Do you lose your temper in an instant? Do you find it difficult to stay calm when people don't do what you want them to do? Is your anger putting your job or relationships at risk? Feelings of anger can play a positive role in our lives, letting us know when something is wrong. Unfortunately, without the right tools to express our emotions in healthy and appropriate ways, anger can be a destructive force. But you can learn how to stay in control of your behavior and communicate calmly.
Sometimes we come to therapy because we are experiencing something specific and other times something just feels off. Any time is a good time (I know I have to say that, but I really believe it). I also believe that our experiences occur within the impact of systems (relationships, work, family, communities, school, society etc.). The more we uncover our understanding of how these systems interact, the better we understand our world and ourselves. This helps us disrupt patterns and deepen groundedness and joy. Clients tell me that our work together helps them see themselves more fully and therefore see others more fully.
Sometimes we come to therapy because we are experiencing something specific and other times something just feels off. Any time is a good time (I know I have to say that, but I really believe it). I also believe that our experiences occur within the impact of systems (relationships, work, family, communities, school, society etc.). The more we uncover our understanding of how these systems interact, the better we understand our world and ourselves. This helps us disrupt patterns and deepen groundedness and joy. Clients tell me that our work together helps them see themselves more fully and therefore see others more fully.
Being a human is hard. It can feel heavy, overwhelming, and sometimes lonely. Most days, there’s barely time to process what’s going on, let alone how we’re feeling. It’s easy to get caught in loops, cycles that are based on the thoughts and behaviors we’ve relied on to survive. Therapy is a space for you to catch your breath and figure things out. I’m not the kind of therapist who sits back and scribbles on a notepad. I believe that you’re the expert of your life and I’m here to support you — to hold the map, flashlight, and the bag of snacks.
Being a human is hard. It can feel heavy, overwhelming, and sometimes lonely. Most days, there’s barely time to process what’s going on, let alone how we’re feeling. It’s easy to get caught in loops, cycles that are based on the thoughts and behaviors we’ve relied on to survive. Therapy is a space for you to catch your breath and figure things out. I’m not the kind of therapist who sits back and scribbles on a notepad. I believe that you’re the expert of your life and I’m here to support you — to hold the map, flashlight, and the bag of snacks.
You’re successful on the outside, but your mind doesn’t slow down—you overthink and second-guess yourself. Many of my clients are thoughtful, high-achieving adults navigating relationship questions, fertility challenges, or major life transitions.
In therapy, we slow things down, understand patterns driving anxiety or uncertainty, and help you feel clearer and more confident. I use practical, evidence-based approaches including CBT, EMDR, and DBT-informed strategies, tailored to how you think and process experiences.
You’re successful on the outside, but your mind doesn’t slow down—you overthink and second-guess yourself. Many of my clients are thoughtful, high-achieving adults navigating relationship questions, fertility challenges, or major life transitions.
In therapy, we slow things down, understand patterns driving anxiety or uncertainty, and help you feel clearer and more confident. I use practical, evidence-based approaches including CBT, EMDR, and DBT-informed strategies, tailored to how you think and process experiences.
Erin is a graduate of the Mental Health Counseling program at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Post Graduate Certificate Program in Sex Therapy at Council for Relationships. She is licensed as a professional counselor and certified through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) as a sex therapist. In addition to a decade of experience as a clinician, Erin has been a guest lecturer at Temple University and Council For Relationships (formerly affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania).
Erin is a graduate of the Mental Health Counseling program at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Post Graduate Certificate Program in Sex Therapy at Council for Relationships. She is licensed as a professional counselor and certified through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) as a sex therapist. In addition to a decade of experience as a clinician, Erin has been a guest lecturer at Temple University and Council For Relationships (formerly affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania).
My aim as a therapist is to meet you with curiosity and warmth to learn about you as a whole person. I offer person-centered, collaborative therapy that attends to body-based experiences and honors the ways that many people have adapted to manage challenging experiences. I enjoy working with people exploring gender, sexuality, and other aspects of identity, and have expertise in working with experiences of trauma - both acute and ongoing. I attend carefully to pacing, and will prioritize agency and autonomy throughout the therapeutic process.
My aim as a therapist is to meet you with curiosity and warmth to learn about you as a whole person. I offer person-centered, collaborative therapy that attends to body-based experiences and honors the ways that many people have adapted to manage challenging experiences. I enjoy working with people exploring gender, sexuality, and other aspects of identity, and have expertise in working with experiences of trauma - both acute and ongoing. I attend carefully to pacing, and will prioritize agency and autonomy throughout the therapeutic process.
I am an individual, relationship & sex therapist primarily serving LGBTQIA+ clients. I accompany folks in healing from the societal, generational & trauma-based patterns that have helped you survive, but limit your access to authenticity & intimacy. Whether seeking therapy solo or with a partner, I'm here to help you develop tools to understand your defenses, listen to your body & identify your needs - all in service of discovering what helps you access safety & build trust. I'm fat-positive & kink/ace/poly-friendly. I enjoy working with disabled & chronically ill folks. I also love working with fellow healers, artists & activists.
I am an individual, relationship & sex therapist primarily serving LGBTQIA+ clients. I accompany folks in healing from the societal, generational & trauma-based patterns that have helped you survive, but limit your access to authenticity & intimacy. Whether seeking therapy solo or with a partner, I'm here to help you develop tools to understand your defenses, listen to your body & identify your needs - all in service of discovering what helps you access safety & build trust. I'm fat-positive & kink/ace/poly-friendly. I enjoy working with disabled & chronically ill folks. I also love working with fellow healers, artists & activists.
4/10/26: Accepting new clients! I specialize in family trauma, PTSD, and relationship issues with individuals and couples. Do the same issues keep coming up even if you can’t describe what’s wrong? Do you want to thrive, not just survive? Are you committed to making real changes? You’re motivated–what you need is guidance and support from someone who has helped many others walk a similar path. I provide the structure needed to improve your relationship to yourself and your relationship to others. Maybe you never learned how to have healthy relationships or care for yourself. It's not your fault, but it is your responsibility.
4/10/26: Accepting new clients! I specialize in family trauma, PTSD, and relationship issues with individuals and couples. Do the same issues keep coming up even if you can’t describe what’s wrong? Do you want to thrive, not just survive? Are you committed to making real changes? You’re motivated–what you need is guidance and support from someone who has helped many others walk a similar path. I provide the structure needed to improve your relationship to yourself and your relationship to others. Maybe you never learned how to have healthy relationships or care for yourself. It's not your fault, but it is your responsibility.
I help clients heal the loss associated with adoption; transracial adoptees dealing with identity issues; and adoptees working through all of the complex emotions related to search and reunion. Are you a people pleaser, wanting to make everyone happy but yourself? Do you have intense feelings over breakups and other losses? Are you fiercely independent and hate taking help from others? Being placed for adoption can reverberate through all aspects of your life. As an adoptee myself, I "get it". I also work with the other sides of the adoption triad: birthparents and adoptive parents.
I help clients heal the loss associated with adoption; transracial adoptees dealing with identity issues; and adoptees working through all of the complex emotions related to search and reunion. Are you a people pleaser, wanting to make everyone happy but yourself? Do you have intense feelings over breakups and other losses? Are you fiercely independent and hate taking help from others? Being placed for adoption can reverberate through all aspects of your life. As an adoptee myself, I "get it". I also work with the other sides of the adoption triad: birthparents and adoptive parents.
Do you want to live more authentically and experience more alignment with your values? Do you want your relationships to reflect these desires? Together we can work in a supportive, non-judgmental, and compassionate space to help you better understand yourself... why you may choose to do things, and cope in ways, that have been unproductive, problematic, or even harmful to your wellbeing. Let’s develop new skills that support your peace & serenity. I am certain that we can tap into your innate power and find your courage to grow! My practice is LGBTQ2IA, poly/CNM, and neurodivergent friendly and affirming. Let's get to work!
Do you want to live more authentically and experience more alignment with your values? Do you want your relationships to reflect these desires? Together we can work in a supportive, non-judgmental, and compassionate space to help you better understand yourself... why you may choose to do things, and cope in ways, that have been unproductive, problematic, or even harmful to your wellbeing. Let’s develop new skills that support your peace & serenity. I am certain that we can tap into your innate power and find your courage to grow! My practice is LGBTQ2IA, poly/CNM, and neurodivergent friendly and affirming. Let's get to work!
Hi, I’m Michael, and I’m so glad you’re here. I know starting therapy can feel like a big step, whether you’ve been thinking about it for a while or decided recently that you’re ready for change. My goal is to make our work together feel safe, supportive, and tailored to you, because no two people, and no two journeys, are exactly alike. My approach is what’s called eclectic, meaning I draw from different therapeutic styles to best fit your needs.
Hi, I’m Michael, and I’m so glad you’re here. I know starting therapy can feel like a big step, whether you’ve been thinking about it for a while or decided recently that you’re ready for change. My goal is to make our work together feel safe, supportive, and tailored to you, because no two people, and no two journeys, are exactly alike. My approach is what’s called eclectic, meaning I draw from different therapeutic styles to best fit your needs.
You may be feeling stuck—trapped in patterns that no longer serve you, weighed down by anxiety, or struggling to find a sense of connection and peace. Maybe difficult experiences from the past still linger, or relationships feel difficult to navigate. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Healing is possible, and it starts with a space where you can be fully seen, heard, and supported.
Whether you're working through general anxiety and depression, struggling with low self-worth, or untangling challenges around intimacy, infidelity, or sexual identity, I bring a compassionate, affirming, and relational approach.
You may be feeling stuck—trapped in patterns that no longer serve you, weighed down by anxiety, or struggling to find a sense of connection and peace. Maybe difficult experiences from the past still linger, or relationships feel difficult to navigate. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Healing is possible, and it starts with a space where you can be fully seen, heard, and supported.
Whether you're working through general anxiety and depression, struggling with low self-worth, or untangling challenges around intimacy, infidelity, or sexual identity, I bring a compassionate, affirming, and relational approach.
Sam Sperling (licensed in PA, NJ and
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Your life has become exhausting. You have so much to do and your efforts never feel like they are enough. You would like to take time to slow down and focus on yourself for a change, but when will that realistically happen? There will always be something else to get done and you can’t seem to catch a break. Maybe your pain is taking the driver's seat, unsure of when your next flare up will strike. Maybe you've made your world smaller in hopes of having more control, but things continue to feel not quite right. You feel stuck in this place for what feels like an eternity and feeling uncertain about the future has become the norm.
Your life has become exhausting. You have so much to do and your efforts never feel like they are enough. You would like to take time to slow down and focus on yourself for a change, but when will that realistically happen? There will always be something else to get done and you can’t seem to catch a break. Maybe your pain is taking the driver's seat, unsure of when your next flare up will strike. Maybe you've made your world smaller in hopes of having more control, but things continue to feel not quite right. You feel stuck in this place for what feels like an eternity and feeling uncertain about the future has become the norm.
1) Clinical Services for individuals & couples of all ages: evaluation & differential diagnosis; psychotherapy; coaching for self-advocacy & other skills.
2) Mental Health Professionals: consultation & supervision; 2nd opinions. 3) Forensic Services: evaluations; record review; & expert testimony in civil and criminal proceedings. 4) Organizational services: individual consultation and customized workshops to improve interactions with clients or colleagues.
1) Clinical Services for individuals & couples of all ages: evaluation & differential diagnosis; psychotherapy; coaching for self-advocacy & other skills.
2) Mental Health Professionals: consultation & supervision; 2nd opinions. 3) Forensic Services: evaluations; record review; & expert testimony in civil and criminal proceedings. 4) Organizational services: individual consultation and customized workshops to improve interactions with clients or colleagues.
My ideal clients are teens and adults who might appear capable, driven, and successful on the outside but feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected internally. Many are navigating performance pressure, identity questions, relationship stress, or major life transitions. They’re often used to pushing through and minimizing their own needs, yet privately struggle with self-doubt, emotional overload, or a sense of being stuck. They want clarity, relief, and a way to feel more grounded and aligned without losing their sense of strength or direction.
My ideal clients are teens and adults who might appear capable, driven, and successful on the outside but feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected internally. Many are navigating performance pressure, identity questions, relationship stress, or major life transitions. They’re often used to pushing through and minimizing their own needs, yet privately struggle with self-doubt, emotional overload, or a sense of being stuck. They want clarity, relief, and a way to feel more grounded and aligned without losing their sense of strength or direction.
My goal is to guide people toward making meaningful change. My patients can vary from people who have experienced acute traumatic events, suffered from health-related problems, or are struggling with the problems of everyday life. Utilizing a trauma-informed treatment perspective, I invite my patients into a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship. I have a decade-plus history of helping individuals experiencing issues ranging from social anxiety to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
My goal is to guide people toward making meaningful change. My patients can vary from people who have experienced acute traumatic events, suffered from health-related problems, or are struggling with the problems of everyday life. Utilizing a trauma-informed treatment perspective, I invite my patients into a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship. I have a decade-plus history of helping individuals experiencing issues ranging from social anxiety to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Are you in your 20's and having difficulty coping with the complexities of life? Therapy is an amazingly powerful tool to create tangible change in young people's lives, but it is important to find a relatable therapist who doesn't treat 18-30 year olds with the same frames and modalities that are used for younger kids or their parents. I am a licensed LCSW who has been working with young adults in schools and in private practice for almost 20 years. My entire career is focused on helping young adults and their families through life's biggest challenges.
Are you in your 20's and having difficulty coping with the complexities of life? Therapy is an amazingly powerful tool to create tangible change in young people's lives, but it is important to find a relatable therapist who doesn't treat 18-30 year olds with the same frames and modalities that are used for younger kids or their parents. I am a licensed LCSW who has been working with young adults in schools and in private practice for almost 20 years. My entire career is focused on helping young adults and their families through life's biggest challenges.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Nearby Jewish Therapists Searches for Philadelphia
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- Glenside
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- Lower Merion
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Jewish Therapists
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same background to be able to work together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of cultural forces, such as discrimination, that may contribute to that client’s concerns. With a professional who has such training, a client should feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues without feeling that they need to self-censor.
How can I recognize an effective Jewish therapist?
As with members of any religious or ethnic group, just because two people happen to be Jewish does not guarantee that they will share the same values, knowledge, or experiences. A Jewish client seeking a therapist who shares their cultural identity, or for whom it’s important that a therapist share their religious beliefs, may want to discuss a professional’s Jewish background with them before beginning therapy. For someone who seeks justification for major life changes in their religious tradition, or in biblical writings, finding a therapist who is comfortable framing guidance in that context may be especially valuable.
Would a Jewish therapist have unique training?
No, but they should have the same training and certification as any other mental health professional, as well as experience with a range of evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based therapy. A therapist with this type of experience should be able to help any client feel comfortable and safe, which is essential for a therapeutic alliance. Once this is established, a potential client may want to find out more about the therapist’s Jewish background.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with Jewish clients?
A client can directly ask a therapist if they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and if so, whether these individuals sought counseling for faith-related issues or marital or familial issues in which their Jewish background was a factor. A client may also wish to ask a potential therapist whether they incorporate Jewish teachings and values into their own professional work.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Jewish therapists?
The directory of Jewish therapists includes professionals who have opted to share their cultural background on their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their background, and they may not appear in search results for this reason.The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and/or communities.