Psychodynamic Therapists in Swarthmore, PA

Photo of Nanine Valen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Swarthmore, PA
Nanine Valen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Swarthmore, PA 19081
Drawing on extensive training and background, I offer a widely varied range of treatment specialties in an interactive emotionally present therapy supporting my client's personal growth and well being as they learn techniques to reduce stress, clear the mind of fears and illusions, connecting to their own needs and feelings. My experience confirms that the expertise of the therapist is important, but equally vital is her depth of caring. I approach each client with an eclectic and open mind, drawing on techniques from Structural Family Therapy for Marital and Family problems, Cognitive/Behavioral, Mind/Body, Psychodynamic, Jungian-Oriented Dreamwork, Existential/Humanistic, Hypnotherapy.
Drawing on extensive training and background, I offer a widely varied range of treatment specialties in an interactive emotionally present therapy supporting my client's personal growth and well being as they learn techniques to reduce stress, clear the mind of fears and illusions, connecting to their own needs and feelings. My experience confirms that the expertise of the therapist is important, but equally vital is her depth of caring. I approach each client with an eclectic and open mind, drawing on techniques from Structural Family Therapy for Marital and Family problems, Cognitive/Behavioral, Mind/Body, Psychodynamic, Jungian-Oriented Dreamwork, Existential/Humanistic, Hypnotherapy.
(610) 915-8420 View (610) 915-8420
Photo of Heather M Bellini, Licensed Professional Counselor in Swarthmore, PA
Heather M Bellini
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Swarthmore, PA 19081
Transform yourself and your relationships. I use evidence-based treatment strategies and mindfulness practices to help my clients strengthen themselves and their families, improve their overall health, find balance and achieve their personal goals.
Transform yourself and your relationships. I use evidence-based treatment strategies and mindfulness practices to help my clients strengthen themselves and their families, improve their overall health, find balance and achieve their personal goals.
(509) 412-3732 View (509) 412-3732
Photo of Gene R Purdie Jr, Licensed Professional Counselor in Swarthmore, PA
Gene R Purdie Jr
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Swarthmore, PA 19081
Waitlist for new clients
I am a licensed professional counselor specializing in mental health, relationships, and addiction recovery. I collaborate with young adults, couples, and families to move beyond seeming impasses and engage fulfilled and connected lives. My approach includes identifying the message behind uncomfortable emotions and problematic behaviors, disconnecting from unhelpful thoughts and self-judgements, and exploring alternative perspectives through use of relatable (and often humorous) analogies.
I am a licensed professional counselor specializing in mental health, relationships, and addiction recovery. I collaborate with young adults, couples, and families to move beyond seeming impasses and engage fulfilled and connected lives. My approach includes identifying the message behind uncomfortable emotions and problematic behaviors, disconnecting from unhelpful thoughts and self-judgements, and exploring alternative perspectives through use of relatable (and often humorous) analogies.
(215) 240-1316 View (215) 240-1316
Photo of Danielle Chesney, Psychologist in Swarthmore, PA
Danielle Chesney
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Swarthmore, PA 19081
You were fine...and then life happened. Death, divorce, children, retirement, the relationship - whatever it was for you, it turned your world upside down. While you used to pride yourself in "having it together," now you feel lost, depressed, overwhelmed and helpless. You are angry at yourself and others because you can't "move on." All you want to do is feel like "YOU" again, but you secretly wonder if that's even possible. It is possible. I can help you cope with the painful parts of life and feel in control again.
You were fine...and then life happened. Death, divorce, children, retirement, the relationship - whatever it was for you, it turned your world upside down. While you used to pride yourself in "having it together," now you feel lost, depressed, overwhelmed and helpless. You are angry at yourself and others because you can't "move on." All you want to do is feel like "YOU" again, but you secretly wonder if that's even possible. It is possible. I can help you cope with the painful parts of life and feel in control again.
(215) 392-6638 View (215) 392-6638
Photo of Hal Shorey, Psychologist in Swarthmore, PA
Hal Shorey
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Swarthmore, PA 19081
I am an experienced clinician with training in a host of treatments and interventions and will tailor a treatment specifically suited to your needs and life circumstances.If you are like most clients, you have been trying to find ways to have a more satisfying and rewarding life that is free of distress and the pain of the past. The good news is that I can help you overcome the symptoms and situations that have been keeping you from enjoying your life the way you deserve. I work with individuals, couples, and provide discrete services for working professionals.
I am an experienced clinician with training in a host of treatments and interventions and will tailor a treatment specifically suited to your needs and life circumstances.If you are like most clients, you have been trying to find ways to have a more satisfying and rewarding life that is free of distress and the pain of the past. The good news is that I can help you overcome the symptoms and situations that have been keeping you from enjoying your life the way you deserve. I work with individuals, couples, and provide discrete services for working professionals.
(215) 515-2486 View (215) 515-2486
Photo of Paul H Himmelberg, Psychologist in Swarthmore, PA
Paul H Himmelberg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Swarthmore, PA 19081
Many individuals who appear to function well nonetheless experience considerable emotional pain. Some suffer in silence, burdened by shame over being unable to "get over it" or "stop feeling sorry for themselves." Others find themselves stuck in self-defeating patterns. Despite a longing for close relationships, they continually alienate others and end up in powerful loneliness. Both groups sense that life is slipping away from them. With perseverance and a willingness to risk opening up, a person can shed these crippling patterns and find greater satisfaction in both relationships and in work.
Many individuals who appear to function well nonetheless experience considerable emotional pain. Some suffer in silence, burdened by shame over being unable to "get over it" or "stop feeling sorry for themselves." Others find themselves stuck in self-defeating patterns. Despite a longing for close relationships, they continually alienate others and end up in powerful loneliness. Both groups sense that life is slipping away from them. With perseverance and a willingness to risk opening up, a person can shed these crippling patterns and find greater satisfaction in both relationships and in work.
(610) 915-8746 View (610) 915-8746
Photo of Jim Basilio, Licensed Professional Counselor in Swarthmore, PA
Jim Basilio
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Swarthmore, PA 19081
I listen gently, respectfully, and we proceed at a pace dictated by you. I am especially comfortable engaging in issues of a pastoral nature.
I listen gently, respectfully, and we proceed at a pace dictated by you. I am especially comfortable engaging in issues of a pastoral nature.
(484) 431-8689 View (484) 431-8689
Photo of Lydia Debiase, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Swarthmore, PA
Lydia Debiase
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Swarthmore, PA 19081
Life is a journey and on our journey we will experience love, joy, and happiness. We will also encounter pain, loss, suffering and hardship. As a licensed clinical social worker I offer a safe space where you can safely talk about your experiences and feelings. I want to help you trust your own intuition as you talk about your life and make decisions about the direction of it. I am accepting, caring, and supportive. I believe in cultural humility which allows the individual to teach me about their self identity to include their ethnicity, spirituality, sexual identity, and other aspects of their cultural.
Life is a journey and on our journey we will experience love, joy, and happiness. We will also encounter pain, loss, suffering and hardship. As a licensed clinical social worker I offer a safe space where you can safely talk about your experiences and feelings. I want to help you trust your own intuition as you talk about your life and make decisions about the direction of it. I am accepting, caring, and supportive. I believe in cultural humility which allows the individual to teach me about their self identity to include their ethnicity, spirituality, sexual identity, and other aspects of their cultural.
(610) 365-4436 View (610) 365-4436
Photo of Sanjay R. Nath, Psychologist in Swarthmore, PA
Sanjay R. Nath
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Swarthmore, PA 19081
In the past, clients have described our work together as meaningful, and have found my openness, compassion, and attempts to understand and creatively solve problems refreshing. I believe it is important to work together with clients collaboratively and strive to ensure a level of safety. In my practice, I attempt to understand the whole person, piecing together the many dimensions of clients' issues.
In the past, clients have described our work together as meaningful, and have found my openness, compassion, and attempts to understand and creatively solve problems refreshing. I believe it is important to work together with clients collaboratively and strive to ensure a level of safety. In my practice, I attempt to understand the whole person, piecing together the many dimensions of clients' issues.
(267) 888-5173 View (267) 888-5173
Photo of Joe Alvayero, Licensed Professional Counselor in Swarthmore, PA
Joe Alvayero
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Swarthmore, PA 19081  (Online Only)
I earned a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine, complementing my double major in Psychology and Sociology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. I offer counseling services and mental health support to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, specializing in Sports Psychology as a designated provider for the Philadelphia Eagles. Utilizing the Eco-Systemic Family Therapy Model, an evidence-based treatment, my clinical work focuses on helping families, couples, and individuals achieve treatment goals.
I earned a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine, complementing my double major in Psychology and Sociology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. I offer counseling services and mental health support to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, specializing in Sports Psychology as a designated provider for the Philadelphia Eagles. Utilizing the Eco-Systemic Family Therapy Model, an evidence-based treatment, my clinical work focuses on helping families, couples, and individuals achieve treatment goals.
(215) 795-5231 View (215) 795-5231
Photo of Dennis M Debiak, Psychologist in Swarthmore, PA
Dennis M Debiak
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Swarthmore, PA 19081  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In my practice, I try to help people improve their lives by looking at their relationships. I believe that the ways of relating to others that we learn early in our lives can sometimes prevent us from reaching our potential in current relationships and in creative or occupational endeavors. I help my clients to examine and ultimately change their ways of relating so that they are less depressed and anxious and so that they are more satisfied in their lives.
In my practice, I try to help people improve their lives by looking at their relationships. I believe that the ways of relating to others that we learn early in our lives can sometimes prevent us from reaching our potential in current relationships and in creative or occupational endeavors. I help my clients to examine and ultimately change their ways of relating so that they are less depressed and anxious and so that they are more satisfied in their lives.
(610) 690-2442 View (610) 690-2442
Photo of Springfield Psychological, Psychologist in Swarthmore, PA
Springfield Psychological
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Swarthmore, PA 19081
We are a friendly mental health practice that has been providing outstanding and affordable therapy for adults, couples, families, teens, and children since 1985. Our compassionate and caring team of licensed clinicians offer diverse expertise and are dedicated to helping people manage life's challenges. With eight locations in PA, and two locations in New Jersey. We offer flexible scheduling options, and we are able to offer appointments during the daytime, evening and weekends for your convenience. In addition, we accept most insurance plans.
We are a friendly mental health practice that has been providing outstanding and affordable therapy for adults, couples, families, teens, and children since 1985. Our compassionate and caring team of licensed clinicians offer diverse expertise and are dedicated to helping people manage life's challenges. With eight locations in PA, and two locations in New Jersey. We offer flexible scheduling options, and we are able to offer appointments during the daytime, evening and weekends for your convenience. In addition, we accept most insurance plans.
(610) 572-3474 View (610) 572-3474
Photo of Carol Sherman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Swarthmore, PA
Carol Sherman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Swarthmore, PA 19081
I provide individual, couple and family psychotherapy. One might be struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, relationship and workplace stress, health issues, or other difficulties. A couple might feel stuck, a family might have difficulties communicating. Sometimes people feel unhappy and irritable but are not sure why. Together, we will discuss areas in your life that create challenges and stress. I can help explore issues and difficult feelings. Through our work together, your relationship with yourself and others will improve.
I provide individual, couple and family psychotherapy. One might be struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, relationship and workplace stress, health issues, or other difficulties. A couple might feel stuck, a family might have difficulties communicating. Sometimes people feel unhappy and irritable but are not sure why. Together, we will discuss areas in your life that create challenges and stress. I can help explore issues and difficult feelings. Through our work together, your relationship with yourself and others will improve.
(610) 915-8725 View (610) 915-8725
Photo of Karen Goren, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Swarthmore, PA
Karen Goren
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
Swarthmore, PA 19081
As a Certified Gestalt Psychotherapist, I believe in the power of relationships and am passionate about engaging people in a collaborative, creative process of healing. I am trained to listen for a client's internal sense of knowing, believing that a person naturally wants to grow and heal in ways that we will discover together.
As a Certified Gestalt Psychotherapist, I believe in the power of relationships and am passionate about engaging people in a collaborative, creative process of healing. I am trained to listen for a client's internal sense of knowing, believing that a person naturally wants to grow and heal in ways that we will discover together.
(610) 421-9856 View (610) 421-9856
Photo of Jordan Lief, Psychologist in Swarthmore, PA
Jordan Lief
Psychologist, PsyD, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Swarthmore, PA 19081
I have successfully treated people struggling with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma/PTSD, loss of a loved one, sexual difficulties, and relationship distress. I work with individuals, couples, and families, with the goal of helping people become more aware of and more comfortable with themselves and others. Life is complex, and I enjoy the challenges of assisting people through their unpredictable journeys. I create a supportive therapeutic environment where my clients feel safe to explore themselves, their relationships, and the world around them.
I have successfully treated people struggling with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma/PTSD, loss of a loved one, sexual difficulties, and relationship distress. I work with individuals, couples, and families, with the goal of helping people become more aware of and more comfortable with themselves and others. Life is complex, and I enjoy the challenges of assisting people through their unpredictable journeys. I create a supportive therapeutic environment where my clients feel safe to explore themselves, their relationships, and the world around them.
(610) 915-8043 View (610) 915-8043
Photo of Susan Carswell, Psychologist in Swarthmore, PA
Susan Carswell
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD
Verified Verified
Swarthmore, PA 19081
I successfully treat individuals and couples in distress, often when life circumstances change. I help them understand and then alter the factors that interfere with their functioning. Sessions with me frequently focus on problematic relationships because so many problems stem from issues in current and past relationships. Furthermore, regardless of what causes problems, we are often empowered to address them when we have support from others. I strive to be warm, non-judgmental, and, when needed, verbally interactive, to foster the emotional safety and confidentiality that are essential for honest, productive self-examinations.
I successfully treat individuals and couples in distress, often when life circumstances change. I help them understand and then alter the factors that interfere with their functioning. Sessions with me frequently focus on problematic relationships because so many problems stem from issues in current and past relationships. Furthermore, regardless of what causes problems, we are often empowered to address them when we have support from others. I strive to be warm, non-judgmental, and, when needed, verbally interactive, to foster the emotional safety and confidentiality that are essential for honest, productive self-examinations.
(484) 802-8544 View (484) 802-8544
Photo of Kateryna Dukenski, Psychologist in Swarthmore, PA
Kateryna Dukenski
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Swarthmore, PA 19081
I am a multicultural PA licensed psychologist with twenty years of experience working with individuals and couples. I specialize in helping people struggling with issues related to life transitions, burnout, pandemic fatigue, challenging family relationships and history of trauma. My goal is to aid people in unlocking their potential for growth during challenging times by bringing light and new perspectives on old relational patterns that made them stuck. Through a combination of insight, mindfullness practices and experiential processing, my focus is my patients building an authentic sense of self and their ability for self-care.
I am a multicultural PA licensed psychologist with twenty years of experience working with individuals and couples. I specialize in helping people struggling with issues related to life transitions, burnout, pandemic fatigue, challenging family relationships and history of trauma. My goal is to aid people in unlocking their potential for growth during challenging times by bringing light and new perspectives on old relational patterns that made them stuck. Through a combination of insight, mindfullness practices and experiential processing, my focus is my patients building an authentic sense of self and their ability for self-care.
(484) 334-2763 View (484) 334-2763
Photo of Hazel Lafleur-Vetter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Swarthmore, PA
Hazel Lafleur-Vetter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Swarthmore, PA 19081
Are you struggling with interpersonal conflict, problems communicating effectively, infidelity, family & parenting difficulties, mid-life crises, and complex grief. I can help you find a deeper understanding of yourself & the struggles within your relationships. I offer RELATIONSHIP counseling with HEART and SKILL and can effectively help you to untangle your web of difficulties, melt power struggles, skillfully communicate and develop more satisfying ways of living, loving & relating. I have a vey high success rate helping relationships achieve the connection and joy their heart seeks.
Are you struggling with interpersonal conflict, problems communicating effectively, infidelity, family & parenting difficulties, mid-life crises, and complex grief. I can help you find a deeper understanding of yourself & the struggles within your relationships. I offer RELATIONSHIP counseling with HEART and SKILL and can effectively help you to untangle your web of difficulties, melt power struggles, skillfully communicate and develop more satisfying ways of living, loving & relating. I have a vey high success rate helping relationships achieve the connection and joy their heart seeks.
(610) 200-6322 View (610) 200-6322
Photo of Alicia J. Brown, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Swarthmore, PA
Alicia J. Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Swarthmore, PA 19081
I believe you will experience me as genuine, curious, and direct. Together, we will challenge old assumptions and create new ways of approaching problems, relationships, and life in general. The work we do in therapy is serious and it is hard; that said, it's tremendously rewarding, and in our work, we will likely find ourselves laughing a lot. Here, you will experience acceptance and connection that I believe will make the relationships in your life easier to navigate and more rewarding.
I believe you will experience me as genuine, curious, and direct. Together, we will challenge old assumptions and create new ways of approaching problems, relationships, and life in general. The work we do in therapy is serious and it is hard; that said, it's tremendously rewarding, and in our work, we will likely find ourselves laughing a lot. Here, you will experience acceptance and connection that I believe will make the relationships in your life easier to navigate and more rewarding.
(484) 218-5588 View (484) 218-5588
Photo of Michele Southworth, Marriage & Family Therapist in Swarthmore, PA
Michele Southworth
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Swarthmore, PA 19081
Many people experience times when they feel stuck in some important aspect of their lives, and want to find a way forward that is true to who they are and to the values that matter to them. Being stuck is often connected to unprocessed early experiences, compounded by living in the turmoil of complex and difficult times, and navigating what appear to be paradigm shifts in how we understand what is happening in and to our world. Therapy can provide a way to work towards clarity, and towards building, maintaining and balancing a healthy sense of self, healthy relationships with others, and a life that makes sense and works for us.
Many people experience times when they feel stuck in some important aspect of their lives, and want to find a way forward that is true to who they are and to the values that matter to them. Being stuck is often connected to unprocessed early experiences, compounded by living in the turmoil of complex and difficult times, and navigating what appear to be paradigm shifts in how we understand what is happening in and to our world. Therapy can provide a way to work towards clarity, and towards building, maintaining and balancing a healthy sense of self, healthy relationships with others, and a life that makes sense and works for us.
(267) 244-9262 View (267) 244-9262
Psychodynamic Therapists

Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?

Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.

How long does psychodynamic therapy last?

Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.

Does psychodynamic therapy work?

Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.

What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?

Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.