Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, PA is home to my therapy practice, where I provide specialized eating disorder treatment and LGBTQ-affirming care to individuals throughout the city and surrounding areas. As a queer-identified therapist with advanced training in both eating disorder recovery and gender-affirming approaches, I understand the unique challenges that bring people to seek support in our vibrant, diverse city.
Philadelphia, PA has a thriving LGBTQ+ community, and I'm honored to serve as a resource for queer and trans individuals navigating complex relationships with food, body image, and identity. Whether you're located in Center City, University City, South Philly, Fishtown, or any of the surrounding neighborhoods, I offer both in-person sessions at my Philadelphia office and online therapy to accommodate your schedule and preferences.
Why I Chose to Practice in Philadelphia
When I established my practice here, I was drawn to Philadelphia's rich history of LGBTQ+ activism and the strong sense of community that exists throughout the city. From the Gayborhood to the countless community organizations serving queer and trans folks, Philadelphia offers a foundation of support that complements the therapeutic work I do with my clients.
I'm also personally connected to this community. I'm married to a trans woman, which gives me both professional expertise and lived experience in understanding the nuances of gender identity, transition, and how these intersect with eating and body image concerns. This isn't just work for me. It's deeply personal.
Specialized Services I Offer
My Philadelphia practice focuses on providing affirming, personalized care for individuals dealing with eating disorders, body image struggles, and the unique mental health needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
I work with individuals experiencing various forms of disordered eating, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and orthorexia. My approach moves beyond traditional, often heteronormative recovery narratives to create space for queer and trans individuals to heal their relationship with food and their bodies in ways that honor their full identity.
As a queer therapist, I provide affirming care for individuals across the gender and sexuality spectrum. I understand that mental health challenges often intersect with experiences of marginalization, discrimination, and the ongoing process of identity exploration. My practice is a space where you can bring your whole self without explanation or justification.
I also work with teens and their families navigating questions of gender identity or sexual orientation, as well as partners of individuals who are transitioning. When someone you love comes out as transgender, it can bring up complex emotions and questions about the relationship, identity, and the future. I'm here to help you process those feelings while maintaining connection.
Services
Choose Your Adventure
My Therapeutic Approach
I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Every person who walks into my office or joins me for an online session brings their own unique history, identity, and goals. My approach draws from several evidence-based modalities that I tailor to meet each client's specific needs.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps us understand the different "parts" of ourselves, including those that may drive disordered eating behaviors or negative self-talk. As a trained art therapist, I incorporate creative expression into our work together, accessing emotions and experiences that are difficult to put into words. Psychodynamic therapy helps us understand how past experiences and relationships shape current patterns. For clients dealing with OCD, I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help break the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Serving Philadelphia's Diverse Neighborhoods
My practice welcomes clients from throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area, including Center City, the Gayborhood, University City, South Philadelphia, Northern Liberties, Fishtown, West Philadelphia, Germantown, Mount Airy, Manayunk, and Northeast Philadelphia. I also see clients from Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, and Chester County. With online therapy options available, geographic barriers don't have to prevent you from accessing specialized care.
Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Community Resources
One of the things I love about practicing in Philadelphia is the wealth of community resources available to support my clients' healing journeys. The Mazzoni Center offers comprehensive health services for LGBTQ+ individuals, including gender-affirming care. The Attic Youth Center provides vital support for LGBTQ+ young people ages 14 to 23. The William Way LGBT Community Center in the Gayborhood offers programs and resources for the broader community. These organizations complement the therapeutic work we do together.
What to Expect When You Reach Out
Beginning therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you're dealing with something as personal as your relationship with food, your body, or your identity. I want to make the process as comfortable as possible.
The first step is scheduling a free 20-minute phone consultation through my website. This gives us a chance to connect briefly, discuss what's bringing you to therapy, and determine whether we might be a good fit. There's no pressure. This call is simply an opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of whether my approach resonates with you.
If you decide to move forward, we'll schedule your first session and I'll send you information to set up your client portal and complete intake paperwork. In our first meeting, we'll talk about what's motivating you to seek support, your hopes for therapy, and your history. The first few sessions are a chance to feel things out and make sure you feel comfortable in our work together.
I typically meet with clients weekly for one-hour sessions at a consistent day and time. Some clients choose to meet more frequently or for longer sessions depending on their needs.
Getting Started
If you're in Philadelphia or the surrounding area and looking for a therapist who understands the intersection of eating disorders, body image, and LGBTQ+ identity, I'd love to hear from you. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting, but you don't have to have everything figured out before reaching out.
You deserve care that honors all of who you are. I'm here to help.
