There are few incidents more distressing than the experience of being judged and rejected by a health care professional we went to for help and understanding. Yet this is typical for those of us in alternative lifestyles and can leave us feeling even more hopeless and suspecting maybe we there is something wrong with who we are and what we do that seems so natural and sustaining in our world. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, with 30 years experience in practice - experienced for even longer in alternative sexual lifestyles including BDSM, swinging and polyamory. My reputation is known in the alternative field for many years as one of the few therapists in my area (Philadelphia vicinity) to go to for help.
While many people come to me through the grapevine or personal encounters, professional colleagues will refer individuals to me as my knowledge and experience in these areas is well known. I am empathetic and provide unconditional respect; however, I will not hesitate in being frank and direct with you when it would be of benefit. In addition to understanding and collaborating with people who come to me for help, I am skilled in a wide range of therapies. I strongly believe that therapy should be productive and never boring. While some talk and imparting information, is always important in working on your problem, I am primarily an active therapist in which just talk is not enough.
My practice is holistic, creative, and results-oriented. I help with many life-style problems, including communication and contracting, psycho-education, and general counseling. I also specialize in treating varieties of trauma, anxiety disorders, grief, emotional regulation, and self-esteem issues. The therapies I use include various forms of cognitive-behavioral therapies, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, Ericksonian Hypnosis, Emotional Freedom Therapy, EMDR, and traditional methods drawn from the shamanistic/spiritual/magical healing practices of other cultures and systems.
Counseling your partner(s) can become a primary focus at times, e.g., dealing with the negative reaction of the more straight member, or problems in an alternative relationship(s). However, I will not meet with anyone who is being forced to attend a session (we all know the keystone word: consensual), or are not willing to consider solutions to a problem. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to talk with me on the phone, and if you feel encouraged, meet with me, either online or in person, to see whether there is a fit.
Research has consistently shown that the connection between the individual and the counselor plays the strongest role in therapeutic outcomes. While I do not take insurance for ethical, business, as well as confidential reasons, my sessions are 1 to 3 hours and reasonably priced. However, in many cases I can supply receipts which will result in some reimbursement from your insurance company or flex account.