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

I became a therapist because I’ve always believed people can heal from pain when they’re met with safety, curiosity, and skillful support. Early in my training I saw how a single compassionate conversation could change someone’s sense of self, restore relationships, and create space for hope — and I wanted to be that steady, evidence-based presence for others. What keeps me doing this work is watching real change happen: when clients reclaim parts of themselves that trauma, grief, or shame had silenced; when couples rediscover connection; when someone learns a new skill that helps them get through a hard day. I’m motivated by the trust people place in me, by continuing to learn (DBT, trauma-informed care, grief work and more), and by the belief that healing isn’t about fixing — it’s about partnering with you to uncover strengths, build new skills, and restore meaningful connections.

My path to becoming a therapist is deeply personal. Over the years, I have experienced grief, loss, divorce, trauma, abuse, and major life transitions in my own journey. These experiences not only shaped my understanding of suffering but also deepened my heart for walking with others who find themselves in painful or uncertain seasons. I know firsthand how overwhelming life can feel, and I also see the hope and restoration that can come through faith, healing, and connection. In addition to my personal journey, I have spent many years as a social worker in the hospice field, supporting individuals and families through end-of-life care, loss, and the grieving process. These experiences deepened my calling to create a safe and compassionate space for people in their most vulnerable moments. They also strengthened my belief that healing is possible even in seasons of sorrow, especially when we lean on faith and community. Today, as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in supporting individuals through grief, loss, trauma, relationship struggles, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and faith-centered—grounded in the belief that every person is created in God’s image and deeply loved by Him. At Connect & Restore Therapy, I blend evidence-based practices with Christian values, offering a safe space where you can process your story, rediscover your strength, and move forward with clarity and peace. It is my privilege to walk alongside you, not only as a therapist but also as someone who has walked through valleys and experienced God’s grace and renewal firsthand. Together, we can lean into hope and pursue the healing and restoration God desires for your life. As Scripture reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

I became a therapist because I wanted to help those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues because people in my family were struggling with these issues. I found that, at the time, there were not enough resources for people to get the help they really need. I feel honored when people have the courage to share their stories with me. I love to witness the changes in my clients and their lives.

Tara Thompson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois, providing telehealth counseling services since December 2021. She works with adults, couples, families, and children, drawing on nearly two decades of experience supporting clients across the lifespan—from children to older adults.

I've always wanted to help people, I like to be that non-biased third party person you feel comfortable talking to. I love seeing my client's progress

I use a Person Centered approach so you know your session is about you. I have worked in mental health for 12 years and see a variety of clients. I work with ages 5 and up and specialize in eating disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and anxiety disorders. In my free time I'm pursuing my PhD in Clinical Psychology, read, spend time with my pets, make comics, and play video games

I was inspired to become a therapist due to growing up in a community where "mental health isn't real". If you were struggling, you wanted attention or were dramatic. It's not dramatic to be human and have human reactions when things suck or simply didn't go the way you thought it would. What motivates me is to help people find their voice for anyone that also was silenced and doesn't want to be anymore.

Hi, I'm Aliyah! I am a blunt, compassionate therapist that works with kids, teens, and adults when life feels like it's been flipped upside down. I specialize in Play Therapy, and also draw from CBT, DBT, and Somatic approaches to get you reconnected to your body and mind. My clients often struggle with Depression, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem Issues, or simply ones that need the extra support from always being the "happy" or "strong" one.

I’m a caring, fun, direct, and creative therapist who’s had clinical experience in several different levels of mental health care and treatment during my career thus far. I’ve worked with children, teens, and adults in an inpatient care program for those who have been hospitalized, with teens and parents within an intensive outpatient program, as well as provided outpatient individual and group therapy.

I help teens and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, self injury, intense emotions, ADHD, substance misuse, as well as identity, sexuality, and gender questioning. I’m passionate about helping people begin to understand themselves, face what’s been holding them down, and develop new skills and resources while creating new paths forward. Witnessing people in therapy recognize their strengths, develop self acceptance, understand what is most important to them, and show self compassion to themselves is the best part about being a therapist and one I am grateful for.

Living with Cerebral Palsy has given me the passion to help others who are struggling because I’ve been there. To me, nothing is more motivating than witnessing just how resilient people are and seeing the sparkle in their eyes come back. That is, by far, the greatest privilege.

Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here! I am a Licensed Associate Counselor with a physical disability in New Jersey. Incorporating tools like CBT, IFS and mindfulness, I help clients with trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues and more. I strive to provide a welcoming, affirming space for clients of all identities and experiences including LGBTQIA+, neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism), Disability and Chronic Illness. I see healing as a fluid dance between the past, present and future. I'd love to be your dance partner in whatever season of life you're in. Let’s see if we’re a fit!

The capacity that we, as humans, have to create our own reality.

I’m a Latino Power cisgender Woman. If you ask the teenage, rebel, almost emo version of myself if I was going to become a Clinical Psychologist and a Licensed Professional Counselor as my career for sure you would get a long, very argumentative, and rotund NO as an answer. But look at me now. Life-changing experiences open the entrance to the world of healing for me, and I'm very grateful. My purpose is for you to see me as your companion through this journey of self-discovery. I'm gonna help you remember those inner skills, your true capacity, and inspire you to go to the seed of who you are and transform to regrow yourself from there.

I became a therapist because I’ve always been drawn to the quiet, honest moments where people finally feel safe enough to be vulnerable and share about their lives, the parts they usually carry alone. I realized early on that healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in connection. And I wanted to be someone who could offer that kind of steady, non‑judgmental support. What keeps me motivated is seeing the small shifts, the moments when someone says, “I handled that differently,” or “I finally feel like myself again,” or “I didn’t think I could get through this, but I did.” Therapy isn’t about dramatic breakthroughs; it’s about slow, meaningful change that adds up over time. Watching people reclaim their confidence, their voice, their boundaries, or their sense of peace is incredibly rewarding. I’m also motivated by the trust clients place in me. It’s a privilege to be invited into someone’s inner world, especially during vulnerable or confusing chapters of their life. That trust keeps me grounded, grateful, and committed to showing up fully, with compassion, curiosity, and respect. I’m inspired by the resilience people don’t even realize they have. Being able to witness that, support it, and help people build a life that feels more aligned and less overwhelming is what keeps me doing this work.

Hello, l'm Lori Gephart, a Licensed Psychologist in Pennsylvania with 36 years of experience providing therapy for adults. My focus is on helping individuals across the state of Pennsylvania navigate anxiety, stress, family conflicts, grief, insomnia, and trauma to discover peace and joy. I customize treatment plans to fit each client's unique needs, often addressing past trauma, anxiety, depression, and negative thoughts. I provide a safe environment and tools for healing, aiming to help clients achieve their desired life. Using an eclectic mix of therapeutic techniques, I guide clients from their first session towards personal growth and a balanced life. I am accepting new clients and I have evening and weekend appointments available.

I became a therapist because I’ve always been drawn to understanding people—their experiences, relationships, challenges, and the ways they make sense of the world around them. I wanted to create the kind of space where people can feel genuinely heard, understood, and accepted while working through the things that may be holding them back. What continues to motivate me is seeing clients gain insight, build confidence, and begin to approach themselves and their lives with greater self-compassion. Being able to support someone through that process and witness their growth is incredibly meaningful to me.

I am accepting new clients, specializing in women and young adults. As young adults, you have it harder than ever: you’re dealing with a high cost of living, having to live with your parents longer than you’d prefer, poor job prospects, uncertainty about your career, struggling to make and maintain friendships, increasing student debt, as well as the exposure to social media and the high expectations you develop of yourself as a result. Then you have the pandemic that affected so many of you during high school and/or college, causing you to miss the big events that many were looking forward to. I have worked with many young adults over the years and have seen first hand the stress and anxiety that all of this causes your generation. Allow me to help you navigate through these uncertain times and provide you with the tools to help you forge a path forward. Change isn’t easy, and it can be scary, but it is necessary in order to move forward. Together we can work to identify and overcome the obstacles in your life that are preventing you from reaching your potential and realizing your goals. I can help you gain insight and develop healthy coping skills so that you may experience personal growth. Contact me today for a free 15 minute consultation to see if we would be a good fit to work together.