Mars, PA Local Support & Community Resources

Dr. Elaine Malec is a dedicated psychologist with a PhD and extensive credentials, including a Certificate from the American Academy of Healthcare Professionals in Grief Counseling. With a focus on adults, Dr. Malec provides compassionate and insightful therapy, specializing in grief, codependency, and anxiety. She employs a holistic approach, utilizing a diverse range of therapy types including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), among others. Through her use of eclectic and tailored methods, Dr. Malec works closely with individuals to navigate the complexities of their experiences and emotional well-being, fostering a supportive environment for growth and healing.

Dr. Robert Bartek, a profound psychologist with a PhD, believes that family is paramount; when one member experiences turmoil, the entire family feels the impact. He recognizes the significance of marriages, the well-being of children, and the dynamics of family life, emphasizing that every individual truly matters. With a career in psychology that spans over 40 years, Dr. Bartek specializes in marital, child, and adolescent therapies, particularly addressing issues related to depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. His diverse expertise encompasses behavioral, cognitive, and psychodynamic modalities, which are effectively tailored to meet the needs of couples, individuals, and families. Understanding that thought patterns influence behavior, Dr. Bartek advocates for awareness of automatic thoughts as a tool for change. He is dedicated to providing children and adolescents with the accountability and guidance they need, alongside essential parenting and family interventions. Central to his approach is the understanding of personality traits, as it can significantly alleviate conflict between partners. Dr. Bartek encourages marital partners to take responsibility for their actions rather than place blame, fostering a path toward transformation in their relationships. By identifying individual personality differences and recognizing each partner's needs, he guides couples toward greater marital success.

Susan Beggan Paganie is a Licensed Professional Counselor acclaimed for her work with teens and adults facing mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, grief, and relationship challenges. As a certified trauma professional, she holds advanced certifications in DBT and EMDR and is Level 3 trained in Brainspotting and Gottman Marital Therapy. Her psychodynamic approach to therapy dives deep into how past experiences, thoughts, and defense mechanisms influence the present. Susan also employs a skills-based approach, focusing on enhancing the quality of relationships and overall life satisfaction. With her extensive experience in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate trauma, loss, and PTSD, Susan provides a supportive and caring environment, guiding clients in developing coping skills to tackle life's complexities.