Emily Bensinger is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's Degree from George Washington University, graduated in 2019. She specializes in working with a diverse clientele, including children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, addressing issues like depression, trauma, anxiety, and difficult life transitions. Emily employs a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Expressive Arts and Art Therapy, rooted in a person-centered, trauma-informed philosophy. She is dedicated to meeting each client where they are on their healing journey, understanding the necessity of building strong therapeutic relationships. Emily creates a calm, safe, and accepting environment, enabling her clients to express themselves freely. Sessions can range from traditional talk therapy to incorporating creative artistic expression—a process Emily believes is crucial for healing. Through art, her clients can explore their emotions, cope with pain, and find meaning when words fall short.

Nicholas Demaria, a pre-licensed professional with a Master’s degree, invites individuals who feel the need to closely examine their lives to embark on a transformative therapeutic journey. He understands that sometimes, something may not feel quite right, and he offers guidance to help clients identify and overcome their challenges. In his sessions, Nicholas focuses on examining feelings and experiences, illuminating a path toward a better quality of life. His approach is rooted in courage and empowerment, as he believes that seeking help through therapy is a dignified step. With a diverse educational background and extensive training, he tailors his therapeutic methods to suit each person he works with. His experience in treating trauma has instilled in him a profound appreciation for those processing old wounds that impact their present lives. Additionally, Nicholas has both professional knowledge and personal understanding of working with individuals on the autism spectrum. The environment he fosters is welcoming, empathic, and accepting, as he genuinely cares for his clients and recognizes the special and unique nature of each individual. He collaborates with clients at their own pace, honoring the personal journey that led them to seek therapy. Nicholas looks forward to meeting you and hearing your story.

Toni Galm is a Licensed Professional Counselor who understands the challenges many couples face. When the relationship feels like a business partnership, characterized by complaints of ‘I’m not appreciated’ and ‘you don’t listen to me,’ it's common for partners to feel disconnected. Over time, they may find themselves sharing fewer meaningful moments and existing alongside each other, grappling with feelings of sadness and loneliness, and questioning the purpose of their relationship. Toni recognizes that although couples once felt a spark, that connection can fade. Through research-backed techniques and a variety of approaches, including Humanistic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, she guides clients to develop awareness and practical communication skills. By fostering an environment where both partners feel heard and understood, Toni facilitates the exploration of their current identities and how they complement one another. While a healthy relationship demands effort, the potential for deeper connection and happiness is invaluable. It's time for couples to rediscover one another and build upon their shared foundation together.

Ryan Gruber is a dedicated therapist who passionately supports families and individuals facing various challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, identity issues, self-esteem concerns, and behavior difficulties. These obstacles impact the well-being of individuals and their loved ones, compelling many to seek out straightforward solutions and a fresh approach to living. Ryan believes that hope lies in the family’s inherent strength, fostering growth and adaptability as their roles and identities evolve. His approach allows clients to harness their power to navigate the complexities of relationships, mental health, and transitions. He provides a safe and nurturing environment where individuals and families can explore these changes through a strength-based, person-centered framework that empowers them to overcome, cope, and thrive. Affirmative care remains Ryan's priority, as he acknowledges identities such as race, culture, affection, gender, religion, and ability as pivotal to each person's journey. As part of The Community Growth Program & Learning Institute's clinical team, Ryan offers high-quality, low-cost private pay counseling services that prioritize clients' well-being and personal growth.

Dr. Neetu Anand, PsyD, is known for her profound ability to connect deeply with clients, accurately diagnose and assess critical issues, and facilitate therapeutic change even for treatment-resistant patients and diagnoses. Her practice stands out by offering psychotherapy and psychological testing for a variety of diagnoses and conditions. Since 2007, Dr. Anand has provided compassionate psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples seeking relief from psychological distress. She specializes in psychological and psycho-educational testing, as well as treatment for complex developmental cases, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, OCD/Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Mood Disorders. Dr. Anand is adept in various therapeutic modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Focused therapy, making her approach holistic and tailored to individual needs. Additionally, she offers evaluations for alternative medicinal marijuana treatments. The practice accommodates Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu speaking individuals, ensuring that all clients feel understood and are provided with culturally sensitive care. An initial phone screening is available to help determine suitability for treatment. In-house medication management and testing may also be recommended to gain a deeper insight into each case.

Dr. Cara Knaster is a dedicated psychologist who specializes in empowering individuals to grow, foster better relationships, and boost their confidence. She believes that clients are the experts of their own lives and works diligently to assist them in finding their motivation for change. Dr. Knaster skillfully navigates her clients through their challenges while encouraging them to cultivate a healthier existence. With extensive training in diverse approaches, including behavioral, person-centered, and object-relations therapies, she adeptly employs the tools that best meet her clients' unique needs. Understanding that everyone encounters struggles in life, she uses therapy as a powerful resource for promoting self-advocacy and ensuring clients treat themselves with fairness. Dr. Knaster emphasizes the importance of self-care, education about barriers, and the establishment of strong support systems while creating a safe, non-judgmental space for personal exploration.

Heather Kramer Almquist is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor, bringing nearly two decades of experience to her practice. She understands the struggles of individuals who may feel trapped in persistent pain or repetitive patterns, and she offers a compassionate, safe space for exploration and healing. Specializing in grief, relationship issues, and LGBTQ+ concerns, Heather employs a psychodynamic approach that digs deep into the unconscious motivations and conflicts that influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Her holistic therapy style incorporates evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), feminist therapy, and more. Clients can expect a genuine commitment from Heather to listen attentively and engage authentically as they embark on their journey toward lasting change and emotional well-being. With her, clients will find a collaborative partner ready to unveil the root causes of their struggles and foster new ways to navigate life and build meaningful connections.

Kristen Marie Pettinato is a highly respected Licensed Professional Counselor, known for her personalized approach to supporting teens, adults, seniors, and couples through life's changes and transitions. She adeptly incorporates a variety of complementary therapeutic techniques, drawing from a strengths-based and solution-focused framework. Kristen’s expertise enables her to assist clients in processing their emotions and developing essential coping skills, empowering them to achieve a sense of balance, calm, and motivation for change. She provides invaluable support to individuals navigating the complexities of grief and loss, relationship challenges, as well as anxiety and various mental health diagnoses, whether traditionally or non-traditionally covered by insurance. With extensive training in areas such as anxiety, depression, grief, career changes, and life transitions, Kristen fosters insight and awareness in her clients, helping them build upon their strengths. She offers cost-effective counseling through telehealth, alongside a warm and inviting environment for in-person sessions. Life’s challenges can disrupt our happiness; however, Kristen creates a safe space for clients, collaborating to calm the mind, relax the body, and renew the spirit. For those seeking a more balanced and fulfilling emotional self, Kristen extends her warmth and expertise, and she looks forward to guiding new clients on their journey to well-being.

Renee McClure is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist who focuses on empowering teen girls and their parents to manage anxiety effectively. She understands the common struggles they face, such as overthinking, worrying about others' perceptions, feeling socially isolated, and navigating friendships. Through her compassionate approach, Renee guides her clients toward building confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to tackle life's challenges with resilience. With her extensive experience, she is committed to helping teens and their families lead fuller, happier lives. Renee employs a variety of therapeutic techniques, including EFT tapping, Self Regulation Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to provide a well-rounded support system. Her mission is to cultivate a sense of empowerment in young girls, allowing them to make thoughtful decisions and embrace their individuality.

Samantha Saraczewski is a pre-licensed professional therapist committed to helping clients navigate the vulnerable journey of seeking therapy. She understands that existing authentically in the world can be daunting and recognizes that everyone experiences moments of insecurity and struggle. Samantha firmly believes in the power of genuine human connection to aid in managing life’s most significant changes. In her practice, she strives to cultivate a therapeutic relationship where clients feel safe, heard, and valued, celebrating the unique strengths that each individual brings to the therapeutic process. She acknowledges the influence of various identities and communities on personal values and experiences, viewing her role as a partner in exploring and processing these intersections. Samantha's eclectic approach is grounded in humanistic theories and emphasizes empathetic reflection and warmth. As a person-centered therapist, she integrates dialectical-behavioral therapy skills, cognitive-behavioral therapy concepts, and emotion-focused principles to assist clients in processing their life experiences and developing effective coping skills. Ultimately, her approach is carefully tailored to suit the individual needs of her clients, recognizing that they are the true experts of their own lives.