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We are a down-to-earth group of highly-trained, ethical, client-centered therapists who have a sincere interest in helping people connect deeper to themselves, to their sexuality and to others. How can The Philatherapy Network help you?

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WHAT WE OFFER

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INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

No one can connect everything together on their own. We put you at the center of individual therapy. This means we work with you to shape unique personal goals to address life’s stressors, sexual health concerns, emotion regulation challenges, trauma processing. We make space for healing.

More about Individual Therapy

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RELATIONSHIP THERAPY

Many relationships struggle to maintain connection, intimacy, romance, and eroticism. We collaborate with you to re-create a relationship that meets your desires. Relationship therapy can address the impacts of infidelity, trauma, breakdowns in communication, sexual problems, as well as general life stressors.

More about Relationship Therapy

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SEX THERAPY

We understand that you are the expert on your sexuality. We work to bring self-awareness, encourage sexual agency, and explore sexual values. We also hold a thorough understanding of sexual response and physiology to best address the sexual problems you may be facing.

More about Sex Therapy

WHO WE ARE

We are networked together in Philadelphia to support each other in providing the best standard of care for individual, relationship and sex therapy.

 

Network Therapists

To connect with a therapist, use the contact information provided below to reach out directly!

Enter the name for this tabbed section: Dr. Thomas Wood LCSW CST CST-S
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor
(he/him)

If you are reading this, you might be therapy-curious and ready to reach out for help. Or, you might be a therapy veteran who knows all-to-well how a knowledgeable perspective and a healing space can make all the difference in the world! Wherever you are starting from, you might not be entirely sure what the problems is or why the problem is such a problem in your life right now.

Dr. Wood works by getting to the beating heart of emotional, sexual, psychological, and relational challenges. He then tailors his approach based on your strengths and motivations. His sharp intellect, humor, warmth and cutting edge therapy approaches work together to create meaningful and lasting change.

Dr. Wood has presented on relationship, sex therapy, and sexual diversity topics at both the state and national level. He teaches at UPenn, Widener University, Temple University, Jefferson University, and the University of Michigan. He has done extensive work in community sexual health and is passionate about social justice and respecting the dignity of every individual.

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Dr. Wood’s Website
Enter the name for this tabbed section: More about Dr. Wood
Specializations:
LGBTQIA+ Populations
Kink/BDSM/Open/Poly/ENM
Spiritual/Religious Abuse
Trauma and Shame
Sexual Dysfunctions
Relationship Therapy
Methods:
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Systemic-Narrative Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Attachment Theory
Polyvagal Theory
Systemic Sex Therapy
Functional Analytic Therapy
Trauma-Informed Therapy

Specializations:
LGBTQIA+ Populations
Kink/BDSM/Open/Poly/ENM
Spiritual/Religious Abuse
Trauma and Shame
Sexual Dysfunctions
Relationship Therapy

Methods:
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Systemic-Narrative Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Attachment Theory
Polyvagal Theory
Systemic Sex Therapy
Functional Analytic Therapy
Trauma-Informed Therapy

Enter the name for this tabbed section: Jessica Floresta LCSW CST
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor
(she/her)

Asking for help is no small task. Whether looking to help yourself, your relationship, or your children, it can be scary to admit your vulnerability. However, despite some popular beliefs, therapy is not about “fixing” something that is broken; it is about understanding the nature of the problem and working with your strengths to see you through it.

Jessica offers compassion and understanding to help you identify your current barriers in life while also helping you resolve deeper or underlying emotional distress. She provides a warm and caring space for reflection and to help you to get your needs met.

Jessica works with clients ages five and up and has experience working with a wide variety of concerns. She specializes in issues related to sexual development, parenting and sexuality, relationship issues, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma. She uses a strengths-based, resiliency-focused approach. Her first goal is to help her clients feel comfortable in the therapeutic relationship and makes every effort to maintain the comfort and trust of her clients while also helping them to grow.
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Jessica’s Website
Enter the name for this tabbed section: More about Jessica
Specializations:
LGBTQIA+ Populations
Kink/BDSM/Open/Poly/ENM
ADHD
Parenting
Spiritual/Religious Abuse
Trauma and Shame
Sexual Dysfunctions
Relationship Therapy
Co-Parenting
Gender Diveristy




Methods:
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Systemic-Narrative Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Attachment Theory
Polyvagal Theory
Systemic Sex Therapy
Functional Analytic Therapy
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ben Rathsmill MFT
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Pre-Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
(he/him)

There’s no need to face your struggles alone. Ben believes that speaking with a therapist is a life-affirming decision, and intends on individually tailoring therapy to meet your needs, while always maintaining warmth, humor, and caring.

Giving yourself permission to try therapy, to find our inner sources of strength is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give yourself. Ben is trained in the treatment of sexual problems.

Ben is an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist who identifies and encourages conversations that deal with systems of oppression, intergenerational trauma, as well as current systems of power. Ben uses Internal Family Systems and EMDR to harness the body’s healing powers, even if they seem hidden or gone.

Ben invites you to speak to him for a quick phone conversation, to learn what therapy or coaching is like with him.
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Ben’s Website
Enter the name for this tabbed section: More about Ben
Specializations:
Relationship Issues
Polyamory/ENM/Open
Sex Therapy
Intimacy
Life Transitions
Anxiety/Depression
Body Image and Self-Esteem
Communication
Coping Skills
Stress
LGBTQIA+
Methods:
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Narrative Therapy
EMDR
Systemic-Narrative Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Attachment Theory
Systemic Sex Therapy
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Alana Baum LSW
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Licensed Social Worker
(they/them)

As a queer, non-binary clinician, I enjoy working with queer clients of all genders, on all journeys. I am particularly interested in supporting folks who are navigating their relationships with their bodies and sexualities during times of change, loss, and transition. I am deeply grounded in strengths-based work and believe people are the experts of their own experiences.

I bring a warm, permission-giving, and playful energy to my work with individuals and relationships. Informed by relational-cultural and attachment-based theories, I believe in the importance of building a strong therapeutic connection. I work with clients to co-create an approach to healing and growth that makes space for all parts of them.

I practice with an intersectional lens and seek to understand my clients within the context of their identities and histories, including family-of-origin experiences and intergenerational trauma.
I strive to be conscious of how power operates within the therapeutic space and curious about the role that systems of oppression play in people’s struggles.

Whether providing individual, relationship, or sex therapy, I hope to accompany my clients through challenging moments and support them in finding greater trust, permission, and pleasure within themselves.

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Alana’s Website
Enter the name for this tabbed section: More about Alana
Specializations:
LGBTQIA+ Populations
Gender Identity
Asexuality
Grief and Loss
Life Transitions
Anxiety
Disability, Chronic Illness and Pain
Sexual Problems
Relationship Therapy and Transitions
Methods:
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Systemic-Narrative Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Attachment Theory
Polyvagal Theory
Systemic Sex Therapy
Functional Analytic Therapy
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Joanne Gonzales MFT
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Pre-Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Hello! My name is Joanne. I’m a therapist specializing in inclusive, affirming care for queer, poly, and kinky individuals and their loved ones. therapy should always be a safe space for individuals to work on their deepest vulnerabilities, so let’s talk about stuff like gender identity, orientation, nudity, relationship styles, safe sex, or body image to name a few. the general public can be sex-negative at times, and so, too many people feel shame over identities, desires, and behaviors that are perfectly healthy. Sex is everywhere in our culture, yet meaningful conversations about sex isn’t.

My goal is to access your natural strengths and develop tools to better cope with the issues you bring to therapy. I utilize a person-centered, narrative approach to therapy that is respectful and empowering. I’m committed to creating an anti-oppressive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and sex-positive environment for our work together.

I work with non-monogamous clients, kinky clients, clients that work in the sex industry, and clients exploring their sexuality. My ideal clients are looking for a therapist that respects their identity and won’t shame their relationship. You’re the expert in your life, therapy should reflect that and our relationship should be collaborative. Let’s do some work together!
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Joanne’s Website
Enter the name for this tabbed section: More about Joanne
Specializations:
Sex Education - kink/diverse sexualities
Relationship Issues
Polyamory/ENM/Open
Sex Therapy
Intimacy
Life Transitions
Anxiety/Depression
Body Image and Self-Esteem
Communication
Coping Skills
Stress
LGBTQIA+
BIPOC (especially those of Asian and Filipino ethnicities)
Methods:
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Positive Psychology
Systemic-Narrative Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Attachment Theory
Systemic Sex Therapy
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Jessie Johnson MFT
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Pre-Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
(She/They)

Whether you have a specific issue you want to address, or just know you want something different out of your life, therapy can be a great place to explore yourself and begin to make changes. I believe that everyone has the capacity to grow and heal, and I approach therapy as a place to collaborate on bringing out these fundamental fundamental abilities in you.

Because relationships are deeply meaningful within, each person’s life, I specialize in exploring the impact of your relationships - including your relationship with yourself - in your life, to help you better understand and care for yourself and those you love.

I also specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ populations, whether on concerns specifically related to sexuality and gender identity, or other issues. In all my work, I strive to bring a liberatory and anti-oppression lens, recognizing the role of systemic injustice in the lives of marginalized individuals, and explicitly including that recognition in our work.

As a therapist, I take a compassionate and friendly approach. I strive to create an environment where you feel you can talk about anything without judgment. If my perspective and approach sounds right for you, contact me to set up an free consultation!
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Jessie’s Website
Enter the name for this tabbed section: More about Jessie
Specializations:
Relationship Issues
Polyamory/ENM/Open
Sexual Concerns
Intimacy
Anxiety/Depression
Body Image/Liberation
Grief and Loss
LGBTQIA+ Populations
Methods:
Feminist Therapy
Internal Family Systems
Attachment Theory
Systemic Sex Therapy
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Bowen Family Systems Therapy
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Nicola Pierre-Smith LPC
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Licensed Professional Counselor
(She/Her)

Nicola Pierre-Smith, LPC knows it is hard for people to ask for help, and that shame and mental health stigma are barriers to starting therapy. It is especially hard for folks from racialized groups who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to go to therapy because of cultural norms and the preference to talk to friends, family, or religious leaders instead.

With this in mind, Pierre-Smith provides culturally affirming and anti-oppressive therapy for people who have been marginalized because of their social identities. She understands that the intersections of a person’s identities influence how he/she/they engage with the world.

Pierre Smith offers trauma treatment for single-issue and complex trauma, using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She also offers therapy for anxiety, symptoms of depression, stress management, and issues relating to sexual and gender expression.

Significantly, Pierre-Smith provides mental wellness workshops and makes guest appearances in the media as a mental health expert. Individual and corporate clients who have worked with Pierre-Smith report that they have an increased awareness for the impact of racism-based stress on wellness, and increased confidence in their ability to advocate for the mental wellness needs of self and others.

In terms of her background, Pierre-Smith attended universities in Jamaica and America and has completed training in clinical Supervision and Transgender Education at Temple University. Outside of clinical practice, Pierre-Smith offers supervision services of the PA state Board licensing, and enjoys helping provisionally licenses therapists overcome Imposter Syndrome.

Pierre-Smith has a wide range of clinical, leadership, and workshop facilitation skills. For instance, she was the Director of Behavior Health Agency, and has provided specialized treatment to marginalized populations due to their history with the criminal justice system.
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Nicola’s Website
Enter the name for this tabbed section: More about Nicola
Specializations:
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety
Relationship Issues
Bisexuality
Codependency
LGBTQIA+
Life Transitions
Racial Identity
Racism-Based Distress
Women’s Issues
Methods:
Feminist Therapy
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Attachment Theory
EMDR
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Person-Centered
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Jake Horowitz LCSW
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
(he/him)

Sometimes we can feel stuck in unhelpful patterns, routines, or relationships. It can be challenging to make changes in our life. Seeking out therapy can be intimidating, and it takes courage to get started.

I seek to create a safe space for folks to explore and process their experiences in an accepting and collaborative environment. I approach my practice with warmth, openness, and curiosity in order to help my clients connect with themselves, their wants and needs, and achieve their goals.

In addition to helping manage anxiety, stress, and life transitions, I specialize in helping folks navigate the complexities of dating and relationships, identity, and sexuality. I also have expertise in treating male sexual dysfunction.

Using a variety of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness, I help my clients develop a toolbox of skills and strategies so they can be better equipped to navigate life in an empowered and intentional manner.
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Jake’s Website
Enter the name for this tabbed section: More about Jake
Specializations:
Stress
Enhancing Confidence and Self-Esteem
Sexual Dysfunctions
Anxiety
Relationship Issues
Intimacy
LGBTQIA+
Life Transitions
Men’s Issues
HIV/AIDS
Methods:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Mindfulness
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Attachment Theory
Person-Centered
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Kirsten Lyons LCSW MEd
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
(they/them)

As a queer and non binary person, I understand the importance of shared identity with a therapist. In work with my clients, I draw on both my lived experience and my specialized training in sexuality and sex therapy to foster a safe space for LGBTQIA+, kinky, and non-monogamous folks to bring their full selves into therapy.

I am particularly interested in supporting clients navigating chronic pain, and have experience providing sex therapy for clients experiencing pelvic pain, vaginismus, dyspareunia, and other sexual pain disorders.

I utilize psychodynamic, somatic, and attachment-based therapy approaches to help my clients learn to manage difficult emotions and uncover “a-ha” moments that translate to real change. In sessions we’ll work together to help you develop tools to move through difficult moments outside of he therapy office and achieve your goals.
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Kirsten’s Website
Enter the name for this tabbed section: More about Kirsten
Specializations:
PTSD and Trauma
Transgender, non-binary and gender expansive clients
Sexual trauma and abuse
Sexual dysfunctions
Chronic pain
Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Personality Disorders
Relationship Issues
I Work With:
Adults of all ages
LGBTQIA+
People navigating chronic pain and disability
Polyamorous and non-monogamous community
Kink Community
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Melanie Greenberg LCSW MEd
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
(she/her)

Melanie is a pleasure-focused sex therapist and educator. One of the most exciting parts of her job is permission giving. One of Melanie’s favorite parts of being a sex therapist is often being the first person to ever pose questions about a client’s sexuality and provide a safe space to explore parts of themselves they may never have been given the opportunity to connect with.

Melanie loves working with individuals and couples on communication skills, intimacy building, exploring desire, body-acceptance and movement, and life-transitions. Along with sex therapy, Melanie’s expertise is in anxiety, depression, systemic issues and current events, healing childhood wounds, toxic masculinity, and exploring the shame that comes with simply being human.

Melanie is a relational therapist and she utilizes Internal Family Systems (IFS) and parts work, Gottman Method techniques, somatic work, psychoeducation and humor to help deepen her relationship with clients. Melanie works from a systems lens and believes therapy can help heal wounds but cannot heal oppression or take down capitalism and the patriarchy.
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Melanie’s Website

Enter the name for this tabbed section: More about Melanie
Specializations:
PTSD and Trauma
Kink & Queer folks
Grief and Loss
Sexual dysfunctions
Anxiety/Depression
Dating/Relationship Issues
People of all genders
I Work With:
Adults of all ages
Individuals
People in Relationships
LGBTQIA+
Polyamorous and non-monogamous community
Kink Community
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Mike Rosen
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Pre-Licensed Mental Health Counselor
(he/him)

Why were we taught algebra, but never taught about healthy relationships, delightful sex, living through grief, or loving our bodies? With specializations in grief and sexuality, I help folks who feel stuck on topics that aren’t easy to talk about.

My style is highly interactive, and I’m committed to creating a sense of shared accountability in our work.

I have strong experience working with men on issues related to compulsive sexuality, ED and performance anxiety. My practice is kink & queer-affirming, so bring your true self & let’s get started!
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Mike’s Website
Enter the name for this tabbed section: More about Mike
Specializations:
PTSD and Trauma
Kink & Queer folks
Grief and Loss
Sexual dysfunctions
Anxiety/Depression
Dating/Relationship Issues
Heartbreak
Porn Literacy
Sexual Compulsion
Addiction
I Work With:
Adults of all ages
Individuals
People in Relationships
LGBTQIA+
Polyamorous and non-monogamous community
Kink Community
 

FAQ

Each therapist sets their own fees. Email or call to the therapist you are interested in connecting with and request a quote for services. While therapists in the Philatherapy Network do not accept insurances directly, they can provide super bills that can be submitted for reimbursement if your insurance provider offers out of network mental health benefits.
The best way to select a therapist that is right for you is to ask questions during a phone consultation and/or set up a first session. While you are talking with a potential therapist, both you and the therapist can figure out if the therapist’s specializations, approaches and interactive style are a good fit.
The length of therapy depends on your presenting issues and who you are as a person. Most folks come weekly or every other week depending on their needs or financial constraints. According to research, most people know by the 6th or 8th session whether therapy is good for them. the best approach to therapy for yourself is to give the process about a 6-month commitment.
The following are a few good reasons to begin relationship therapy:
  • You feel stuck and what you’ve already tried is not working.
  • one of you feels emotionally or physically/sexually disconnected and can’t seem to change it alone.
  • You fight or withdraw. Or, you refuse to address areas of conflict.
  • You think your partner is what is wrong with the marriage or relationship.
  • You are thinking you might be happier alone or with someone else.
Most importantly, it helps to discuss relationship therapy when you want to learn skills and tools to have a good (or even better) relationship. remember that conflict is growth trying to happen! It can lead you to a better relationship when you know how to work with it.
Yes! If you feel there are specific sexual challenges that you can’t figure out with your current resources, then working with a sex therapist can be a life-changing way to address your concerns.
Yes! Therapists offer both telehealth and in-person therapy. Our office is located in the Mulberry Atrium building at 22nd and Arch St.
Dr. Thomas Wood LCSW is an AASECT certified sex therapy supervisor. All therapists in the Network are sex therapy certified or working towards certification through the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists.
Sex Therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed to remedy barriers to intimacy and sexual problems. In the process of sex therapy, a wide variety of questions will be asked. topics may include:
  • marital or relationship conflicts
  • communication problems
  • specific health and medical issues
  • traumatic experiences
  • lifestyle and hobbies
  • work and family information
  • specific aspects of sexual functioning
  • emotional concerns like anxiety, depression, anger, shame and/or guilt

Sex therapy can be for anyone, of any orientation in any relationship structure. The only requirement is that there is a sense of commitment and motivation to improve the quality of intimacy. Sex Therapy is appropriate for:

  • Individuals wanting to deal with sexual identity issues.
  • People in relationships wanting to increase sexual intimacy.
  • People who want to deal with sexual inhibitions.
  • People who are dissatisfied with their sexual functioning.

People considering a sex therapist may experience, or have a partner experiencing, one or more of the following:

  • Lack of interest in sex.
  • Inability to have intercourse.
  • Painful sex or difficult entry.
  • Problems with orgasm.
  • Erection difficulty.
  • Premature ejaculation.
  • Issues related to rape, incest, sexual assault or childhood sexual abuse.
  • Sexual performance issues related to the stress of infertility or menopause.
  • Coping with a chronic sexually transmitted disease or medical condition.
  • Relationship conflict and lack of emotional intimacy.
  • The impact of anxiety and depression on sexual functioning.
  • Lack of time and energy for sex.
  • Problems with out of control sexual behavior.
Relationship Therapy Provides:

  • A place to safely explore problems challenging a relationship.
  • New skills to handle barriers to communication and intimacy.
  • Bring focus to a confused relationship.
  • An awareness of unmet wants, needs, desires, and dreams.
  • Support and understanding without taking sides.
  • A secure space to find common ground.
  • Relationship mediation.
  • Coparenting support and counsel.
  • Relationship discernment to determine if separation, divorce or breakup is needed.
  • Premarital preparation.
Individual therapy provides:

  • A safe place for you to express your feelings honestly and without shame.
  • New skills to recognize and alter self-protective behaviors which may be isolating you.
  • An understanding of what was missing during your earlier years and techniques to meet those unmet needs.
  • Exercises that give you new insights, and bring some humor, play and joy into your life.
  • New ways of viewing a situation.
  • An awareness that feelings do not come and go but are constant in your life.
  • Support and understanding without criticism or judgment.
  • Sincere empathy for your struggle and turmoil.
  • Explore your whole sexual self free from shame or judgement.
 

What is different about us

We understand that every body (regardless of age, race, orientation, gender, size, ability, etc.) deserves pleasure, understanding, attention and care. Our goal is to support our community by co-creating a space for radical acceptance and healing. We believe that connection holds the potential for awareness and positive life changes that restores individuals and communities.

In our work, we treat the whole person, not just the problem. Your life doesn’t exist in a vacuum and neither do your concerns! We seek to understand your perspective and the impact of other sources of stress. Through our use of thorough assessment, intuitive feedback, emotional understanding, and skilled communication, you will soon find yourself reconnecting, relating and reclaiming a life grounded in fulfilled living!

What we do for you

In our work, we treat the whole person, not just the problem. Your life doesn’t exist in a vacuum and neither do your concerns! We seek to understand your perspective and the impact of other sources of stress. Through our use of thorough assessment, intuitive feedback, emotional understanding, and skilled communication, you will soon find yourself reconnecting, relating and reclaiming a life grounded in fulfilled living!

What we do for each other

The Philatherapy Network of Philadelphia is a group of marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and professional counselors working to support each other in creating sustainable practices. We are passionate about competent, diverse, accessible therapy options for people in the northeastern region. Our belief is that private practices allow for more freedom, agility, burn-out prevention and personal power than traditional agency-based services.

The Network works to support clinicians in creating, and sustaining, practices that are accessible, affordable and affirming to all who reach out for therapy. Sustainable practices allow for more economic viability for clinicians who are then able to offer more financially accessible care to folks accessing care. The Philatherapy Network does not use fee splits - meaning we don’t take any percentage of what a clinician makes. All clinicians take what they make! We aim to break through barriers to private practice so that everyone who wants options for care can access them. We believe we are stronger together!

The Philatherapy Network
Phone: 302-521-0659
2133 Arch St., Suite 304
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Where to find us

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Our sunlight-filled office is located in the Mulberry Atrium Building at the corner of 22nd and Arch St. in Philadelphia, PA.
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In times of isolation and distress, the way forward is not always clear. We are here to help you take the next steps towards meaningful connection and healing.