ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS;
Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Self Esteem Issues, Eating Disorders, Family Conflict
Ariel's work with teens and young adult clients. She is engaged, active, and introspective. Ariel assists her clients to become thoughtful of their feelings and behaviors in everyday life. She helps them learn how to deal with their anxiety, family conflict, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, ADHD symptoms, and anger issues. She teaches them tools to use in difficult situations in school, at home, and socially.
Ariel works with anxious teens whose anxiety has gone untreated for too long. They may have reached the point of depersonalization where they shut down all emotions and become numb and lack motivation in their daily lives. Ariel's work with these clients is to help them begin to be open to "feel" again. Once they begin to feel the anxiety may begin to present itself again and she teaches techniques and skills to manage the anxiety.
Ariel also works with clients in their 20s struggling to find meaning in their daily lives. She works with young adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, or young adults using alcohol or marijuana to cope with life's difficult issues. She helps identify symptoms and look underneath to find the real issues holding her clients back from being content in their lives.
Her clients and the parents of her younger clients rave about her work, her attentiveness toward the family, and her passion for uncovering every stone.
Ariel along with Welsh Therapy has partnered with PS Psychiatry for those clients where medication may be a choice in the treatment of their mental health issues.
RESEARCH AND SPECIAL INTEREST:
Racial Identity Issues
Although Ariel sees all teens and young adults, her area of research and specialty is adolescents and young adults who are dealing with identity issues resulting from racial differences in the geographic area they reside, in their schools, and in the activities and extra curric
ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS:
Anxiety, ADHD, High Functioning Ashperbers Syndrome, Depression, Self Esteem Issues, and Adoption Trauma
I work with adolescents and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, body image issues, ADD/ADHD, executive functioning skills, self-harm, risky behaviors, and family conflict. I value trauma-informed, strengths-based, and individualized care because each person has their own narrative to tell.
I work with clients using CBT, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and talk therapy, and assist clients in learning executive functioning skills.
I have a double Master's from the University of Pennsylvania in Professional Counseling. I am School Certified in Pennsylvania as well.
Since the pandemic and virtual schooling, I also have been working with adolescents who are going through School Avoidance issues due to anxiety related to going back to the in-person classroom after virtual schooling because of the pandemic. With these students, I work with the school guidance counselor to arrange accommodations to make it possible for them to attend school daily. At this time, there are adolescents whose School Avoidance is so extreme that none of our efforts are successful. The parents may make a decision for the adolescent to learn at home, and we can assist them and work with the school. If virtual schooling becomes a factor for more than a month or two we can turn to our Educational Psychotherapist, Ellen Curthrell, for guidance on different online programs and what would be the best for both student and their family. Ellen also works with kids who are having a hard time keeping up academically and with their assignments after so much time learning virtually.
Although I work with adolescents and young adults, there are times when it is beneficial to have the parents attend some sessions with consent.
ADOPTION TRAUMA THERAPY
Kat is has her Adoption Competency Certification and work with adolescent, young adults and adults have experienced adoption trauma. Kat works with the adoptee, and at times works with the Birth Mothers, or Adopted Mothers on their own or with their adopted or birth children children.
Kat, along with Welsh Therapy has partnered with PS Psychiatry for those clients who make and informed decision that medication may be a helpful adjunct to treating their mental health issues.
ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS:
Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, BiPolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Self Esteem Issues, Eating Disorders
Dr. Jennifer Irvin, Psy.D. specializes in adolescent and adult therapy. With her teen clients she also does parent support to help navigate the tumultuous adolescent year between parents and teens. Her style is interactive and she creates a warm environment for her clients to feel safe enough to open up and speak about issues that are difficult to talk about. She works with teens and women with anxiety, depression, sexual assault, self-harm, body dysmorphia, self-esteem issues and family conflict, and ADHD. In addition, she provides Parent Support to parents to learn ways to better communicate with their children and walk alongside them at the challenging developmental stage of adolescence. Jen utilizes CBT, DBT, talk therapy and many other techniques to get to the root of what her clients are struggling with.
Jen, along with Welsh Therapy has partnered with PS Psychiatry, a concierge psychiatric practice for those patients where medication may be a part of the treatment for their mental health issues.
SPECIALTY: OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANCE DISORDER
Although Jen works with adolescents and young adults with a wide span of mental health issues, her specialty is Oppositional Defiance Disorder. Jen works with adolescents and their parents to uncover what is underneath the symptoms of anger, eating out, the use of drugs and alcohol and school avoidance.
Nicole has been working with children, teens, and young adults for 24 years. Her work spans from working in the Philadelphia School District to private practice in Doylestown, PA. Nicole's work with kids is rooted in being authentic and genuine and allowing them the time and space to feel safe and build trust in order to share what is going on in their inner world. Nicole's work with children, teens, and young adults is for issues with anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, oppositional defiant disorder, school avoidance, self-harm, mood disorders, and disordered eating
Nicole does involve parents in her work with teens in the form of parent support sessions. Parents become worried and stressed when their children are suffering. Nicole can work with parents, if the minor client gives consent, and supports them while remaining HIPPA compliant. There are times when a child prefers to not have their therapist work with parents for support. In that case, another member of the practice can see the parents and Nicole can remain with the minor client.
Her style is engaging and casual. She creates a nurturing holding space. Parents are thrilled with Nicole's ability to reach their child's inner world.
School Avoidance is a particular issue that is rampant at this time and is a result of the pandemic and virtual schooling. I work with adolescents to teach coping skills and learn to manage the uncomfortable feelings they are experiencing at school. If the student needs accommodations we can work together with the family and the school counselor to ask for reasonable accommodations in the interim. As a last resort, if all else fails, there are times when the anxiety is so severe that the student may need to learn at home on their own and we can assist the family in helping this transition to go smoothly. We will work hard to try to integrate the student back into the in-person classroom as soon as possible. The goal is always to get your teen back into the classroom.
Nicole, along with Welsh Therapy has partnered with PS Psychiatry for those clients who believe medication may be a helpful asset to the treatment of their mental health issues.
Lianna is a Clinical Psychologist who has worked with individuals of all ages. At Welsh Therapy she works with young adults (21 and over) who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, failure to launch and navigating identity challenges. She has expertise in working with LGBTQ+ communities and has a strong family systems background. In addition to working with young adults, she also enjoys working with parents to support them in raising their adult children.
ADHD AND YOUNG ADULTS:
Often the self-esteem of young adults with ADHD slowly declines with one difficulty after another. They may struggle with motivation and experience difficulties maintaining jobs and healthy relationships. Lianna helps teach practical tools, skills, and techniques to make real changes in their daily lives. Lianna and her clients track their accomplishments, small and large, as the process unfolds.
Liana uses CBT, DBT, EF Skills, Talk Therapy and many other techniques to get to the root of what the client is struggling with.
PARENT SUPPORT FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN, TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH ADHD:
Her role with parents is to help them truly understand their adult child with ADHD, their way of going about their daily lives, and their daily functioning level. She helps parents become conscious of their responses to their adult children and allows them to begin to study the lack of effectiveness of their reactions. They may become frustrated and hopeless sitting by as their adult or college-aged children experience a failure to launch. Parents want the best for their adult children and worry that they will be gone one day, and their child may not be self-sufficient. By the time adult children and parents get to Lianna, their relationship is strained, and the adult children have pulled away emotionally and shut down communication. They can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, and they feel as though all hope is lost. Lianna brings hope in the form of realistic skills and techniques that parents can implement right away to open communication and create a more positive relationship with their adult children.
Liana along with Welsh Therapy has partnered with PS Psychiatry for those clients who may choose medication as a component to the treatment of their ADHD, Anxiety or other mental health issues.
Lianna sees clients in both Doylestown & King of Prussia offices and virtually.
Rob Marchesani and Lynne Welsh did their training together at the Freudian Psychoanalytic Institute. Rob looks at the childhood and the stages of development in teens, young adults and adults to see what patterns may mirror early childhood development. Whether it be birth order, trauma, loss or a divorce the first 10 years of life, Rob assists clients in going back to see where clients may have repressed feelings that may have turned up in their later lives as anxiety, depression, self esteem issues or self medicating with cutting, drugs, alcohol, excessive video gaming or sex addiction.
Rob is back and forth from Philadelphia and New York City and is in the Doylestown office when he is in Philadelphia. He works virtually from New York City.
Rob has an interest in working with the LGBT+ community in helping them understand some of the struggles that may present with family, work, community, and in their relationships. For teens that are questioning their sexuality Rob is an avid listener and allows the client to find their own answers.
For clients who are experiencing Gender Identity Issues and are searching for who they were truly meant to be, Rob allows the process to unfold and doesn't lead the client to their answers, or push away their feelings around their gender. This process is about the client and often outside the therapy they are getting a strong push either way between their parents, their peers and their community. T he therapy room is a space where they can focus on their own feelings around this issue and not have influence around those feelings.
Rob has many years of experience working with adolescents in the Harlem School District. His work focuses on working through anxiety, depression, body image issues, bullying, social media addiction, gaming addiction, and gender identity issues.
In his free time, Rob is an avid Yogi and a student of various forms of Meditation.
Maryluz Robinson is an Artist in Bucks County and has an art studio in Chalfont, PA. MaryLuz' Artwork has been featured in art exhibits throughout Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties. Maryluz is a Certified Therapeutic Coach and an Art therapist. In Art Therapy, she works with children and adolescent clients to help them become closer to their emotional selves and put feelings on paper, for some children and teens, putting things on paper instead of speaking about feelings is easier and more efficient in working through things.
In her therapeutic coaching practice, Maryluz works with individuals of all ages to explore the issues causing discontentment in their daily lives. Maryluz and her clients explore ways to enhance their well-being by creating conscious choices to make a change. Settling into a weekly session time with Maryluz to begin working on the issues creating suffering for the client can be life-changing.
In Art Therapy, when children or teens are anxious to begin the process, she often asks them to bring their music for their session. The Art Studio, Cherry Blossoms, is rustic and cozy and a place where clients can begin to create on paper what is in their hearts and souls and, then learn a language to express their feelings verbally. Maryluz also gives the kids the choice of bringing their dog into sessions to help them relax. For her Art Therapy clients, Maryluz often works with the client in addition to a therapist and other team members. She is a team player and very passionate about understanding her clients through their art expression.
You will find Maryluz's works of Art on the walls throughout our building.
Abby works with adolescents and young adults. She works in our west coast office in Santa Monica, Los Angeles Her specialties are Anxiety, OCD, and ADHD.
For teens and young adults with anxiety, Abby's approach is a combination of talk therapy and CBT skills work. In Abby's sessions she and her clients start with talk therapy and then move into CBT skills work. Her belief is that over time the link between their thoughts, feelings and actions creates a recurring pattern. And some of the patterns can wreak havoc in their daily lives. When clients are in a "stuck pattern" with these unhelpful thoughts and emotions CBT can help change these thought patterns.
For teens and adults with ADHD, Abby works with an Executive Functioning Coach who is a referral partner in the community. Together they create a plan to move through the mental health issues and educational challenges that are getting in the way of the client's ability to be successful in their daily lives. Parents are stressed and fearful that their child does not have the ability to function at a level where they can balance the stress of their daily lives with school, social, sports, activities, basic hygiene, proper sleep, and nutrition, These parents feel that their child is all over the place with no order in their days or routine to count on. They simply want their child to maintain some semblance of a normal routine/schedule.
Whether it be Anxiety or ADHD, Abby has a customized plan for each client and works with a network of professionals in the area who refer to each other. Along with Abby working with clients weekly, their customized plan may a recommendation to also see an EFT (tapping) specialist weekly and/or a Neurofeedback Training specialist.
Abby also has a psychiatric practice that she refers clients to if medication has been requested as part of their treatment for Anxiety or ADHD. Abby's goal is to create a village around the teen or young adult and their families so they can feel supported and the client can begin to manage their ADHD or Anxiety. She uncovers every stone and parents feel their child and family are in great hands with Abby.
Lia works with children and adolescents who are dealing with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and ADHD. She understands that adolescence is a time marked by unique struggles, including academic pressures, evolving social dynamics, identity exploration, and emotional development. Her approach is deeply rooted in the principles of trauma-informed, integrative care.
Lia believes in a collaborative partnership with her clients, adapting her approach to meet their specific developmental stage, interests, and challenges. No two journeys are alike, and Lia ensures that each young individual's unique path to healing is respected and supported. She is committed to fostering a safe, non-judgmental environment where her clients can freely express themselves, explore their emotions, and embark on a journey towards a brighter and more resilient future.
Lia is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on trauma and child and adolescent therapy. She also provides Therapeutic Coaching to clients within our practice.
Luke is a Graduate Student of Social Work at Temple University.and a Certified Adolescent Mental Health Coach . Luke works with adolescents, college students and young adults. He works with with adolescents with ADHD, Gaming Addiction, Teens dealing with their parent's Divorce, Anger Management Issues, Family Conflict, Depression, Anxiety, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
With young adults Luke's particular area of interest is "Failure to Launch" . Luke works with young adults who are experiencing difficulty moving forward in their lives in various ways: the inability for finish college, the inability to motivate themselves to find a job or stay in a job, or young adults who are using pot/marijuana to deal with the difficulties of life.
Luke has a unique way of helping these kids begin to capture their true identity. Together they explore where they are in their lives, where they want to go whether it is in their academics, careers, with self care or in relationships, and what is holding them back from being all that they can be. With tremendous patience and respect for the client and where they are at this very moment, Luke begins to help his clients tell their story and put the pieces of the puzzle together.
For Lukes clients parents, he often refers them to a Parent Support Therapist as while their child is doing the hard work of therapy they may be frustrated and need guidance on how to support their child and how to take care of themselves in the process.
Luke's approach is personal and relaxed, he has a way of helping kids feel comfortable opening up to him.
Ellen's passion is education for high school teens, young adults in college, graduate students, and doctorate students. Ellen is an Executive Functioning Coach and a Certified Educational Psychotherapist. Parents ask Ellen for assistance when their children need help with academics. Ellen meets the child and studies their style of learning, reviews all educational and academic assessments and evaluations from the student's academic years, familiarizes herself with their curriculum, and jumps in on the student portal to help the client organize and learn executive functioning skills to keep up with their school work and succeed in getting the results they have as their goals. Oftentimes, Ellen will have to work with the school to help clients acquire accommodations so they can attend school in a manner that is comfortable for them. Ellen works with students with anxiety, depression, ADHD, school avoidance, learning disabilities, and many other issues. These issues impact their ability to learn.
Deirdre is a teacher by formal training.....she has a passion for teaching, a National Certification in Life Coaching, and works with children and teens and young adults who are looking for actionable goals to achieve the balance in their daily lives that they desire for themself to be their best self every day.
Deirdre works with children and teens who are struggling with academics and learning skills to put together and execute daily schedules and routines involving self-care, getting out into nature and experiencing fresh air and movement, and simply talking about what is in their hearts when they feel no one else will listen.
Deirdre also does coaching with teens struggling with self-esteem issues, body image issues, and simply kids who are going through a tough time at home. If requested and the client's parents consent, Deirdre's furry helpers Doyle and Ireland Mae (and a new addition to her clan, Fergus Rene) can come along to sessions and add comfort. Deidre is open to taking her sessions outdoors to enjoy nature walks and hikes with her clients.
Lisa is a multi-skilled counselor, therapist, and educator who delivers expertise in post-secondary career planning, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, emotional processing, trauma psycho-education, child study case management, and in mental health advocacy and coping skills implementation.
Lisa has over a decade of successful teaching and therapeutic counseling experience working with diverse populations, including special education, urban, alternative, and international environments in education, mental health, and therapeutic services. She is a pioneer in the design and implementation of preventative programs, peer mediation programs, conflict resolution, character development, educational curricula, group counselling, and event planning, including the management and marketing of a consulting firm. She is a presenter and public speaker in professional development, college preparation, financial aid, and community related informational events, including college fairs, award ceremonies, and post-secondary visits.
In 2021, Lisa left the field of education to support her daughter, who underwent a mental health crisis, for a position in mental health as an Outpatient Therapist. Ford is in the unique position to bring attention to the importance of creating mental health awareness and mental health advocacy from the perspective of a former school counselor, trauma survivor, and mother of a trauma survivor.
I work with couples who are struggling with communication and want to learn how to better their relationship. We work together to learn the story about their relationship and identify the issues that take away from enjoyment.
I also work with women individually to evaluate happiness in their marriage with regard to expectations and reactive behavior. We explore reactive behavior in the relationship when a woman's needs are not being met, as well as how much dependence on a spouse is reasonable. I aim for us to think together about other ways to meet those needs through career, friendships, hobbies and activities that enrich their lives, and ultimately take pressure away from the marriage.
In addition, I work with women who are experiencing empty nest syndrome as their kids leave the home. We work together to process the feelings of loss and to create a life after their children move out that fulfills them on a daily basis.
Specializations: Couples Coaching, Women in Relationships, Empty Nest Syndrome
Erika works with teens/adolescents who are struggling with ADHD, Anxiety, Self Esteem Issues, Body Dysmophia or Disordered Eating. Erika has a way of making teens feel right at home in her shame-free therapy room, so they can open up and share what they are truly feeling. She has a youthful energy, allowing teens to connect with her quickly. Erika works with her clients using DBT skills, CBT skills, and mindfulness. She honors each of her client's individual processes and circumstances, and believes small steps can lead to big changes.
Erika helps her clients improve their relationship to food, movement, stress, sleep, social media, and social circles. All of these areas greatly impact mental health, especially for teenagers. By establishing a safe and supportive space, Erika helps her clients develop a deeper understanding of the habits and choices that will improve their energy, balance and quality of life. She guides her clients to find their own empowered voice, and to feel calm and strong in mind and body.
Erika has worked for one of the top college prepatory programs in the country, helping her teen clients navigate the stressful process of getting into college. She works with teens (and adults) in show business, who have absorbed the unrealistic expectations of the entertainment industry. She helps these clients discover that their value is in who they are, not what they do.
Her teen clients would describe her as relatable, encouraging, compassionate, and safe. And their parents credit her for having a life changing impact on their children, as they navigate the difficulties of being a modern day teenager.
Hello, I'm Anita I work with women in various stage of transition in their lives. I help women understand what they are truly feeling and to experience those feelings so they do not have to deal with unfinished grief or anger which can delay moving on to the next phase of your life.
WOMEN GOING THROUGH DIVORCE:
I Work with women who from the beginning stages of thinking about divorce to women who are in the middle of divorce, to those women who are divorced and wondering"what's next?" in their life post divorce. We work through the anxiety sadness and grief that can accompany even the thought of divorce to after the divorce is final.
BETRAYAL TRAUMA:
I work with women whose husbands have been unfaithful. From those who just found out, whether it was a receipt that was found, or something on the computer, or a text message was discovered. For women, this can be devastating and bring up rage, self attack and anxiety/depression. The actions one takes at the discovery of an affair can alter the outcome in the long run. When children are involved and overhearing conflict between their parents or one parent is talking about the affair with the children it can cause issues down the roads for their children with trust issues in their own relationships.
ANXIETY & DEPRESSION...MENOPAUSE/PERI-MENOPAUSE:
As women in their 40s begin peri-menopause their Progesterone levels begin to decline as they head toward Menopause, there may find themselves with increased anxiety, mood instability, depression, irritability, they may be quick to anger and find their libido decreasing and pain or discomfort during sexual intercouse. This is a myriad of symptoms that can lead to conflict in the family, issues in a marriage and just an overall unhappiness in a women. Anita has a network of Integrative Doctors, OB/GYNs, R.D.s, and Psychiatric Providers to surround her clients with the team that they need to deal with the emotional and physical symptoms of Menopause and Peri-Menopause.
NARCISSISTIC ABUSE:
Women who have been or are currently in relationships with men who are naricisstic suffer a great deal. Often they feel everything is their fault, that they are losing their minds, and that everything they do is wrong. Their partners with Narcissistic Personality Disorder will naturally gaslight, blame, project, and not take accountability for their own actions. Oftentimes women don't even realize that Narcissistic Abuse is at play in their lives until they come by an article or someone mentions this to them. When they discover a term for what they are going through they then begin to empower themselves with reading and researching this issue and begin to notice that they can plan the process of leaving the relationship or if they choose to stay they can learn ways to react to the Narcissist that can bring them less drama and pain and keep their sanity in check. For women who have unknowingly reacted with Narcissistic Rage there can be shame and humiliation accompanying that rage. Once they become aware and conscious of the reaction and where it comes from they can begin to forgive themselves and learn new ways to not get triggered with Narcissistic Rage going forward.
EMPTY NEST SYNDROME:KIDS OFF TO COLLEGE
There is nothing that can prepare a woman for the feeling she may experience when she is driving away from dropping her child off at college for the first time. The preparations and shopping for the big move-in day can feel very exciting but may distract mothers from realizing that this separation from their child is actually happening. The moment they set up the dorm room and their child says "OK mom you can go now" often comes with shock and an abrupt feeling as they head home that the years of raising their child are over, the years of their child living at home are over, and they may ask themselves "What next?". The grief, sadness, loss, and depression that may follow is painful to navigate. I am hear to talk about all the feelings and help you feel the grief so you can safely move onto the next chapter in your journey of life.
Judy has been working with addictions for 12 years. She works with children, teens, and adults for over 30 years. Her work setting has spanned from intensive outpatient to private practice. Judy works with teens who are using excessive amounts of marijuana to cope with their daily lives or to self medicate untreated conditions such as anxiety or ADHD.
Julia also works with excessive alcohol/binge alcohol use in adolescents and young adults. If your teen or young adult is participating in binge drinking or blacking out frequently this is an issues of great concern and worry for parents for the safety of their child.
Families are affected by their teen and young adult's substance abuse issues as they worry, lose sleep, argue and try to regulate and control their child's behavior to no avail. Judy can help them create some separation emotionally and identify codependency characteristics and behavior that may be enabling so they can give their child the necessary space to work on and understand their relationship with substances as a coping mechanism to life's pain.
As Judy works with the teen or young adult individually, another member of our staff can work with the parents or family and they can all come together to work as a team.
From years of experience with teens and young adults and addictions Judy will assess the level of care needed for her client, whether it be outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient therapy a partial hospitalization program, or an inpatient facility If a higher level of care is required, Judy will connect the family with the rehabilitation consultant that is in our network. Lauren jumps as part of the team to help families decide the best inpatient or outpatient facility for their teen or young adult and whether the facilities accept the client's insurance or not.
Judy began in juvenile and correctional facilities and within the prison system as a therapist. Judy has vast experience with teens and their families not only with the role of addictions within the family systems but also with other mental health issues that impact the entire family.
Judy works with other mental health issues teens and young adults such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and ODD.
Julia works with adolescents and young adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, and life transitions such as grief/loss, divorce moving to a new school or home, or loss of a romantic partnership that has triggered unresolved trauma or unfinished grief from another time in their lifves.
In our technology driven world, Julie seeks to support individuals looking to integrate a sense of spirituality into their lives.
Julia practices with a humanistic and person-centered approach. She utiilizes a strength based approach. She is active and engaged in sessions and creates a safe place for her client's to open up and share their feelings.
Julia utilizes mindfulness and mind-body practices with her clients so they can use these tools in their daily lives.
Julia's Masters Degree in Education equips her with the tools to work with ADHD clients in therapy and also to work with the client's academic institution and guidance counselors to ensure a collaborative approach to best meet her client's needs academically and therapuetically.
Julia works with adolescents and young adults in the LGBQT+ community. For her clients who are not yet "out" to their family and friends, Julia can assist them with the anxiety and fears that may arise from contemplating sharing their authentic selves to their family and friends.
Julia works with gender identity issues and any issues that are coming up in terms of identifying with exactly who they are . When a client expresses anticipation that their parents may be shocked, disappointed or resistant to their client's gender identity, Julia and her client work together on expectations and how they may process a response that is not positive from their families . Julia also can work together with parents and their teens or young adults at the client's request or she can assign a parent support therapist in our practice to work with them as a family and she can continue the individual work with her client.
Laura is in a Masters Program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She also holds a Master of Science in Integrative Biology with a focus on immunology, pan, and epistemology. Her scientific research and education along with her education of psychology equips her to deal with an understanding of the science and research of illness and the emotional issues that may accompany a client's illness or that of a family member.
Laura is also CBT Certified (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT Certified (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). She utilizes both CBT/DBT for work with clients with medical illness and the caregivers or those close to family members who have medical illness and the the various mental health issues that come from being sick such as anxiety, depression, grief/loss, hopelessness and adjustment disorders.
Laura works with individuals whose mental health has been affected by medical illness, whether they are experiencing illness themselves or helping a family member with an illness. Laura clients or their family members suffer with illnesses such as with medical illness ALS, MS, auto-immune disorder, long covid issues, or cancer.
Laura works with the depression that can appear after a heart surgery, or the frustration of dealing with a chronic illness such as lymes disease, fibromyalgia, or lupus. She also works with those given a cancer diagnosis to manage the anxiety that comes along with the uncertainty of waiting for tests results and outcomes.
Laura works with the grief and loss that can come with losing capacity to do the things in daily life one was able to do before the medical diagnosis. Laura helps clients through the stages of grief and to come to a place of acceptance to create a new life based on their present abilities.
Laura also works with family members, siblings and parents of clients with medical illnesses who aren't quite sure how to help their family member with the mental health symptoms that may come along with the illness.
Laura is available for individual coaching or family coaching to help her clients express the feelings that are happening inside of them in light of a recent diagnosis or a long term illness that has to be managed.
Samantha works with adolescents who are struggling with their dating relationships. Her clients meet with a therapist weekly and Sam meets with them outside of the therapy session when they have a need to talk with a coach for extra support. These kids are going through the tumultuous teenage ups and downs of dating in today's world of technology with Snapchat, Instagram, and cyberbullying.
Often her clients find it difficult to hold on to their sense of self while dating someone. All of their value goes into the other person as they were not on steady ground when they began dating. When their partner begins acting differently than the person they once knew by not being faithful or treating them unkindly, this can trigger many feelings and strong reactions. Some of her clients turn the anger in on themselves, question their own worth, and begin thinking it was because of the way they looked....if only they were thinner, prettier, or taller. All of these defenses are a way not to feel the real pain of the loss.
Because the loss is played out in the halls of their high school in front of peers those vulnerable feelings are difficult to feel. At times they retaliate online with posts to get back at the person they were dating. All of these actions often lead to public shame and embarrassment. They will do anything to hold onto the relationship, even at the expense of their mental health.
Sam is available to listen, reflect back, and validate the pain of the loss. And to be fully present for the intense raw feelings of a breakup, that in this day and age, is often played out all over social media and in harsh and unkind ways. The lack of discretion and privacy of some in this technology-driven generation creates other issues with the ups and downs of dating, that their parents did not have to deal with at their age. This lack of understanding on the parent's part often leads to frustration and the "just get over it" attitude which only pushes the child away and takes them feel more alone in the world. When a child feels profoundly alone after a loss other issues may present.
Sam can be very helpful to parents as well to help them understand how to meet their child exactly where they are, and not try to hurry the process. Sam emphasizes that the adolescent needs to feel supported and not alone at these troubling times as that aloneness leads to other issues.
Reilly is in her graduate studies in Art Therapy at Drexel University and works with adolescents and children using art and creativity to help them express their feelings. Reilly is engaging and personable and has a way with kids where she helps them open up and share what's going on for them in their lives with school, family, social, and internally.
Reilly works with kids who are anxious, having self esteem issues, body dysmorphia and those who just don't feel like they are fitting in socially. She also helps kids who are having a. lot of conflict at home with parents or siblings.
For adolescents and children who have a hard time opening up in therapy and feel anxious about coming to therapy and not filling the hour with things to say, Art Therapy helps them relax and draw and create so the focus is not on talking. Very quickly they can begin expressing themselves as they are comfortable doing both things at once.
The Doylestown Child, Teen & Parent Therapy Center is affiliated with Welsh Therapy & Associates. This program was established out of a clear need in the community for services that support teens, young adults and their families. If you are looking for specialized adult mental health or trauma services, please click below to be taken to our Welsh Therapy & Associates webpage.
Doylestown Teen & Parent Therapy Center
The Landmark Building, 10 S. Clinton Street, Suite 10 , Doylestown PA 18901
Copyright © 2023 Welsh Therapy - All Rights Reserved.
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