Therapists for college students near University of Pennsylvania
If you haven’t heard this yet, you aren’t too much or too complicated. You can be helped and it is not too late. You do not have to do this alone. I want to be on this journey with you. Whether we explore your addiction or relationship with substances, put the pieces together again after a life transition or relationship ending, or navigate challenges including family conflict/estrangement or a loved ones addiction, I am here to support and help. I'm a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) specializing in addiction and substance use. With over 13 years experience, I have seen and heard it all. Addiction comes with many complications; I anticipate that. I treat co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic medical issues, women's issues, and complex family dynamics. It's ok to not know where to start. My goal is to give you a space where you can feel free to explore the things you keep tucked inside. You set our pace. I am client-centered using CBT with motivational interviewing and experiential work. I believe that there are connections between past and present thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
When many people begin therapy, they don't know where to start. That is totally normal and no one I see needs to have all the answers right now. The people I work with often are going through a tough transition, experiencing stress at school, struggling with feelings of anxiety or depression, or they may have had something really distressing happen to them. Often, they may be noticing patterns of avoidance, procrastination, and self-shaming. Sometimes they're also experiencing stress in their relationships. Whatever is happening, I honor how challenging the process of reaching out for support can be, and I am here to help by working together with those who come to my practice. I specialize in attachment based EMDR therapy, which is incredibly useful for addressing distressing events (in the past or present); chronic stress, severe anxiety, and feeling like you are "stuck" on an issue that just doesn't seem to go away. It can also help resolve old wounds that are impacting current relationships. I'm here to help make the process of beginning therapy easier and help create a sense of safety by collaborating with you to address your needs. I also respect that paying for therapy can be complicated. To help, I offer a service where I can submit billing info to a service that files documentation with your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursements. If eligible, you may be able to receive a portion of your money back for therapy, making payment easier. I am also able to check to see if you're eligible for reimbursement. If you are a student in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Florida, the next step is to email or call me today. I look forward to connecting!
Being a student is a tough time of transition. There are alot of feelings that are swirling around, along with having to "stay on top of all of your academics and/or sports". For many students, it is the first time living without parents/guardians. You have to deal with faculty, and manage expectations from others as well as yourself. College life can be fun, but at the same time very stressful! Sometimes the stress causes other problems to pop up that you have not had to deal with before, or perhaps you did, but on a manageable level. Counseling can be an opportunity to talk through alot of these frustrations, and challenges. It can be a time to also find out about other resources in the world that can be helpful. Either way, it is YOUR time to figure out what would be helpful, and to get it! Reach out to Rays of Hope, we are eager to assist you during this time! PLEASE NOTE: I ALSO have office hours in Bala Cynwyd, Pa. which is right outside of Phila. near City Line Avenue.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I believe that we all have had experiences that shape our sense of the world and impact our relationships with others. My approach to therapy involves exploring how past experiences impact the present and helping my clients use those insights to make active, positive, and healthy changes around their sense of self and in their relationships. In the years I've been providing therapy, I have maintained a generalist practice, working with individuals facing a range of challenges. My areas of speciality are in working with women in life transitions, working with individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, and working with individuals experiencing issues around sexuality and relationship functioning. I am a sex-positive therapist with an open and accepting worldview about the infinite range of human sexual desire and expression. Using techniques from narrative therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, as well as more directive approaches, I will work with you in creating a therapy experience that is completely individualized. My understanding is that no two people are alike, and, therefore, therapy is a uniquely co-created experience.
Reaching out for help can be a difficult decision. It is crucial to find a therapist who displays warmth, compassion, empathy, attentiveness and a safe space to facilitate self-understanding and healing. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, my approach focuses on helping you find specific personality strengths to promote growth while increasing self-awareness. I have comprehensive experience and training in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship conflict, grief and addiction. I am flexible in adapting my therapeutic approach to support your unique needs. Solution focused therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy are the core tools I utilize to promote your well-being.
Do you feel like your unwanted thoughts are taking over your life? Are you a struggling and frustrated individual who feels like giving up? Have you lost all hope in your life? Are you struggling in college? At work? Does it feel like you are falling apart? Do you feel anxious and weary? Are your unwanted childhood memories interrupting your productivity? Meet with Heloise Ridley, EdD, MBA, MA, LPC, NCC: I support adults struggling to connect with others, establish healthy boundaries, or communicate within their current relationships due to early childhood trauma. I utilize a trauma-informed, culturally attuned lens to support you as a client with unconditional regard and occasional humor. Based upon your needs and preferences as a client, my clinical orientation can include a blend of AEDP, family systems, trauma-healing, strengths-based, and narrative therapy. I strive to provide a “no judgement zone” for you as clients to pursue your healing. I believe I serve as a cheerleader in your journey towards new hope and resilience.
Throughout the journey of a woman’s life there are many emotional shifts and challenges. Are you going through a difficult life event and feeling like it would help to have more support? Are you looking to learn ways to increase your emotional wellness, resolve conflicts, and feel more secure in your relationship with yourself and others? This practice is open and inclusive to all.
My clients are dedicated athletes grappling with eating disorders or OCD, facing the dual challenges of their mental health and a desire to perform at their peak. They are often overwhelmed by the demands of their sport, which can blur the lines between passion and harmful habits. Their primary goal is to reclaim their lives and their love for their sport, seeking not just recovery, but transformation—an opportunity to realign their beliefs and values towards a healthier, more balanced existence. They crave empowerment, resilience, and the ability to thrive both in their athletic pursuits and personal lives.
Philadelphia DBT Associates offers individual and group therapy to those struggling with symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and other mood-related concerns. Do you have a tough time controlling your emotions? Does it ever feel like you're stuck on autopilot, reacting and not knowing how to control your reactions? Are you struggling with relationships with yourself and others? Then DBT may be right for you! DBT is a skills-based therapy that can teach individuals tools to act more effectively and in line with their goals and values. DBT teaches four modules 1)Mindfulness 2)Interpersonal Effectiveness 3) Distress Tolerance 4)Emotional Regulation. New DBT Skills group launching June 2022! We have clinicians who are able to accept clients in, PA, NJ, DE, GA, HI
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
My therapeutic philosophy is firmly rooted in the belief that you know yourself best, and it is my passion as a therapist to provide you with the space to collaboratively explore as well as make meaning out of your own unique life experiences. I am dedicated to fostering an authentic and supportive relationship with my clients in order to promote awareness, empowerment and growth. I have training and experience in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, mood disorders & eating disorders. My approach is versatile, integrative and individually tailored to my clients' unique goals. I utilize methodologies and techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Narrative and Experiential Therapies, as well as mindfulness. In my work, I have found that working from a strengths-based perspective and using humor is helpful in meeting my clients exactly where they are in this often daunting process, highlighting their resiliency and motivating them to continue working towards a more fulfilling life.
I am here to support you step into your authentic self. The individuals, couples, and family constellations I work with are committed to making real changes in their lives. I will meet you with an unconditional, warm, empathetic environment to soften into while we face and process some of the things that hurt, bewilder, or confuse you the most. By doing so, the goal is to release that which is no longer yours to carry and align with the most authentic version of yourself. Our work includes making meaning of your experiences and relationships. Through our work, patterns and struggles become illuminated and change can come in.
The families and students who thrive in my practice often arrive seeking support for the very real challenges they face—challenges that can feel isolating, overwhelming, or misunderstood in other settings. Many of my clients are navigating: Autism and the need for a more affirming, strength-based approach that values neurodiversity. ADHD and the daily push-pull of focus, impulsivity, and emotional intensity. The lingering effects of trauma, where safety, trust, and connection need to be rebuilt. Executive function struggles that impact school, home routines, and relationships. Emotional regulation challenges, especially when big feelings lead to big reactions. A deep desire to improve family communication, but feeling stuck in old patterns. What they share is not just the presence of these challenges—but also a commitment to change, a curiosity about their own growth, and families who want to better understand and support one another. In our work together, we don’t just manage behaviors—we build insight, confidence, and skills. We make space for emotional expression, teach tools that empower independence, and strengthen co-regulation and communication across the whole family system.
I often work with clients who have anxiety or depression about school or work or relationships. They may have relationship problems with friends or romantic partners or struggle with social anxiety or school performance anxiety. Some of my clients are dealing with divorce or are couples trying to work through issues in their relationships including poor communication or affairs.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.