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Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

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Richard Rodgers

Social Worker
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
Coming home from Afghanistan I seen a lot of people in need. I wanted to help others who struggle.
I am a Social Worker and Yoga Instructor. I first became interested in working with mental health when I returned home from Afghanistan while in the Army National Guard. I have seen many friends fall victim to substance abuse, depression, and PTSD. I swore that I would work on being in the position to best help veterans and others who go through difficult situations. Being an addictions counselor and Social Worker is very personal to me. It is my passion. Seeing that I already had a bachelor's in Community Health, I made it my goal to become some kind of practitioner. When I learned about Social Work, I was overwhelmed with the idea of getting my Masters and working towards a license. A few years later, I finally received my Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am proud of my license and it took 5 years of hard work to attain. I have now been working in the mental health and addictions field for roughly 10 years. I first got into counseling in the military. After a few years of working inpatient mental health and substance abuse, I spent some time outpatient. I specialize in addictions but have much experience with people with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I have an extra certified credential of being a Certified Trauma Therapy Professional. I also experience helping people dealing with relationships, careers, and other life issues as well. Also, I have experience working with those who have a criminal background. I try to listen and understand your problems and point of view the best I can. Based on this I work with you to develop a plan to help you make improvements. My main focus is to help you make a positive change. I hope to work around you’re needs. It's my hope that I can help support you through whatever it is your going through. Some people just want support, while others want a formal therapy. Just let me know what it is you're looking for. Sometimes people just need to talk to someone or need positive encouragement. I am happy to give this as well. I am here to be a positive person in the lives of people that need more positive people. I like to be able to input Yoga techniques in our session. In my free time, I like being with my family and animals. My family has 2 dogs and 2 cats. I attend Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu and Yoga classes a few times a week.
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Amanda Moore

Amanda Moore LMHC,NCC
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist to help others navigate life's challenges and build resilience. Seeing my clients grow, heal, and thrive keeps me motivated every day—it’s an honor to be part of their journey.
Hello, my name is Amanda N. Moore, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in the psychology of children with exceptionalities, followed by a Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. John’s University. I specialize in working with adults facing acute and persistent mental illnesses, including depression, PTSD, psychosis, mood disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders. I have a particular passion for supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and providing gender-affirming care. I believe in a holistic approach, as there is no “one size fits all” method in mental health care. During sessions, I blend various techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT skills training, mindfulness, positive psychology, and trauma-informed counseling. With my background in psychological research, I’ve trained in administering assessments such as the MMPI-2, Big Five Inventory, and CPI scales. Outside of work, I enjoy playing soccer, hiking, powerlifting, and reading fantasy novels. I aim to create a safe, welcoming environment where my clients feel empowered to overcome challenges and achieve their personal goals. I offer secure telehealth services Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, for adults seeking compassionate, individualized care. Treatment Philosophy I believe in a holistic, individualized approach to mental health care, recognizing that each person’s journey is unique. My passion lies in creating a safe, affirming space where clients feel heard and valued. By blending evidence-based techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care, I help clients work toward their goals. I’m particularly committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and fostering personal growth through collaboration, empathy, and empowerment. Specialties & Conditions Mental Health Depression Anxiety Bipolar disorders PTSD ADHD Mood disorders Family Issues Stress Grief Loss Relationship Issues Treatment approach Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) Culturally Sensitive Mindfulness-Based(MBCT) Emotionally Focused Humanistic Person-Focused Trauma-Focused Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Acceptance & Commitment (ACT) Strength-Based Interpersonal Insurance Anthem Aetna Cigna New York Medical Behavioral Health Services P.C. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Anthem EAP - Bank of America Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Carelon Behavioral Health Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey Quest Behavioral Health
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Esther Louis

FNP-C,PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, I must ensure my clients' mental health stabilizes and ready to have a normal state of mind. Willing to get the help that you need is encouraging me to provide the solutions that you are looking for. I’ve been in nursing for more than 10 years. My motto is to work best and concentrate on clients aged 18 and up who are battling various mental health disorders.
Driven by a passion for patient care and wellness, I am Esther Louis, your dedicated Nurse Practitioner. With over a decade of experience in critical care and family health, I aim to offer compassionate, thorough, and personalized medical care. My journey has taken me through roles in major hospitals like Palmetto General and the University of Miami, where I've honed my skills in diagnosing, treating, and educating patients. I believe in the power of knowledge and strive to teach my patients about their health, helping them make lifestyle choices that can prevent future issues. My approach includes not just treating illnesses, but also focusing on preventive care and sustainable wellness habits. In my current role, I am responsible for managing complex cases, performing physical exams, and guiding patients through their healthcare decisions with clear communication and empathy. My goal is to ensure every patient feels heard, understood, and cared for. Let's work together on your journey to better health.
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Makesa Toure

Makesa Toure PMHNP-BC,APRN,CRNP
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I have a deep passion for helping people navigate the challenges of mental health and discover their strength and resilience. Witnessing the transformation in my patients' lives—whether it’s overcoming anxiety, managing depression, or achieving a healthier outlook—fuels my motivation every day. The opportunity to provide compassion, understanding, and practical solutions inspires me to keep learning, growing, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Hello! I'm Makesa Toure, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner serving Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. I specialize in diagnosing and treating behavioral health disorders in adults, offering services such as medication management, therapy coordination, and personalized treatment planning. My approach blends compassion with professional expertise to ensure that every patient receives individualized care tailored to their needs. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including those addressing opioid addiction, mental health crises, and chronic conditions. This diverse experience has strengthened my ability to connect with patients from all walks of life. I believe in fostering open communication and creating a safe, supportive space where patients feel heard and understood. I hold a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Immaculate University. With advanced training in psychopharmacology and emergency response, I am dedicated to offering the highest standard of care. Collaboration is central to my practice. I work closely with counselors, healthcare teams, and community organizations to promote holistic, patient-centered mental health care. Whether in-person or via telemedicine, my goal is to make psychiatric services accessible and effective for all who need them. Outside of work, I’m passionate about health education and disease prevention, working to empower communities with knowledge and resources for better overall well-being. I’m here to listen, support, and partner with you on your journey to mental wellness. Together, we can create a healthier future. Treatment Philosophy I believe in treating the whole person, not just their symptoms. My philosophy centers on compassion, collaboration, and patient empowerment. By fostering a safe, supportive environment, I help my patients feel heard and understood. Each care plan is tailored to individual needs, ensuring personalized treatment that promotes long-term recovery. I work closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic, integrated care, and I am committed to empowering patients with the tools and knowledge for lasting mental wellness. Specialties & Conditions Mental Health Psychotherapy Depression Anxiety Bipolar disorders PTSD ADHD Insomnia Relationship issues Family counseling Mood disorders Trauma Panic attacks Substance use disorder Personality disorder Grief and Loss Counseling Addiction Schizophrenia Treatment approach Psychopharmacology for mental health treatments Collaborative care with multi-disciplinary teams Individualized treatment care plans for patients Crisis intervention and management strategies Education on medication and disease prevention Psychiatric evaluations and assessments Cognitive behavioral therapy for addictions Mindfulness approaches in addiction recovery Trauma Focused Psychoanalytic Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Psychodynamic Structural Family Interpersonal Motivational Interviewing Insurance Aetna Cigna Humana Medicare Blue Cross Blue Shield UnitedHealthcare Optum Medicaid Oscar Health MultiPlan Capital Blue Cross Pennsylvania Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania Oxford
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Summer Vilkins

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
For most of my life, I wanted to be in a helping profession - I wanted to help people. Much like life, my path was not linear. I became a teacher and through this role, I noticed that most of my students and their families experienced many stressors and lacked the skills to cope with the stressors. Fast forward - the 2008 recession hit and I was laid off from my teaching position and decided to pursue a career as a marriage and family therapist. What motivates me to continue are the amazing and resilient clients I have had the honor of serving and supporting.
Hey there! I’m Summer and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of the San Francisco Bay Area. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families, serving all of California virtually through Telehealth. In my practice, I take a collaborative, client-centered, and strength-based approach toward healing. Honoring each client’s personal needs and intersecting identities is one of my top priorities and creates a foundation for my work. Through incorporating expressive arts, mindfulness, and embodiment, I empower you to explore and identify the patterns and behaviors that are no longer serving you. Being a therapist brings me so much joy, and I feel that it’s an honor and a privilege to walk with people during their most vulnerable moments.