For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?

We are more nervous about the "what ifs," but what if the "what if" is the most amazing step you will take this far.

Currently in my final year in the marriage and family therapy graduate program at Kutztown University. I am completing my internship with Center Street Center. At Center Street Center, we specialize in mediation and custody evaluations. I hold a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Psychology.

When it's the right fit, therapy can be wonderful! I'd recommend consulting with several therapists before making your choice, and looking for someone with whom you think you could be comfortable. 

Hi! I'm Haley, and I would love to work with you and your partner! I strive to bring hope and compassion into every therapeutic relationship, knowing that it takes courage to reach out for help. I specialize in working with attachment needs and concerns in relationships. Drawing from my background in family systems work, I can assist you in better understanding the impact of your family of origin experiences, and other significant relational experiences in your past and present, as you make changes to your current relational functioning. 

I allow clients to explore past experiences, often through a trauma lens, thought processes, and relationships, in an environment that is safe and confidential without judgment. I also integrate complementary methodologies and techniques tailored to each client

I am a trauma-focused and trained psychotherapist with nearly eight years of experience. I have worked and continue to work with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, identity questions, grief, relationship issues, and immigration concerns. My role as a therapist is to provide support and guidance through life-challenging situations and to assist clients, when ready, to move their lives in the way they believe they should. Listening is a powerful tool, and one gains understanding and compassion. I offer clients the space for their voices to be heard as they seek comfort and healing.

Trying anything new can be a bit stressful at first, but opening up to others about deeply intimate issues can be incredibly difficult, especially for people who already deal with high levels of anxiety or who are very introverted in the first place. Many people believe that therapists and other mental health professionals will judge them or think less of them as a person because of some of the issues they bring up, but that is counterproductive to what treatment is all about. The goal is to work with you to help you realize your goals, address the things that are causing difficulties in your life, and helping you slowly become the you that you really want to be. I would be more than happy to be a part of that journey for you and to provide the support that you need to reach the destination that you want.

After having served as a counselor while in the military, I later pursued a PhD in Psychology so that I could help meet the growing demand for available and affordable mental healthcare in this area, especially for those who are part of marginalized groups (such as the LGBTQ+ community) and cannot find safe and affirming people to talk to. While I have my particular specialties, I am more than happy to talk to anyone who is in need of psychological counseling, therapy, evaluations, and support. I'm very knowledgeable with the topics of depression, anxiety, gender dysphoria, ADHD, PTSD, autism, sexuality, and more. I try to make patients feel as comfortable and validated as possible.

The idea of therapy can be new territory for some and seem scary at first. It sometimes causes people anxiety, because they don't know what to expect. Some cultures place shame on the idea of therapy or show distrust towards it. This makes people feel that they may be weak if they ask for help or distrustful of a therapist. Asking for help does not make you weak. I aim to build connection and trust in our therapeutic relationship.

My approach is grounded in providing empathetic and informative support. I aim to empower individuals with knowledge and practical tools. I am dedicated to practicing cultural humility and remaining sensitive to cultural differences. I strive to treat everyone with respect, compassion, and an open mind, fostering a safe and inclusive space for all.

Unfortunately there is so much stigma around therapy that makes it difficult for people to know the true value it could bring to their lives. Many people think that going to therapy means the something has to be wrong but therapy can just be a safe place to talk about things that you may feel uncomfortable talking about with people who are in your day-to-day life.

It takes a great deal of courage and bravery to seek therapy. I am glad you are here looking for the support you deserve. My goal is to meet clients where they currently are in their journey to feeling healthy, happy, and whole. Helping them cultivate their unique strengths while navigating the challenges they face along the way. I aim to provide a safe supportive environment for my clients as they work toward changing the direction of their lives for the better. I specialize in working with clients struggling with anxiety and depression, life transitions, and family issues. I have worked with a wide variety of ages and diagnoses. Keeping everyone's health and safety as a top priority, I am currently only offering virtual/telehealth services.

For those who are hesitant to try therapy, I would encourage you to consider how it can empower you to engage in introspection, appreciate the beauty of life's complexity, transition from survival mode to thriving intentionally, process identity, future, and past questions, and invest in yourself as you do in others.

With 8 years of experience as an adult psychiatrist and Board Certification, I specialize in Reproductive Psychiatry and Integrative Women's Mental Health. As a Harvard-trained physician with a Master of Science in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University, I've had the privilege of delivering lectures for prestigious organizations like The American Psychiatric Association. My primary aim is to empower you to thrive, moving beyond mere day-to-day management. I am deeply committed to equipping you with the knowledge you need to make well-informed choices regarding your health. Within a female-centered approach, I provide medication management and psychotherapy, prioritizing your well-being at the core of our work together. I firmly believe that women deserve exceptional support and care from the onset of menses through menopause. Our collaboration is based on a partnership, and I am dedicated to ensuring you feel genuinely acknowledged, supported, and heard throughout your journey. Additionally, I am deeply passionate about social justice and the exploration of racial and maternal healthcare issues. A significant portion of my practice is devoted to assisting women of color in navigating the unique challenges they face while seeking top-quality, culturally sensitive medical care. As a reproductive psychiatrist, I possess extensive expertise and training to guide you through hormonally-driven life transitions with evidence-based care. My knowledge of integrative and holistic healthcare enables me to craft tailored treatment plans aimed at enhancing your overall well-being. My work has been prominently featured across a variety of platforms and publications, including renowned outlets such as CNN and the Journal of the American Medical Association. Your health and well-being are at the heart of everything I do, and I look forward to supporting you on your journey to better mental health and overall wellness.

While it takes a great deal of courage to begin and participate in therapy, I think staying stuck in unhealthy and often times destructive patterns feels worse.

I offer a unique style—a blend of insight-oriented, practical problem solving and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients achieve their goals.  

I wish I could tell those who are hesitant to try therapy that I truly believe that anyone and everyone can benefit from therapy. Going to therapy does not mean that something is “wrong” with you or that you need to be “fixed.” It does not mean that you are “crazy” or “broken.” Going to therapy can be about gaining a deeper understanding of your identity and values, learning how to improve your relationships and better your communication, healing from trauma, navigating major life transitions, and so much more. Regardless of your background or circumstances, you deserve support and guidance through life’s challenges. 

My name is Shira Collings (she/they). I specialize in working with clients with eating disorders, disordered eating, body image distress, and those wanting to break free from diet culture. As a diet culture dropout myself, I am passionate about supporting others in finding freedom with food and body acceptance. I am also passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent folx, as well as those with substance use and trauma histories. My therapeutic approach is rooted in the Health At Every Size paradigm and body liberation. It is also informed by feminism, disability justice, and queer and trans liberation. I believe that healing comes from feeling heard, seen, and valued, and I strive to create a space in which clients can express their full, authentic selves.