Find a Therapist in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Let’s face it – many children and teenagers don’t like therapy or counseling. It’s boring. It’s uncomfortable. They’re not sure how it’s supposed to work. I approach kids differently than most therapists do. I don’t bombard them with a lot of questions and I don’t try to “get” them to talk with me—an undertaking I find as insulting to us both as it is unproductive. Instead, I introduce a variety of topics and see which ones evolve into conversations that can heal, animate, encourage, stimulate, or inspire. I answer questions, offer opinions, and say what I think is going on without ever trying to muscle any points across. I work quickly, but never rush.

I utilize both cognitive behavioral & psychodynamic techniques to not only alleviate present symptoms but to begin identifying & resolving the underlying cause. Much like physical pain, which can often be addressed with medication, it is critical to understand & attend to what is causing the pain. This process involves exploring both the present & the past to recognize how different patterns & coping strategies developed as well as how they may be altered, creating a more healthful life. Some individuals come briefly & focus on a specific concern & others longer term to more deeply explore themselves & their patterns. There's no set way to do this. It's about what you need & where you are.

Psychotherapy can help you understand the hidden emotions which affect your everyday thoughts and behaviors. I can help you recognize the underlying fears and motives which drive you to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. Whether your pain is rooted in a difficult past, unhealthy relationships or lifelong mental health struggles, healing is possible. I will help you recognize unhealthy patterns that keep repeating themselves in your life, robbing you of closeness with others and inner peace. Then you will be able to grow toward thinking and feeling in new ways and relating to others differently. You don't have to stay stuck in the same painful place; there is hope.

Therapy is designed to be a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can focus on your own needs, values, and priorities. In addition to listening, offering guidance, and responding with empathy, I partner with my clients to set goals for our work, explore what's been helpful before (and what hasn't been), provide resources to reinforce new skills, and share information to help you better understand yourself and your unique needs. Therapy clients who work with me gain practical skills that improve their lives, and they feel more empowered to solve problems.