Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Philadelphia, PA

I am a licensed clinical and counseling therapist based in Pennsylvania. I have extensive experience treating a wide range of concerns from general life stressors and relational challenges, to more significant clinical concerns such as PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder. I specialize in treating trauma related disorders in adults, adolescents, and children. I am trained in DBT, PCIT, and TFCBT. I also have experience using Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

When anxiety and depression run wild, our relationships suffer and self confidence is eroded. I help Individuals restore wholeness and safety; especially after a trauma from long ago, or just yesterday. I also work with individuals longing for deeper connection and joy in their personal and work relationships. I blend body-based approaches, mindfulness and hypnotherapy to offer tangible tools for staying healthy and grounded; especially when life's running us and lacks vitality.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a network of over 20 Psychiatric providers offering Virtual and In-office evaluations, medication mgnt. and therapy. I work to create a collaborative and safe, yet challenging therapeutic environment with clients. Together we work to uncover and explore the ways one’s experiences and current life circumstances can shape the very lens through which we view the world and ourselves. Developing awareness of one’s underlying beliefs and patterns empowers us to regain a sense of control and strength over the very problematic choices and behaviors that interfere with a deserved quality of life.

I utilize an eclectic, psychoanalytic, and relational approach while employing a strong racial justice, feminist, and queer theory lens. I practice from a fat-lib, sex-positive, and intersectional feminist perspective. I believe that one's past informs how they interact with and experience the world. Healing takes place as one fosters empathy and consideration for their past and present selves. The therapeutic relationship allows for gaining deeper perspective and understanding of oneself. I strive to build genuine and earnest rapport with my clients by being deeply nonjudgmental and always practicing with respect.

My name is Vanessa, and I am the owner of Rooted in Care Counseling. I am passionate about supporting people through their unique experiences with mental health, and specialize in working with Black and other People of Color. I have always strived to be aware of how outside systemic issues and factors contribute to disparities in mental health care, particularly in communities of color. As a Black therapist, I believe that comprehensive mental health treatment acknowledges and accounts for how discrimination and other social barriers can affect one’s ability to process their experiences and safely navigate the world.

My goal as a therapist is to create an environment, and to foster a relationship in which my clients feel seen, heard, and safe to express their full range of emotions. Life is complicated, and much of the time people are burdened with meeting others’ expectations; in my practice I hope people feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable, and entirely themselves. Once our relationship is fostered through trust, honesty, and safety, a client and I will unpack and process negative self-beliefs, explore the importance of past and present relationships, and implement strategies to promote long term wellness.

Update: this practice is not taking new clients for teletherapy for NY, PA, and NJ My work specializes in individuals and couples that are looking for additional support and an empathetic ear. Together, we will create a plan to better your relationships, work dynamics, and overall life satisfaction. Whether you are struggling with a difficult life transition or are looking for more support for an ongoing issue, my practice involves utilizing your strengths and exploring the environmental and interpersonal issues that are not aligning with your goals and values. For more information, please visit AmeliaLambTherapy.com

I believe it is the relationship in therapy that is truly healing. Honesty, compassion and sometimes a sense of humor can be powerful medicine. I enjoy working with people who are truly ready to make some changes in their life, even if they're terrified to do so.

After trauma, we reach for whatever coping skill is closest in order to survive. We may turn to substances, self-harm, intellectualizing, perfectionism, etc. This helps us soothe, distract, and numb from feelings of shame, guilt, anger and fear. Still, our unprocessed emotions can overwhelm–morphing into anxiety, depression, rage, dissociation, or hyper-vigilance. However, this only represents a part of us and our experiences. We contain creativity, empathy, resilience, & intuition. Through our strengths, we increase our tolerance, release survival skills that no longer serve us, and return to our most liberated and aligned self.

We all face difficulties in our lives and in our relationships. If you have painful memories of traumatic events, there is help and there is hope. Whatever may be getting in your way we can find a path through it. Together we can engage in the process of healing from past hurt, trauma, and pain to a sense of peace, wholeness, and wellbeing.

We are a diverse group of therapists that provide the help and support you need through difficult times, or if you are just looking to improve your quality of life! Our therapists are experienced and trained specifically in Art therapy, mindfulness, and CBT and are experts in resolving difficult issues such as anxiety, depression, issues, relationship problems and workplace issues. We specialize in treating anxiety, trauma and body image issues.

Accepting New Virtual Clients- If you're struggling with complex trauma, childhood trauma, narcissistic abuse, sexual assault, unexpected loss, I'm an EMDR trained therapist who can help you move beyond these stuck experiences and feelings. Maybe you've tried talk therapy or other mediums of support, and it's helped, but it doesn't feel like it's getting to the root issue. Whether you are new to therapy or returning, my goal is to help you tap into your truth and authentic self. To do this, we utilize tools that get you deeper than talking about your problems and ultimately healing from your pain.

The heart of my practice is centered on how you are the expert of your own lived experience; all parts of you, even the ones you recoil from, have served the purpose of keeping you safe; and moving at your pace, with your consent and while challenging you when necessary, is important to facilitate change and healing. Perhaps you struggle with patterns that keep you stuck, or maybe you feel conflicted between the head and the heart - I welcome all parts of you here. I specialize in adults from immigrant backgrounds, "third culture kids," BIPOC folks, individuals with complex trauma, and my practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming.

Life's a bitch and then you die. For many of us, this is not just a hook to a classic song but a "fact of life". And if you are reading this, chances are this feeling applies to you. And there are so many factors play a part in why life is so hard. In my time as a therapist, I have had so many emerging adults(18-25) reach out to me with feelings of anxiety and depression about their current lives and the feeling of hopelessness about their future. And I get it because I was that emerging adult many, many years ago. It may not be "life" that's a bitch, but just past or present moments that we currently struggle with.

THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH (Robert Frost)... It is human to suffer and it is human to face challenges. When the suffering becomes too great, and the challenges too large, good therapy can play a key role in bringing about change. If you decide to work with me, I would consider it an honor to become part of your journey towards increased health and well-being. When you come to therapy, you will be treated with respect. I bring many years of experience as a therapist, providing both brief evidence-based interventions and long term psychodynamic approach. I will work carefully with you to define and achieve your personal goals.

Accepting new clients! Do you feel stressed, overwhelmed, and ready for change? We might be good fit if you want to understand why you feel miserable or anxious despite "doing it all". Maybe you are compassionate to everyone in your life, except YOU. Other symptoms include recurring negative patterns in their life, anxiety, depression, anger, overwhelm, relationship issues, problematic family dynamics, trouble getting new habits to stick, compulsively using external things to feel better (i.e. work, people, alcohol), pain, headaches, and more. I will support you finding your own answers, healing, and balance.

My ideal client is someone whom I can have a good connection and rapport with as that is the most important factor in having success in therapy as you want the client to feel comfortable to express in addition to receive things. Someone who's having challenges with stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, grief and or relationships is generally ideal for me. Their needs would have to be ones that I can hopefully fulfill and assist with. Their goals should be to reduce the challenges they are having as they should want a better quality of life as I aspire that for them

It may feel overwhelming to reach out for help and to trust someone else with your thoughts and feelings, not to mention your past experiences and hopes and dreams for the future. I understand how challenging it can be to figure out who you are, where you want to go, and how to get there - and how difficult it is to start taking those initial steps toward self-discovery. I believe that the journey is more important than the destination since goals tend to be redefined through the learning that occurs in therapy.

I currently ONLY have availability for IFS Level 1 graduates seeking clinical consultation/therapy. Resolving trauma can be a long and difficult process. It is comforting - and essential - to have a compassionate and consistent therapist as you walk the road to healing and joy. With over 25 years of experience and a specialty in treating trauma, I can help provide the roadmap to a healthy resolution. Many clients try to avoid distressing memories, but this is rarely successful in the long run. With the newer trauma-specific treatments now available, perhaps together we can find our way to lasting peace.