Our Clinicians

(Wyndmoor Office and Telehealth)

I provide psychotherapy for adults of all ages and young people ages 14 and up, working with individuals, couples, and groups. I work collaboratively with clients to help them gain insight into their current challenges in the context of what has already happened in life. Together, we explore what is working and how to build on it, as well as how to let go of patterned responses to difficulty that no longer serve them well. My goal is to support clients as they navigate through healing and growth towards a life with less confusion and distress, and more compassion, connection, and joy.

My clinical interests are working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, identity development, loss, and life transitions. My approach is developmental, culturally-attuned, strengths-based and trauma-informed. I draw on therapeutic traditions that are contemplative (mindfulness and compassion-based), relational, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and focused on systems.

Before returning to school for clinical social work training at Bryn Mawr College in 2022, I earned a PhD in learning and human development from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006. As an educator and university researcher, I have focused on how people learn together in ways that can promote dignity and healing or can reproduce historical inequities and harm. I am a lifelong student of mindfulness and contemplative practice, and I facilitate mindfulness and compassion courses and workshops for healthcare professionals, educators, and the public, including as a Certified Teacher of the Mindful Self-Compassion program.

(Wyndmoor Office and Telehealth)

Kristen Beardsley, MSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker who works with children, adolescents, and adults. She is inspired by each individual’s ability to cope better and make changes in line with their values and goals.  Kristen uses a variety of approaches tailored to each client, which may include but is not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, and play therapy. She is a compassionate listener who focuses on building strengths and addressing concerns from a mind, body, and spiritual perspective. Kristen has experience working in community, educational, legal, and medical settings helping people get a variety of needs met. Kristen grew up in the Midwest, but has since made roots on the East coast after completing graduate school in 2008 at the University of Pennsylvania. She enjoys reading, listening to music, and hiking.

(Wyndmoor Office Only)

Neal Beatus (He/Him) provides psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families.  He treats clients of all ages, from preschool through senior citizens.  Some of his areas of clinical interest include depression, anxiety, school behavior problems, grief, divorce, obsessive-compulsive disorder, foster care, and adoption.  Neal has extensive training in Psychoanalytic Object Relations Therapy and Family Systems Therapy.

Neal received his Bachelor of Arts from Haverford College in 1987 and his Master of Social Service from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research in 1996.  He began his career in the mental health field as a foster care social worker with the Juvenile Justice Center of Philadelphia.  Neal enjoyed working closely with foster children and their foster families to help them process the traumas that brought the children into care and to help the children cope with the challenges of adjusting to their new homes.

Neal has provided trainings on various psychotherapy topics at agencies, clinics, and colleges.  He has developed an extensive training program for foster parents and foster care social workers.

(Telehealth Only)

Colm Brennan (he/him) provides psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families. His areas of clinical interest include relational issues, couples & family therapy, family of origin issues, multicultural counseling, disordered eating, body positivity, men’s health, depression, anxiety, and
supporting trauma survivors. Colm is a trauma-informed and Health At Every Size (HAES) clinician and has extensive training in child and family therapy.

Colm received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Vermont and his Master of Social Service from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.  He began his career in the mental health field working in inpatient psychiatry and providing in-home family therapy in the Philadelphia area.

Colm has provided educational programs and training on various mental health topics to schools, offices, agencies, and at community events.  Colm is a certified Suicide Prevention trainer (NAMI) and a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor (Nat. Council for Mental Wellbeing) and often provides consulting and training services to local groups and communities.

(Wyndmoor Office Only)

David Henrich, LCSW has a private practice in individual, couples and family psychotherapy.  His special interests include grief, major illness and disability, addictions, trauma, the use of humor in therapy and clinical supervision.

David has worked in human services since 1971.  He joined GKSW in 1981 and has been a partner since 1990.  He is also a Director and Faculty member of the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Philadelphia where he has trained other therapists for over 30 years.  He taught at the Family Institute of Philadelphia for over 15 years.

In addition to his private practice, David’s work experience includes:

  • Training and consulting in human services for a wide variety of institutions;
  • Direct service and supervisory positions in various health care and human service institutions including the Fox Chase Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia State Hospital and the Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Center;
  • Training for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs and Office of Community Preparedness.

David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hobart College and a Master of Social Service from the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.  He is a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work and a Licensed Social Worker.  He holds a certificate from the Gestalt Center for Psychotherapy and Training of New York.

(Telehealth Only)

Choosing to begin psychotherapy can start with a feeling that there is more for you to discover, a greater balance to achieve, or a challenge to work through. In the safe accepting space of therapy, a healing process can evolve at a pace that is supportive and comfortable for you. I encourage people to approach their inner work with gentleness, perseverance, courage and compassion. I offer psychodynamic, mindful, cognitive and trauma-informed care to individuals, pairs and groups. I value and practice a thoughtful, culturally aware, and collaborative approach to our work. When you want to move in a new direction, the support of a therapist can make all the difference. I respect where people are in their lives and value being a part of the change process.

For the past 18 years I have worked as an advocate and therapist with adults, teens, and families in home, office, residential, and prison settings. I was awarded an MSS in Clinical Social Work from Bryn Mawr College in 2009. My undergraduate studies included English/Writing and Psychology at Mount Holyoke College, where I earned my BA with Honors. I have completed EMDR practitioner training through the EMDR Institute.

Having developed a holistic view of healing as a young adult, I have practiced meditation for 34 years, studying in the U.S. and India. I enjoy writing and have a lifelong involvement in the creative arts. My clinical interests include: natural approaches to anxiety, depression and grief work, healthy spirituality, LGBTQ topics and Queer Theory, women’s issues, healing cultural and developmental trauma, and pathways to developing meaning and satisfaction in life.

(Center City office, She/Her)

I am a licensed clinical social worker who provides individual therapy to adults and adolescents. I obtained my MSW from the University of Pennsylvania in 2022 and have since worked in community mental health, college counseling, residential, and private outpatient treatment settings. My postgraduate training includes a Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Clinical Certificate from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.

I have been told I am nonjudgmental, down to earth, and straightforward in sessions. My clinical interests include anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship concerns, sex and sexuality, emotion dysregulation, and eating disorders. I enjoy working with LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as immigrants and children of immigrants. I have experience providing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and while that is not a modality I currently offer, I can support those who have benefitted from DBT and now wish to enter a more open-ended, psychodynamic treatment.

I enjoy helping people who struggle with feeling like their emotions are “too much,” either for themselves or the people around them. By creating a genuine connection and a sense of safety, we can bravely begin to uncover what your feelings are telling you.

(Center City & Virtual)

I’m a licensed professional counselor and board certified music therapist who offers individual psychotherapy to adults 18 and up. My role is to non-judgmentally create space, ask questions, and offer reflections and experiments that help you experience yourself in ways that are hard to do alone. Over time, your relationship with yourself might get more curious, compassionate, honest and aware – and that’s where stuck patterns and other things start to shift.

I am informed by Gestalt, person-centered, and psychodynamic approaches to therapy, all of which honor the uniqueness of each client and what we create together. Our work will likely feel more free-flowing than structured, as we both learn to attune to what is emerging in each moment. We’ll engage in dialogue about what’s coming up for you; I might slow things down or focus your attention as needed. I tend to bring an energy that is present, patient, thoughtful, and playful, though it shifts somewhat depending on each client.

My practice is also informed by deep curiosity about generational trauma and how broader systems shape our lives, which we can explore at whatever depth feels right for you. I have particular experience with queer, trans, creative, and/or autistic individuals; I welcome people from all backgrounds, whether you’re experiencing deep emotional pain, adjusting to a life transition, and/or trying to live more authentically. I primarily offer talk therapy but we can explore working with music (listening, creating) if you’re interested.

(Center City and Telehealth)

Abby (she/they) works with adolescents and adults, with a special focus on supporting people in times of transition and those exploring questions of identity. Her other clinical interests include depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and relationship challenges.

Abby utilizes a psychodynamic and relational approach, paying close attention to how one’s inner world and past experiences shape present patterns, relationships, and sense of self. Their style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in curiosity. They’re mindful of how identity, culture, and lived experience influence mental health, and strive to create a space where all perspectives are met with respect, openness, and care.

Abby is a licensed social worker and holds a Master’s degree in Social Services from the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.

(Telehealth Only)

Justine Patel is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC). She received her Master of Art in Art Therapy from Drexel University in 2012. Justine is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Trauma Art Narrative Therapy.

Justine has clinical experience working with children, teens, and families in a variety of clinical settings: outpatient community clinic, school, therapeutic nursery, detention center and a long-term placement facility. Some areas of clinical interest include grief and loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation, social skills, behavioral challenges, parenting issues and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders.

Justine has a child-centered therapeutic approach. Her calm, empathic, and positive demeanor promotes a safe and comfortable therapeutic environment for the children, parents and clients with whom she works. She utilizes art therapy, traditional verbal therapy, and play therapy techniques to provide a therapeutic environment where children can grow, learn new skills, and express themselves.

Justine offers appointments in the day and evening during the week and morning and afternoon appointments on Saturday.

(Wyndmoor and Center City Offices)

I view therapy as an opportunity to build a meaningful life. This can be through either discovering new meaning or recognizing meaning that’s been there all along. In building therapeutic relationships, I aspire to form genuine, authentic connections with patients. My specialties include working with those experiencing existential anxiety or dread, those with complicated grief, trauma survivors, persons living with psychosis, and those who use drugs and aren’t interested in abstinence.

I practice from an existential-humanistic perspective, which means I tend to encourage focus on the here-and-now. However, I am also trained in cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic techniques, and I tailor my approach to the needs of the individual. My colleagues have described me as warm, non-judgmental, humorous, and frank.

I can provide sessions in-person, virtually, or a mix between the two. Having grown up in rural Pennsylvania, I am aware that it can be difficult to find services outside of the major metropolitan areas and I enthusiastically accept inquiries from across the state. I work primarily with adults of all ages and older adolescents.

In addition to psychotherapy, I provide affordable supervision for those working towards LCSW licensure. I have experience in providing mental health service in multiple settings, including: general outpatient, forensics, and integrative healthcare. Those receiving supervision with me are generally interested in the humanistic psychotherapies, but I have competence in psychodynamic and postmodern cognitive-behavioral therapies. My primary goal is helping clinicians develop their own therapeutic orientation. I also provide in-depth training in existential psychotherapy.

(Center City Office and Telehealth)

(Wyndmoor Office)

Amy Poppel, LCSW practices psychotherapy with individual and couples. Her clinical interests include eating disorders, relationship issues, mood disorders including post-partum depression and bipolar disorders, the effects of trauma and abuse, women’s health and reproductive concerns, and life transitions.

Amy received her Masters in Social Services from Bryn Mawr College in 2004. In addition, she received a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Villanova University in 1990 and worked as a Registered Nurse at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Her combined education and clinical experience has led to an avid interest in providing therapy to those newly diagnosed or living with physical illness.  She is an experienced therapist and utilizes a psychodynamic, relational approach, drawing on her training in Object Relations to guide her work.  Amy provides an empathic and collaborative environment in her work with clients.

I provide psychotherapy for young adults to senior citizens. My main clinical interests include helping individuals to reclaim themselves from the effects of trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, and loss as well as to work with self-esteem, self-confidence, dependency, and other relational issues, in order to live a vibrant life.

I draw on strengths-based, psychodynamic, relational, grounding/somatic, mindfulness, meditation, self-compassion, and acceptance and commitment therapy approaches to help clients reconnect with their true selves. In addition to intrapsychic and interpersonal issues, I tune into cultural, social, political, and economic factors and am an LGBTQIA+ ally.

There is a way out of suffering. I would be honored to help you reclaim your mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

I am a Licensed Social Worker and have a Master of Social Science degree from Bryn Mawr College’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. Before entering the social work field, I worked in the financial sector. I also hold a B.A., Economics, and a Minor in Asian Studies, from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

(Telehealth Only)

I assist people who are struggling with life transitions, grief, or disconnection from themselves and others. If you feel stuck, lost, or worried about your future, we can explore how to create the type of life that you desire.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania with over 30 years of clinical experience. I hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Temple University and a Master’s Degree in Social Service from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. I am a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist. My areas of specialty include grief and loss, relationship concerns, Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA), self -esteem/ assertiveness, giftedness in adolescents/adults, and life transitions.

My approach is psychodynamic, meaning that where we come from and what we learned as children shape who we are today. I will create a safe space so that you can be yourself without judgment. The individuality and strengths of each person are also emphasized, tailoring my work to your unique needs. Therapy with me is collaborative, supportive, and growth oriented. Life is challenging, especially in these times. We can work together to find the best tools to help you thrive.

(Center City Office and Telehealth)

El (she/they) works with adults, adolescents, and couples in an open, collaborative way to uncover and process underlying dynamics that may be outside of one’s awareness. Her approach to therapy is psychoanalytic and relational in nature, meaning she utilizes the therapeutic connection to look at how past experiences have shaped who we are. El’s work aims to help clients understand their fears and desires in order to make meaning of what’s happening in their lives. Through the use of humor, curiosity, directness and compassion, she supports clients to generate new insight into old patterns, problems, and behaviors.

In her practice, El strives to create an honest yet warm environment where her clients can feel and speak freely. She is sensitive to the ways a person may be impacted by identity and lived experience, and is committed to holding space for the diverse range of worldviews held by those who choose to work with her.

(Wyndmoor & Center City Offices)

Rob Staples received his undergraduate degree is Psychology from Haverford College and his Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Hahnemann University. He worked as a Staff Psychologist at the Child Psychiatry Center at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children for eight years and has been associated with GKSW/Crystal Group Associates since 1980 (as a Partner since 1990.)

He works with people across the lifespan, providing individual, couple, and family psychotherapy. He utilizes both psycho-dynamic and family systems approaches, and remains open to integrating other techniques, such as Cognitive Behavior therapy, that have been shown to be effective.

His areas of interest include the treatment of ADHD, learning disorders, and those with high functioning Autism Spectrum disorders.

Rob’s consultation experience has been quite varied. From 1994 through 2017 he served as the consulting School Psychologist at Plymouth Meeting Friends School. His school-based skills include consultation with teachers, administrators, and parents. He also established a consultation service in skilled nursing facilities throughout Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, and enjoys helping individuals and families meet the challenges of ageing.

Rob is a participating provider in Medicare.

© Copyright 2016 Philip Chapline, All rights reserved This image, or deritivative works, can not be used, published, distriputed or sold without written permission of the author

(Wyndmoor Office and Telehealth)

I am dedicated to helping you cope and work to overcome life’s inevitable challenges, family / relationship conflict, traumatic and painful circumstances that often result in suffering, distress, anxiety and depression. I strive to provide a supportive space where you can explore more effective ways to deal with your problems, while increasing self-awareness and self-acceptance. I can assist you to process issues related to grief and loss, including the loss of a beloved pet. I have experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life.

With profound respect, honoring your trajectory, I work collaboratively with you to address your goals and concerns, while placing emphasis on strengths, resilience, insight, personal development and growth. I stress the importance of people being active agents in their change process.

In addition to a Master’s Degree in Psychology, I hold a Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamics, a Post-Master’s Certificate in Brief Therapy and an Intensive Post-Graduate Training in Gestalt Therapy. With over 27 years of clinical practice in a variety of settings, I have professional experience working in Mexico, Canada and the US.

Some of my areas of clinical interest and expertise include: depression, anxiety, family / relationship issues, coping with major  physical illness / chronic conditions, trauma / PTSD, grief and loss, insomnia, life transitions, parenting, stress, women’s issues.

I am currently working with individual adults and offer in-person and online sessions through telehealth. I can provide services in Spanish.

(Wyndmoor and Center City offices)

Catherine Welsh (She/Her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides psychotherapy to individuals of all ages. Some of her areas of clinical interest include depression, grief, relationship difficulties, anxiety, school-related behavioral issues, as well as acute and complex trauma recovery. Utilizing an empathic therapeutic relationship, Catherine offers a safe and confidential space to sort through confusing thoughts and explore painful emotions. By looking thoughtfully at early relationships and formative experiences, she seeks to understand her patients’ current interactive patterns with others and how they cope with life difficulties. The goal of her work is to foster self-awareness and build the capacity to live a life of curiosity, creativity, vitality, and connection.

Catherine earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy from Capital University in 1988.  She was awarded her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1993. She continually seeks to enhance her clinical skills through ongoing training, supervision, and group study. In addition to individual psychotherapy, she offers clinical consultation grounded in the study of object-relations psychodynamic therapy. Catherine is also trained in EMDR therapy, which is a neurologically-based treatment approach that resolves unprocessed traumatic memories by facilitating the brain’s natural capacity for healing. In addition, Catherine is prioritizing her understanding of the impact of white privilege in people of all races, and striving to be sensitive and relevant in her cross-cultural interactions.

(Wyndmoor Office Only)

Sebastian Wheeler (He/Him) provides psychotherapy to children, adolescents, families, and adults. He believes that each of us has a deep capacity for growth and resilience. He aims for a compassionate and honest approach in hopes of forming a unique and productive therapeutic relationship with each of his clients. Some of his areas of clinical interest are difficulty in parent-child relationships, changes in family structure, anxiety, depression, gender, and making sense of changes and relationship difficulties in adulthood.

Sebastian has worked in the mental health field since 2009, primarily working with children, adolescents, and their families providing inpatient, outpatient, and home-based care. He received his Masters in Clinical Social Work from Smith College in 2018 and began his psychotherapy career working as an intensive in-home family therapist. Sebastian has experience counseling LGBTQIA+ teens and working with clients of all ages. He seeks a culturally humble stance.

(Wyndmoor Office and Telehealth, She/Her)

Life can be difficult, traumatic and hard to face when we feel alone or have limited skills. I provide psychotherapy to individuals from adolescence across the lifespan, helping you more effectively respond to life’s challenges. My goal is to provide a safe environment where we can co-create a trusting relationship that will facilitate healing, learning and growth, and help you feel more comfortable with yourself and in the world.

I use mindful, trauma-informed, psychodynamic, relational systems approaches to inform and guide our work. I am also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, which help build explicit life skills.

I am a clinical social worker, and received a Masters in Social Services from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Research in 2013. In addition, I received a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management from Villanova in 2004. I have been training in Systems Oriented Therapy since 2001. My work, training and life experiences along with your skills, experience and strengths will inform our work together.

(Wyndmoor Office Only)

Going into therapy takes courage, so it’s important that you feel safe, heard and supported by someone who respects you, honors your process, and acts as a compassionate ally on your journey to self-awareness, desired change, and a more fulfilling life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Gestalt Therapist. I use psychodynamic psychotherapy and solution-focused therapy to work with those struggling with anxiety; depression; relationship issues; life transitions; grief and loss; substance abuse; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered issues; blocks to creativity; and finding meaning.

I have a Master’s degree from Bryn Mawr College, where I was the recipient of the Patricia Burland Award for Excellence in Clinical Social Work Practice. I have additional training in mindfulness-based stress reduction, and trauma recovery and empowerment for women. I work with individuals and couples, adolescents and adults.

SUPPORT STAFF

MaryJean O’Byrne
Office Manager

Jackie Stepp
Insurance Specialist