Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Philadelphia, PA

My name is Irlande Stavien, and I have been working in mental health for the past 13 years. My path into this field began with a desire to better understand people—their struggles, their resilience, and the many ways life can shape emotional well-being. I hold a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Psychiatric Rehabilitation, as well as a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. 

For 8 years, I worked in one of my state's largest hospitals, and over the last 5 years, I've continued to grow while helping others work toward becoming the person they envision themselves to be. Working with individuals from many different backgrounds has strengthened my understanding of the importance of compassion and genuine human connection. 

I focus on creating a nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe, heard, and understood. My goal is to help clients feel empowered, supported, and able to move toward healing and personal growth at their own pace. My approach is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and meeting people where they are while helping them build the life they want.

Sydney Vaughn is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor with over 3 years of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. She specializes in working with children and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, behavioral challenges, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Sydney has extensive experience working with neurodivergent individuals, including those on the autism spectrum.

Sydney earned her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Temple University. Her clinical training includes crisis intervention and inpatient psychiatric care, equipping her to respond with empathy and insight in high-stress environments. Sydney’s approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and rooted in compassion.

Sydney creates a calm, affirming space where clients feel heard and supported. She guides individuals to reconnect with their inner voice and navigate life’s challenges at their own pace. Whether you’re managing anxiety, trauma, or self-doubt, Sydney helps you exhale, heal, and move forward with confidence.

Sharon Rich is a Licensed Social Worker with 3 years of experience who is passionate about helping others better understand themselves. She specializes in working with diverse populations including adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, life changes, LGBTQ+ issues, substance use disorders, and mental health disorders such as ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, attachment disorders, and more. Sharon has a unique background working with acute mental heath concerns at an inpatient psychiatric hospital and a substance use treatment center. Her priority is to offer empathy and support, every step of the way.

Sharon received her Master's in Social Work at Bryn Mawr College, where she specialized in trauma-informed care. She takes a client-centered approach and utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, culturally sensitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing, among other techniques.

Sharon knows what it's like to ask for help and strives to create a safe space for her clients where she can empower them to be the best versions of themselves and build resiliency. Life isn't easy, but you do not have to struggle alone. Start your journey today.

Brighid Shea is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 5 years of experience in the mental/behavioral health field. She is committed to creating a safe and collaborative space for adolescents, adults, and families to deepen their understanding of themselves and those around them. Brighid is passionate about supporting clients with complex trauma histories, attachment and relationship concerns, life transitions, and mood disorders. She believes that lasting change is only possible when clients feel seen and understood for who they are, and she is committed to nurturing a therapeutic relationship to meet the needs of each client.

Brighid completed her Master of Arts in Professional Clinical Counseling at La Salle University. Brighid aims to tailor treatment to meet the unique needs of her clients; rooted in the internal family systems model, she incorporates acceptance and commitment therapies, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral and attachment-based approaches into treatment.

Life can be complicated, messy, and confusing — our problems often feel unsolvable, and pain can feel unending. By empowering you to turn toward the messiness and embrace life's challenges with self-compassion and confidence, Brighid can help you to create and maintain lasting change and resiliency to face adversity.