Discover how starting family therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
8 therapists available in Philadelphia
Becoming your authentic self is a transforming and long journey, and I’m here to walk alongside you, offering tools and encouragem...
About
Becoming your authentic self is a transforming and long journey, and I’m here to walk alongside you, offering tools and encouragement along the way.
Hannah Irwin is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor with 1 year of experience. Hannah’s ideal clients seek a safe, affirming space to explore identity, process life transitions, and build resilience. She values collaboration and transparency, working best with clients who appreciate honest feedback and shared input on the treatment process. Her collaborative and integrative approach empowers clients to be active participants in their healing journey.
Hannah has a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, feminist theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, internal family systems, narrative, and mindfulness-based approaches in her work. She provides care rooted in trauma-informed, systematic, and sex-positive frameworks.
Hannah understands that reaching out for help is not always easy. She provides a judgment-free space and welcomes you to connect when you’re ready. She responds promptly during business hours, and while messages sent outside those hours will be answered the next business day, your well-being remains her priority.
Education and training
View more therapists in Philadelphia
Healing is not always linear, but with the right support, meaningful change is possible, and I’m here to walk alongside you as you...
Healing is not always linear, but with the right support, meaningful change is possible, and I’m here to walk alongside you as you move toward greater balance, clarity, and strength.
With over 7 years of experience in the mental health field, Jennifer “Jen” Quisenberry, Licensed Professional Counselor, supports individuals navigating dual diagnosis and co-occurring challenges. She takes a holistic, trauma-informed approach that integrates mind, body, and environment to foster lasting change. Jennifer empowers clients to overcome negative patterns, rediscover their inner strength, and take meaningful steps toward balance and healing.
Jennifer holds a Master’s in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Duquesne University. She uses a trauma-informed, holistic approach rooted in compassion and respect. Her work centers on helping clients reconnect with their inner strength, regain a sense of personal power, and find clarity in the face of life’s challenges.
Jennifer offers a safe and supportive space for clients feeling stuck or overwhelmed. She believes each person holds the insight and resilience they need—her role is to guide and support them in uncovering it. For those seeking clarity, healing, or growth, Jennifer is honored to walk alongside them on their unique journey.
Jonathan Lewis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who also holds a Master of Human Services Graduate Degree (MHS). Jonatha...
Jonathan Lewis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who also holds a Master of Human Services Graduate Degree (MHS). Jonathan has over 15 years experience partnering with adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, men’s issues and relationship issues. He received his Master of Human Services Degree from historic Lincoln University. Jonathan utilizes relational, collaborative, strength based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based, solution focused and emotionally focused approaches to therapy always maintaining the creativity, flexibility and awareness necessary to best meet the needs of every unique individual and couple. Jonathan seeks to establish a warm and caring relationship with you in order to assist in building on your strengths and better collaborate with you toward meeting your goals and living the meaningful life you value and desire. Aside from his experience and personal qualities, Jonathan's passion for change is at the core of his counseling. Jonathan is a firm believer that Human Beings have the capacity to change, and many of his clients can attest to that. Jonathan takes pride in providing care with openness and empathy, while providing balance and stability. Jonathan is eager to learn more about you and how he can contribute to your patient care and treatment goals.
I am committed to ongoing professional development and supporting individuals affected by mental health issues, as well as their f...
I am committed to ongoing professional development and supporting individuals affected by mental health issues, as well as their families and loved ones.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 5 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and young adults navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in supporting individuals through career transitions, relationship struggles, dual diagnoses, and personal growth. My own journey of healing and self-discovery has shaped how I guide others today. I believe the best teachers are often those who were once students of their own healing.
I earned my Master’s in Psychology from Holy Family University. I take a collaborative, solution-focused approach, working with clients to identify strengths, address barriers, and set goals that lead to meaningful, lasting progress.
I provide a judgment-free space where you can feel supported in exploring your goals. Together, we will work through challenges, past traumas, or obstacles that may hold you back. My goal is to help you get to the place where you see and feel your best self.
I have 30 years of experience in various forms of therapy and am open to using any therapeutic techniques that would help....
I have 30 years of experience in various forms of therapy and am open to using any therapeutic techniques that would help.
MaryAlyce Rensa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania, who has 30 years of experience counseling adults, teens, and children seeking help with anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and trauma.
MaryAlyce completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of MD, University College, and received her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Towson University in Towson, MD. She utilizes cognitive behavior approaches including rational emotive behavior therapy and other strength-based, collaborative, and solution-focused approaches. MaryAlyce specializes in the creative use of games, art, and music for helping clients to develop insight into their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and she is flexible in doing “whatever works” to best meet the needs of her clients.
MaryAlyce often gives homework on self-help activities and encourages participation in the therapeutic activities in sessions. She seeks to establish an open-minded, warm, honest, and caring relationship with you in order to assist in helping you learn to cope with your feelings in healthier ways, to understand and adjust your thoughts to improve your self-esteem and confidence, to build problem-solving skills so you can better help yourself in your life long goals.
As a queer therapist working from a trauma informed and social justice lens, I understand the importance of how our life experienc...
As a queer therapist working from a trauma informed and social justice lens, I understand the importance of how our life experiences and current contexts deeply impact our mental health experiences.
Nicole Lyman (she/they) is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor with 2 years of experience working with young adults, adults, and seniors. Nicole seeks to explore strengths and personalized goals to cope more effectively with life's challenges as well as move towards resilience and growth. Nicole's ideal clients experience a range of issues, often rooted in chronic stress or trauma, including anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, life transitions, trauma/PTSD, relationships, self-esteem, or grief. They also have experience working with clients identifying as LGBT+ and individuals assigned female at birth who are neurodivergent.
Nicole earned a Master’s in Counseling Education from Temple University. They help clients normalize their experiences and circumstances through examining the impact of life experiences and relational dynamics on daily functions and self-image. Nicole helps individuals gain insight into their behaviors and somatic symptoms.
The first step in growth is accepting the need for change and growth. Nicole will help clients learn more about themselves as well as make the changes they are looking for in a safe and nonjudgmental relationship. If a mindful and socially aware counseling relationship feels like a good fit for you, reach out to meet with Nicole.
As a clinical psychologist, I enjoy working with my clients to help them solve their problems and utilize coping skills....
As a clinical psychologist, I enjoy working with my clients to help them solve their problems and utilize coping skills.
Marcy Shoemaker is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 14 years of experience who works with diverse clients of all ages. She specializes in supporting individuals through career transitions, life stressors, anger, anxiety, depression, parenting, self-esteem issues, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Marcy’s ideal client is open and honest and not hesitant to give feedback on the direction of their therapeutic journey. She believes there is no perfect type of therapy and takes an eclectic approach, working with clients to discuss feelings, problem-solve, and develop coping skills.
Marcy received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Among the methods she uses are cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, emotionally focused therapy, family systems, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques.
During hard times, it is helpful to have an unbiased third party to listen without judgment. Marcy is ready to be the supportive ear that guides you through your issues and helps you to reach your goals. If you are ready to begin, schedule an appointment today!
Mark is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who works out of an office in Philadelphia, and holds licenses in both Pennsylvania an...
Mark is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who works out of an office in Philadelphia, and holds licenses in both Pennsylvania and California. He has 20 years of experience helping children, adults, and families work through challenges that impact their health and happiness. He spent much of his career working at a nonprofit agency that continues to serve trauma impacted children and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was through this work that Mark grew to understand both the grave impact of trauma and the healing power of psychotherapy. Mark works from a variety of therapies to best match an individual's needs. Some of these include cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and gestalt therapy. He also has subspecialties in parent training, behavioral intervention instruction, and play therapies. Regardless of the therapeutic orientation, he believes enriching an individual’s personal story is the key to change. When people can author strength based personal narratives, they are able to find the strength to overcome their doubts, fears, and worry. Mark believes every person carries within them the power to change and heal. He seeks to help individuals access this power through a safe, comforting, and expressive experience.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
Not ready to book? Contact me
Look for a confirmation email in your inbox shortly. We'll help find you a provider and guide you through everything you should know about starting care at Thriveworks.
No membership fees or subscriptions
Evening and weekend sessions
Award-winning therapy & psychiatry
What support are you seeking?
You acknowledge that by submitting this form, you are providing what may be considered “sensitive data” and consent to Thriveworks Privacy Policy & Terms. By submitting this information, you consent to receive communication from Thriveworks about our services via automatic calls, artificial or pre-recorded messages, or texts at the phone number provided, or by email at the address provided. You have the option to opt out of communications.
We will contact you with availability updates based on the preferences you provided for up to six months.
Family therapy, like individual therapy, starts with a comprehensive assessment. During this assessment, I help the family identify some of the dynamics in the relationships that contribute to the distress that led the family to therapy. Oftentimes, families come to therapy due to problems with communication and conflict. Communication and conflict resolution skill-building is an important factor for successful outcomes. Through “enactments,” family members practice talking through real issues that impact members of the family with the help of a therapist. The therapist plays many roles, including guide, mediator, teacher, and referee. Other exercises such as working to help family members build empathy with one another help bring a greater sense of ease within the family structure.
In family therapy, I introduce communication and conflict resolution skills such as reflective listening, taking responsibility, validation, compromise, and emotional regulation.
I know a client is making meaningful progress in family therapy when they and their family meet the treatment goals and objectives consistently. This often involves a decrease in conflict and greater success with positive family interactions.
To supplement family therapy, families can make a point to devote quality time to engaging in activities with one another.
To prepare for their first family therapy session, an individual should come prepared to take emotional risks with the hope that these risks lead to greater family functioning.
Family therapy helps families resolve conflicts and strengthen their relationships. It is led by qualified mental health professionals like psychologists, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) who have extensive training in family dynamics and group communication.
Thriveworks family therapists in Philadelphia, PA usually begin by asking what everyone’s goals are for family counseling. Family members may need help with very specific issues or with general relationship functioning. But there are three main purposes in family counseling: to educate, to counsel, and to strengthen. Thriveworks also offers online family therapy and in-person services, so you may all meet in an office together or join a video call from your home depending on everyone’s location and availability.
The most effective form of Family therapy will often depend on the family itself, as there are many types of family therapy for therapists to use as they see fit in order to best meet the needs of their clients. However, one of the most commonly used types of family therapy is structural family therapy (SFT). SFT focuses specifically on family dynamics and interactions, looking at how they shape the relationships and structure present in the family. It can be effectively used to treat a variety of concerns.
This answer often looks different to each family that starts family therapy. However, some signs that your family might need to consider family counseling include frequent fights or misunderstandings, constant tension, experiencing loss, behavioral issues, marital issues, divorce, and blended family issues, among others.
In family therapy, therapists will often start by asking questions and assessing individual and family dynamics. From there, they may employ therapeutic techniques such as structured family therapy, CBT, strategic family therapy, and more depending on the present concerns and conflicts. From there, a therapist will work to open lines of communication between family members and facilitate emotional healing and growth.
Family therapy can be incredibly successful, with some studies reporting a success rate of almost 90% for improving participants’ emotional and mental health, and around 66% for improving their physical health.
Thriveworks therapists in Philadelphia, PA offer both online family therapy and in-person family therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
Family therapy is usually short term and solution-focused, with most families accomplishing their goals in 12 sessions or fewer. However, it can also last for longer if the probles at hand are more complex — and that’s okay, too.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Shown in ET
Call us to book
Our team is happy to help you schedule your first session.
Book online
Find the right provider for you. Book your session online yourself in just a few easy steps.