Self-Harming Therapists in West Chester, PA

Photo of Samantha Crean, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Samantha Crean
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19383  (Online Only)
If you're here, I probably don't need to tell you that the rate of depression in college students continues to rise and college counseling centers can't keep up. You're sad. You're empty. You're filled with doom about the plight of the world and you're not even sure if there's a point in trying anymore. I specialize in working with individuals who are depressed, self-harming or having thoughts of suicide. I'll help you balance your mood, increase your self-worth and improve your relationships so that you can actually enjoy life again rather than trying to escape it.
If you're here, I probably don't need to tell you that the rate of depression in college students continues to rise and college counseling centers can't keep up. You're sad. You're empty. You're filled with doom about the plight of the world and you're not even sure if there's a point in trying anymore. I specialize in working with individuals who are depressed, self-harming or having thoughts of suicide. I'll help you balance your mood, increase your self-worth and improve your relationships so that you can actually enjoy life again rather than trying to escape it.
(267) 551-5835 View (267) 551-5835
Photo of Courtney Douds, LCSW, MSW, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Courtney Douds
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MEd
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19381  (Online Only)
Surviving my parents’ messy divorce when I was a teen left me feeling like I didn’t have any outlet for my own feelings of anxiety, sadness, or anger. I found ways to cope that were self-harming for a period of time along with journeying through my own sexual self-discovery. I came to learn that I was nowhere near alone, just like the clients I work with today experience in our counseling relationship. Safe relationships with adults and therapy helped me learn that we all do unusual things to get through hard times, but I could feel even better if I spoke about my pain rather than keeping it inside or taking it out on myself.
Surviving my parents’ messy divorce when I was a teen left me feeling like I didn’t have any outlet for my own feelings of anxiety, sadness, or anger. I found ways to cope that were self-harming for a period of time along with journeying through my own sexual self-discovery. I came to learn that I was nowhere near alone, just like the clients I work with today experience in our counseling relationship. Safe relationships with adults and therapy helped me learn that we all do unusual things to get through hard times, but I could feel even better if I spoke about my pain rather than keeping it inside or taking it out on myself.
(484) 915-1050 View (484) 915-1050
Photo of Beth Ungaro, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Beth Ungaro
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19382
Hi there and welcome! I’m Beth and I'm glad that you are here and have taken the first step towards self-care. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in PA. Maybe you've reached a point in your life where you have lost your motivation and your emotions seem to have gotten the best of you; perhaps you have a child who you are deeply concerned for. Whatever the issues may be, everyone deserves to live to life that's meaningful. I strive to create a safe space where individuals can face their challenges head-on, become empowered, and regain a sense of security so they can begin living their best lives.
Hi there and welcome! I’m Beth and I'm glad that you are here and have taken the first step towards self-care. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in PA. Maybe you've reached a point in your life where you have lost your motivation and your emotions seem to have gotten the best of you; perhaps you have a child who you are deeply concerned for. Whatever the issues may be, everyone deserves to live to life that's meaningful. I strive to create a safe space where individuals can face their challenges head-on, become empowered, and regain a sense of security so they can begin living their best lives.
(267) 440-6278 View (267) 440-6278
Photo of Jane C. Brown, LPC, CAADC, CCPG, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jane C. Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CAADC, CCPG
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19382  (Online Only)
When challenges in life feel overwhelming, an open and reliable person can be just what we need to explore and discover creative solutions. I believe we have the strength within us to resolve problems, but often we need help to reimagine and channel that strength. I have been providing counseling to those with a wide range of personal and mental health concerns for over fifteen years. I sincerely enjoy working collaboratively to identify goals and maneuver through barriers to assist others in getting to the place where they want to be.
When challenges in life feel overwhelming, an open and reliable person can be just what we need to explore and discover creative solutions. I believe we have the strength within us to resolve problems, but often we need help to reimagine and channel that strength. I have been providing counseling to those with a wide range of personal and mental health concerns for over fifteen years. I sincerely enjoy working collaboratively to identify goals and maneuver through barriers to assist others in getting to the place where they want to be.
(484) 207-0911 View (484) 207-0911
Photo of Erin Hipple, MA, LCSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erin Hipple
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19382  (Online Only)
I am a white, queer, disabled, non-binary femme. I have worked as a therapist in a variety of settings, including inpatient mental health facilities, outpatient community mental health services, women's shelters, and university settings. These experiences have led me to pursue a liberation-based, anti-carceral, and non-pathologizing approach to mental health support. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of expressions of distress including: depression, anxiety, stress, struggles with intimacy and boundaries, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, complicated and disenfranchised grief, and trauma-related stress.
I am a white, queer, disabled, non-binary femme. I have worked as a therapist in a variety of settings, including inpatient mental health facilities, outpatient community mental health services, women's shelters, and university settings. These experiences have led me to pursue a liberation-based, anti-carceral, and non-pathologizing approach to mental health support. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of expressions of distress including: depression, anxiety, stress, struggles with intimacy and boundaries, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, complicated and disenfranchised grief, and trauma-related stress.
(484) 648-2767 View (484) 648-2767
Photo of Erin Glasscott, MSW , LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erin Glasscott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW , LSW
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
Are you a young adult dealing primarily with anxiety and life transition issues? This could be a recent college graduate starting their first big job, a major transition. I like walking beside them through these transitions and being an additional support. I also like helping people learn breathing techniques to manage anxiety and learn about polyvagal theory and a bottom-up approach. I enjoy working with clients who can articulate their goals, such as managing anxiety better and working on anxiety in different settings.
Are you a young adult dealing primarily with anxiety and life transition issues? This could be a recent college graduate starting their first big job, a major transition. I like walking beside them through these transitions and being an additional support. I also like helping people learn breathing techniques to manage anxiety and learn about polyvagal theory and a bottom-up approach. I enjoy working with clients who can articulate their goals, such as managing anxiety better and working on anxiety in different settings.
(484) 989-8503 View (484) 989-8503
Photo of Carolyn Smith, MA, LPC, RYT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carolyn Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380
Feeling stuck? Let me help. I believe therapy should empower individuals towards developing a healthier relationship with self and others. My general goal when working with clients is to increase authenticity, competence, and open mindedness.
Feeling stuck? Let me help. I believe therapy should empower individuals towards developing a healthier relationship with self and others. My general goal when working with clients is to increase authenticity, competence, and open mindedness.
(610) 897-0641 View (610) 897-0641
Photo of undefined - reNEW You Counseling and Wellness, LLC , MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
reNEW You Counseling and Wellness, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
There is help for you, your child, teen, young adult, and family! We passionately serve all of our clients with the goal to help them reach their highest potential. We believe in early intervention and supporting people through their feelings, thoughts, transitions, and adversities as early as possible in order to reduce the onset of more serious psychopathology in later years. We also believe in compassionately supporting the family system and educating parents on childhood development, parenting strategies, healthier ways to manage their own emotions, breaking generational trauma, and learn healthier communication and connection.
There is help for you, your child, teen, young adult, and family! We passionately serve all of our clients with the goal to help them reach their highest potential. We believe in early intervention and supporting people through their feelings, thoughts, transitions, and adversities as early as possible in order to reduce the onset of more serious psychopathology in later years. We also believe in compassionately supporting the family system and educating parents on childhood development, parenting strategies, healthier ways to manage their own emotions, breaking generational trauma, and learn healthier communication and connection.
(484) 263-8759 View (484) 263-8759
Photo of Stephanie Adams, MA , LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stephanie Adams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and/or addiction? My ideal client is open to gaining insight into behavior patterns and problematic coping skills. I am kind & non-judgmental, but not afraid to give clients a little (figurative) nudge when necessary. I have experience working with all kinds of problems & diagnoses, both inpatient and outpatient, as well as individual and group settings. The majority of my experience lies in dual diagnosis treatment, working with clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use diagnoses.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and/or addiction? My ideal client is open to gaining insight into behavior patterns and problematic coping skills. I am kind & non-judgmental, but not afraid to give clients a little (figurative) nudge when necessary. I have experience working with all kinds of problems & diagnoses, both inpatient and outpatient, as well as individual and group settings. The majority of my experience lies in dual diagnosis treatment, working with clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use diagnoses.
(484) 613-3620 View (484) 613-3620
Photo of Sharon Kelly, PsyD, MBA, Psychologist
Sharon Kelly
Psychologist, PsyD, MBA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380
In person and remote available. Therapy supports positive, healthy personal changes, improvement of anxiety and depression, and progress toward desired goals. Therapy helps clients improve relationships, cope with negative people or influences in their lives, and develop responsible, confident self-images. Individual Therapy, Couples or Co-Parenting Counseling and Life Coaching are available for all ages and backgrounds. The Gay St office is in the center of West Chester, near WCU and directly behind/adjacent to the Justice Center. St Peter’s office is situated along French Creek in historic St Peter's Village.
In person and remote available. Therapy supports positive, healthy personal changes, improvement of anxiety and depression, and progress toward desired goals. Therapy helps clients improve relationships, cope with negative people or influences in their lives, and develop responsible, confident self-images. Individual Therapy, Couples or Co-Parenting Counseling and Life Coaching are available for all ages and backgrounds. The Gay St office is in the center of West Chester, near WCU and directly behind/adjacent to the Justice Center. St Peter’s office is situated along French Creek in historic St Peter's Village.
(484) 602-2892 View (484) 602-2892
Photo of Kate Bowden, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kate Bowden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19382
As a Licensed Social Worker my goal is to empower individuals and promote human potential. My experience includes working with dually-diagnosed children and adolescents, many of whom are navigating life transitions, behavioral challenges and emotional distress; as well as adults who are feeling challenged by life’s hurdles. I am a strong advocate for individual empowerment, but also look to how we can grow through our eco-systemic support systems. I enjoy working with families, and often find that through focusing on the relational dynamics people can increase connection and find the support they need to feel emotionally empowered.
As a Licensed Social Worker my goal is to empower individuals and promote human potential. My experience includes working with dually-diagnosed children and adolescents, many of whom are navigating life transitions, behavioral challenges and emotional distress; as well as adults who are feeling challenged by life’s hurdles. I am a strong advocate for individual empowerment, but also look to how we can grow through our eco-systemic support systems. I enjoy working with families, and often find that through focusing on the relational dynamics people can increase connection and find the support they need to feel emotionally empowered.
(267) 727-2844 View (267) 727-2844
Photo of Sabrina Hailey, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sabrina Hailey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
Do you need a safe space to freely talk, vent, cry, or word dump? Do you need to be reassured that it is okay not to be okay and to learn how to navigate life? With 12 years of experience in the mental health field, I have worked with clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, self-esteem, & behavioral health problems. I also work with couples and have been able to guide and support my clients to achieve their set goals. I work with clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.
Do you need a safe space to freely talk, vent, cry, or word dump? Do you need to be reassured that it is okay not to be okay and to learn how to navigate life? With 12 years of experience in the mental health field, I have worked with clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, self-esteem, & behavioral health problems. I also work with couples and have been able to guide and support my clients to achieve their set goals. I work with clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.
(484) 265-9445 View (484) 265-9445
Photo of Erin Eckman, MSW , LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erin Eckman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW , LSW
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
Are you dealing with anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms that are exacerbated by external life circumstances? Do you want to understand your emotions and learn how to cope with them? My ideal client is seeking support and wants to begin the journey of improving their mental health. The client may have short-term or long-term goals but needs support to achieve them. The client might also want to improve their self-esteem through therapeutic work. Working with a strengths-based, trauma-informed, person-centered eclectic approach can help clients feel supported, develop coping skills, and improve self-esteem.
Are you dealing with anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms that are exacerbated by external life circumstances? Do you want to understand your emotions and learn how to cope with them? My ideal client is seeking support and wants to begin the journey of improving their mental health. The client may have short-term or long-term goals but needs support to achieve them. The client might also want to improve their self-esteem through therapeutic work. Working with a strengths-based, trauma-informed, person-centered eclectic approach can help clients feel supported, develop coping skills, and improve self-esteem.
(484) 897-7512 View (484) 897-7512
Photo of Thomas W Spierling, PhD, Psychologist
Thomas W Spierling
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
As a licensed psychologist, I have had extensive experience assisting different types of people confronting numerous issues. I understand the process of personal growth and know that people possess a remarkable ability to change. Since a sound therapeutic relationship is essential for success, clients must experience safety and trust. Therefore, I use an integrative approach which is engaged, collaborative and individualizes treatment for each client. Clients are supported and encouraged to take an active role in the therapeutic process, build upon their strengths, establish new learnings and implement genuine changes in their lives.
As a licensed psychologist, I have had extensive experience assisting different types of people confronting numerous issues. I understand the process of personal growth and know that people possess a remarkable ability to change. Since a sound therapeutic relationship is essential for success, clients must experience safety and trust. Therefore, I use an integrative approach which is engaged, collaborative and individualizes treatment for each client. Clients are supported and encouraged to take an active role in the therapeutic process, build upon their strengths, establish new learnings and implement genuine changes in their lives.
(610) 915-8025 View (610) 915-8025
Photo of Child And Young Adult Therapist Andi Peters, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Child And Young Adult Therapist Andi Peters
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380
I enjoy empowering young people to pursue peace and healing within themselves, become aware of patterns that have been holding them back, & become confident in their own abilities. I believe we all experience our own unique set of circumstances that subconsciously affect our emotional well-being, our relationships, how we see ourselves, and our interactions in the world. I use a holistic approach in therapy, which means, I look at all aspects of your internal and external environment to help you gain understanding, and discover your best self to begin healing.
I enjoy empowering young people to pursue peace and healing within themselves, become aware of patterns that have been holding them back, & become confident in their own abilities. I believe we all experience our own unique set of circumstances that subconsciously affect our emotional well-being, our relationships, how we see ourselves, and our interactions in the world. I use a holistic approach in therapy, which means, I look at all aspects of your internal and external environment to help you gain understanding, and discover your best self to begin healing.
(215) 608-5374 View (215) 608-5374
Photo of Caitlin Cassidy, PsyD, Psychologist
Caitlin Cassidy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19382
My clients come to me with a wide variety of concerns related to anxiety, depression, confusion, low self-esteem, life transitions and adjustments, impulsive behaviors (e.g., substance use, binge eating, self-harm), etc. There is no problem too big or too small, and you are brave for considering therapy. No matter what you are searching for, I believe change is possible and therapy can help.
My clients come to me with a wide variety of concerns related to anxiety, depression, confusion, low self-esteem, life transitions and adjustments, impulsive behaviors (e.g., substance use, binge eating, self-harm), etc. There is no problem too big or too small, and you are brave for considering therapy. No matter what you are searching for, I believe change is possible and therapy can help.
(484) 878-3147 View (484) 878-3147
Photo of Michelle Engle, MS, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michelle Engle
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380  (Online Only)
"The greatest and most important problems of life are all fundamentally insoluble. They can never be solved but only outgrown" (Carl Jung). There are times in our life's journey where the path becomes difficult to traverse: depression, anxiety, and problems in our relationships can obstruct the view. Struggles with our circumstances, managing anger, coping with workplace stress, and existential questions are common challenges we face in life. I welcome the opportunity to journey along aside you in these challenges and together discover a richness that has been waiting to be revealed.
"The greatest and most important problems of life are all fundamentally insoluble. They can never be solved but only outgrown" (Carl Jung). There are times in our life's journey where the path becomes difficult to traverse: depression, anxiety, and problems in our relationships can obstruct the view. Struggles with our circumstances, managing anger, coping with workplace stress, and existential questions are common challenges we face in life. I welcome the opportunity to journey along aside you in these challenges and together discover a richness that has been waiting to be revealed.
(484) 202-7460 View (484) 202-7460
Photo of Michelle Perna, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michelle Perna
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
I am experienced in depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relational conflict, family systems, addiction, criminal justice, anger management, eating disorders/body image, and mood disorders. The ideal client actively wants to explore their behaviors and thinking patterns and identify the underlying causes of these behaviors. In addition, the ideal client will be willing to tackle goals inside & outside therapy sessions. My ideal client would be an individual who is internally and externally motivated to change their life. They show up to sessions on time consistently and make a conscious effort to engage in the therapeutic process.
I am experienced in depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relational conflict, family systems, addiction, criminal justice, anger management, eating disorders/body image, and mood disorders. The ideal client actively wants to explore their behaviors and thinking patterns and identify the underlying causes of these behaviors. In addition, the ideal client will be willing to tackle goals inside & outside therapy sessions. My ideal client would be an individual who is internally and externally motivated to change their life. They show up to sessions on time consistently and make a conscious effort to engage in the therapeutic process.
(484) 749-0921 View (484) 749-0921
Photo of Heather Hiller, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Heather Hiller
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
I particularly enjoy working with women aged 20-40 who are working to overcome anxiety and depression or are coping with relationship dynamics. I believe most clients have a trauma history that shapes their mental health concerns, and helping them to process and heal from this history is vital to the client achieving a better quality of life. My ideal client will be seeking to learn new coping skills, communication strategies, or relationship skills.
I particularly enjoy working with women aged 20-40 who are working to overcome anxiety and depression or are coping with relationship dynamics. I believe most clients have a trauma history that shapes their mental health concerns, and helping them to process and heal from this history is vital to the client achieving a better quality of life. My ideal client will be seeking to learn new coping skills, communication strategies, or relationship skills.
(484) 673-6435 View (484) 673-6435
Photo of Emilee Duckworth, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emilee Duckworth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380
Are you feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed? Have you experienced change, loss, or trauma that is difficult to make sense of? I understand the pain and confusion caused by significant grief, loss, illness, stress, trauma, and transition. I believe that no matter how big the hurt; healing and growth are possible. I use a wide range of techniques, including talk therapy, guided imagery, and EMDR, tailored to your needs to facilitate your growth.
Are you feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed? Have you experienced change, loss, or trauma that is difficult to make sense of? I understand the pain and confusion caused by significant grief, loss, illness, stress, trauma, and transition. I believe that no matter how big the hurt; healing and growth are possible. I use a wide range of techniques, including talk therapy, guided imagery, and EMDR, tailored to your needs to facilitate your growth.
(610) 810-3868 View (610) 810-3868

See more therapy options for West Chester

Self-Harming Therapists

How does therapy for self-harm work?

A person may turn to self-injury so that they can distract themselves from their stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances. Therapy can address the cause of an individual’s suffering. A therapist can help a person understand why they may want to self-harm and help the person learn new methods of coping. A person may have poor emotion regulation, and treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is helpful for breaking this behaviour. In addition, treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy can help a person manage their tolerance of distress.

Which therapies are best for self-harm?

Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, and mentalisation-based therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are common approaches for people who have painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual cope with distress, regulate emotions, and manage impulsive urges.

Does the tendency to self-harm mean the person is suicidal?

Having this urge does not mean the individual suffers from suicidal ideation. People who want to self-injure look to distract or alleviate themselves from the pain they are experiencing. People with suicidal tendencies want to end life altogether. However, this does not mean a person with the intent to self-harm will not attempt suicide.

How often and how long are therapy sessions for self-harm?

As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Clients may see improvement within 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, maybe, a six-month period. People, especially those with co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, may need to continue therapy for up to 12 to 18 months.