Therapists serving clients in Orwigsburg, PA

I have always seemed to be in a helping position. Before graduating high school I started work at a large veterinarian hospital/boarding kennel in Blue Bell, PA as an animal health technician and then the hospital administrator, where I stayed for over 15 years. I decided to return to school to pursue a degree in psychology and have been in the mental health field since 1998, working for such organizations as Special Equestrians as a side aid volunteer assisting people with physical and/or mental health disabilities and Lenape Valley Foundation as both a house advisor and a Partial Hospital Program group therapist for people with severe and persistent mental illness. I also worked for Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for their Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Program where I was a counselor for people addicted to heroin. I recently worked for Catholic Charities in NJ in the roles of therapist for the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program working with kids diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence, as well as a clinical supervisor for the Comprehensive Family Treatment of Addictions Program (CFTA). This led to the position of Program Director for CFTA, the Therapeutic After-School Program (a therapeutic group for kids ages 8-12) and an In-home therapy/case management program, while also carrying a small direct-service caseload at my private practice. Finally, after taking the position of Service Area Director, with responsibility for 13 substance abuse, mental health and social service programs, I realized that I was moving further and further away from my original ambition of providing one to one service to clients. This realization led to my decision to get back into direct service. The ability to provide a safe environment for people to share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences is essential to effective counseling. Studies have shown no one therapeutic modality utilized by therapists is superior to another; rather, clinicians themselves ultimately determine whether treatment will prove effective. It’s not about the model being used; it’s the relationship between the counselor and client. This principle guides my work, in that I strive to provide a client-centered, strength-based counseling setting to individuals, couples and adolescents for issues related to addiction, anxiety, career or relationships. I look to my clients to be the experts of themselves, which encourages them to guide the therapy where it needs to go. What I offer is a space to gain insight in order for that insight to become the catalyst for change. I believe that once a person sees their truth, they have no choice but to accept that truth…though we often do our best not to. Each of us develops psychological schemas that teach us how to interact with people and the world. When we grow accustomed to a certain pattern of behavior, however, we look to repeat it, even after it’s outlived its usefulness. Addiction, for instance, is a maladaptive coping skill that worked at one time but does no longer. With a background in English literature, I bring a decidedly post-modern perspective to my therapeutic approach. One of the concepts I utilize is Narrative Therapy, which encourages and compassionately challenges clients to be mindful of the story they’re telling to better utilize their strengths. This theory acknowledges the power of language, in that not only does the language we use reflect how we feel, it also affects how we feel. Therefore, the words we choose to use can help to manifest the changes we hope to bring about. The idea is to encourage the use of more positive words as opposed to negative words while telling our life story. I have found this approach to be remarkably effective in helping clients confront the challenges of their lives in order to bring about lasting and meaningful change. Other approaches and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, and Systems Theory. I find it satisfying to be part of helping people discover who they can be and realize that perhaps they’re more than who they thought they were. Ultimately, if each of us can achieve balance and make our own little corner of the world a little bit more satisfying and a little safer, we help to create a better reality for all of us. Degrees and Credentials Bachelors Degree in Psychology/English Literature from Arcadia University in Glenside PA Masters Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from La Salle University in Philadelphia PA PA Board Licensed Professional Counselor PA Board Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor PA Board Certified Clinical Supervisor PA Board Certificate of Competency in Problem Gambling NJ Board Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor NJ Board Licensed Professional Counselor NJ Board Certified Clinical Supervisor Member of the Psi Chi, Phi Theta Kappa, and Sigma Tau Delta National Honor Societies. Modalities and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, Mindfulness, and Systems Theory. I have experience in dealing with: Relationship issues Anxiety/stress Chemical addiction Gambling addiction Compulsive behaviors (such as sexual “addiction”) Anger Management Codependency Self Esteem PTSD

Hi, my name is Zamen Abo-Zebiba, and I am a Doctor of Psychology, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor. My own cultural competency is built on a lifetime of international experiences. Growing up surrounded by cultures different from my own, I was encouraged to identify and value both the commonalities and differences of the human experience. Exposure to diverse peoples was instrumental in shaping my worldview and values. My awareness and appreciation of cross-cultural understanding grows continually. I highly respect and value individuals who come from different cultural backgrounds and faiths. I feel strongly about helping people who don’t have a voice. I want to be an advocate and pursue a role that will allow me to help as many people as I can. I chose this profession because I feel passionate about it. Not many people are fortunate enough to find a job or a career that they feel so passionately about and I am thankful for that. I have a speciality training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I utilize CBT as my primary theoretical orientation because I find it to be helpful with many different populations. I like that CBT is a collaboration between client and therapist and that they work together to problem-solve and there is an emphasis on treatment goals. I also have extensive training in a range of modalities which include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for emotional dysregulation as well as other mindfulness based therapies. I believe that it is very important for clients to be aware of their emotions and to be able to have that sense of control back. Other areas of specialty include trauma, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, self-esteem, and relationships. Individuals need to be in an environment where they feel safe, accepted, and not judged and this is what I provide. You have already made the first step, and I would welcome the opportunity to help you in that journey. I look forward to working with you.

Life can be challenging, am I right? Perhaps we all need a little help working through these challenges. I am a Nationally Certified and Professional Counselor with experience treating Drug and Alcohol and Mental Health challenges and obstacles you and others may face. My belief is we all have the ability to make changes and improvements in our lives, and some of the most challenging experiences can lead to valuable insights and the opportunity for self-growth. I also respect we all have differences, therefore, being seen and heard without judgement by another can be one of the most healing experiences we can have. My goal is to empower you to find solutions, learn new ways, explore your strengths, work toward healing from past experiences, and stay focused on becoming the best version of yourself that you can be. I wish to be a collaborative guide who helps you gain self-awareness, view your thoughts and life in a more positive way, and develop strategies to cope and regulate your emotions in a healthy manner. I will encourage you through the process of gaining greater self-confidence, self-compassion, a stronger sense of identity, and trusting your own decisions. I consider myself to be a strong community and social services professional who holds a Master of Arts - MA focused in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts - BA focused in Clinical Mental Health Psychology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. I draw from many evidence-based theories, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; Person-Centered Therapy; Emotion-Focused Therapy; Trauma-Focused Therapy; Psychodynamic Therapy; Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness practices. I've worked with clients aged 4 through 88 experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, ADHD, trauma, loss, behavioral, emotional, and developmental challenges, among others. "Before every session I take a moment to remember my humanity. There is no experience this man has I cannot share with him, no fear I cannot understand, no suffering I cannot care about, because I too am human." -Carl Rogers

I am a professional counselor licensed in Pennsylvania with over 20 years of experience helping clients with a diverse set of concerns including depression, anxiety, career issues, stress management, substance abuse, work-life balance and bereavement. I believe in a collaborative approach to help clients identify their internal strengths and external resources and to develop tools to not only meet life's challenges, but to thrive despite them. I combine evidenced-based approaches including cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based and solution-focused schools of thought to target troubling symptoms as we work jointly to improve your functioning and overall quality of life. In your first meeting with me, we will discuss what prompted you to seek counseling, your personal history and current situation along with any symptoms you may be experiencing so that we can lay the foundation to work effectively as a team to establish your treatment goals and to develop a concrete plan for achieving them. This setting is a safe place for personal expression, stabilization and growth. Counseling with me can either be short-term to get help for a personal crisis or longer-term to promote lasting change. I look forward to our productive work together! Howard F Hansell, LPC

I love what I do, and I know why I do it. Since 2007 my focus has been coming along side of people and assisting them with challenges they face in life to become the most authentic and genuine person they were meant to be. In my own journey I've come to accept and appreciate the gifts I've been given, even if they're seemingly unrelated. I love my work as a therapist and I will always be passionate about performing music. How the two coexist within me is the journey I'm on. My focus has been in becoming a better therapist each day ... but I also know I'll never stop playing guitar and performing music, it's part of who I am. I have been singing and playing guitar forever. I have worked with a variety of people, with a variety of personal struggles, and a variety of ages. I am very passionate about understanding and helping people with the effects of trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, distressful emotions, and broken relationships. I believe that we all have inherent value, and I strive to truly understand my clients and give all of them the respect and honesty they deserve.

I am a professional counselor licensed in Pennsylvania and Maryland, as well as nationally certified. I am also certified in school counseling k-12. I have worked with varying age groups and populations. I started out my professional career in a social service department in a hospital. Following this, I have worked in schools, as well as various mental health agencies. Most recently I was the director of a mental health and drug and alcohol facility. During my career as a clinical psychotherapist, I strived to become a very well-rounded clinician, working with multiple modalities along with ongoing continued education to provide the best care to those I served. I am in the process of earning my PhD. While I do utilize multiple modalities such as DBT, CBT, and SFT, I believe in a person-centered approach overall, as each individual is unique and thus deserves the approach and style that best fits their own unique needs. Additionally, I have worked with addictions extensively both individually and in a group format. I have taken extensive training in gambling addiction and have run IOP for drug and alcohol groups for many years. I believe wholeheartedly in providing validation and helping my clients understand the importance of self-validation. No matter what the struggle is my clients are facing, I believe that they have the strength within them to overcome their obstacles. I strive to help them find that strength.

Hello. I am licensed in Pennsylvania with about 10 year of professional work experience. I have worked in a variety of settings with adults and adolescents to assist in a wide range of concerns. I have helped clients with parenting issues, coping and adjusting to change, dealing with stress and difficulties effectively, developing and maintaining positive mindsets to help reduce anxious and depressive symptoms, developing and maintaining schedules, and understanding healthy relationships. I focus on utilizing your own strengths to assist you in making the changes you identify. Since no two individuals are the same, I utilize an eclectic therapeutic approach. I have a client-centered style but also pull from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Multisystemic and Humanistic approaches. I stay flexible with my approach to help meet my clients where they are at and meet their needs. I consider myself to be non-religious, open minded, and maintain a nonjudgmental approach. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your specific needs. I am here to support you in that process. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I look forward to getting started with you! Thank you for considering me as your guide to helping you make the changes you want.

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 14 years of professional work experience. I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology and master's degree in Community Counseling from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. I worked hard to get my license and I have had my License in Professional Counseling for many years. I genuinely believe that our thoughts control our behaviors and how we feel overall. To that end, I practice trauma informed cognitive behavioral therapy with all of my clients. What that means is that I will help you understand how thoughts control feelings and behaviors keeping in mind that trauma comes in many forms and no trauma is too big or too insignificant to treat. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes a lot of courage to seek out help and I'm SO PROUD OF YOU for asking for help! Let's get started!

I am licensed in Florida and Pennsylvania with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Hi! My name is Rachel. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor working in Pennsylvania with 5+ years of professional therapeutic experience. Currently, I am a full-time School Counselor. I have previously worked as a Family Therapist as well as a Residential Counselor. In addition to my license, I am also a National Certified Counselor and Certified Pk-12 Professional School Counselor. I have a strong skillset in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I'm a huge believer in adopting a positive mindset toward yourself which in return builds resiliency, confidence, and allows you to be the champion of your own life. Our work together will be a safe space for you to process whatever it is that is meaningful for you. We will work together in ensuring you are living your life to the fullest and taking care of yourself, mentally. Taking the first step towards therapy requires courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!