Our therapists offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in Philadelphia, PA

MaryAlyce Rensa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania, who has 30 years of experience counseling adults, teens, and children seeking help with anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and trauma. 

MaryAlyce completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of MD, University College, and received her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Towson University in Towson, MD. She utilizes cognitive behavior approaches including rational emotive behavior therapy and other strength-based, collaborative, and solution-focused approaches. MaryAlyce specializes in the creative use of games, art, and music for helping clients to develop insight into their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and she is flexible in doing “whatever works” to best meet the needs of her clients. 

MaryAlyce often gives homework on self-help activities and encourages participation in the therapeutic activities in sessions. She seeks to establish an open-minded, warm, honest, and caring relationship with you in order to assist in helping you learn to cope with your feelings in healthier ways, to understand and adjust your thoughts to improve your self-esteem and confidence, to build problem-solving skills so you can better help yourself in your life long goals.

Marcy Shoemaker is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 14 years of experience who works with diverse clients of all ages. She specializes in supporting individuals through career transitions, life stressors, anger, anxiety, depression, parenting, self-esteem issues, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Marcy’s ideal client is open and honest and not hesitant to give feedback on the direction of their therapeutic journey. She believes there is no perfect type of therapy and takes an eclectic approach, working with clients to discuss feelings, problem-solve, and develop coping skills.

Marcy received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Among the methods she uses are cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, emotionally focused therapy, family systems, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques.

During hard times, it is helpful to have an unbiased third party to listen without judgment. Marcy is ready to be the supportive ear that guides you through your issues and helps you to reach your goals. If you are ready to begin, schedule an appointment today!

Jacquelyn Farasat is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She holds National Counselor Certification and is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She has 8 years of experience supporting the emotional, social, and personal growth and well-being of children, adolescents, and adults in both individual and group formats.

Jacquelyn has a Master’s degree in Counseling and a Master’s degree in Education. She strives to develop a caring relationship with the client that is built on trust, respect, and collaboration. Jacquelyn integrates mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing with a strengths-based, person-centered approach to support the client in becoming his/her best self. When working with children and families, she often uses play therapy to foster relational skills, develop emotional awareness and self-regulation skills, and promote positive problem-solving. 

Jacquelyn recognizes that each client has a unique set of strengths, desires, and needs. Thus, she continually maintains flexibility and tailors strategies in response to the client’s needs and personal goals. Her goal is to encourage and empower you throughout your journey to becoming.

Mark is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who works out of an office in Philadelphia, and holds licenses in both Pennsylvania and California. He has 20 years of experience helping children, adults, and families work through challenges that impact their health and happiness. He spent much of his career working at a nonprofit agency that continues to serve trauma impacted children and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was through this work that Mark grew to understand both the grave impact of trauma and the healing power of psychotherapy. Mark works from a variety of therapies to best match an individual's needs. Some of these include cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and gestalt therapy. He also has subspecialties in parent training, behavioral intervention instruction, and play therapies. Regardless of the therapeutic orientation, he believes enriching an individual’s personal story is the key to change. When people can author strength based personal narratives, they are able to find the strength to overcome their doubts, fears, and worry. Mark believes every person carries within them the power to change and heal. He seeks to help individuals access this power through a safe, comforting, and expressive experience.