Therapy For Women Center

Now Offering Therapy in Collingswood, NJ and South Jersey

We’re excited to announce that our Philadelphia-based practice is expanding! Therapy in Collingswood, NJ is now available through our brand new office in this charming South Jersey town. While Therapy for Women has proudly served the greater Philadelphia area for years, we recognized the growing need for specialized therapy in Collingswood and surrounding South Jersey communities. Our new location offers the same evidence-based, compassionate care in a convenient setting right across the river.

Why Choose Therapy in Collingswood, NJ

Collingswood offers the perfect blend of accessibility and community for our new therapy space. Located just 10 minutes from Philadelphia, this charming town provides:

Easy access via PATCO train line for clients without cars
Convenient parking for those driving from Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, or Voorhees
A welcoming, walkable downtown with a supportive small-business atmosphere
The privacy and quiet setting that therapy requires

Furthermore, our research showed many South Jersey women were traveling to Philadelphia for specialized therapy services that weren’t readily available closer to home. Our Collingswood location bridges this gap.

What to Expect at Our New Collingswood, NJ Therapy Office

Our new South Jersey therapy space reflects the same warm, inclusive environment our Philadelphia clients have come to value. The Collingswood office features:

Private, comfortable therapy rooms designed for emotional safety
Flexible scheduling including evening and weekend appointments
The same evidence-based therapy approaches our practice is known for
A dedicated team of therapists specializing in women’s mental health

Additionally, we’ve created a calm waiting area where you can gather your thoughts before sessions, complete with complimentary coffee, tea, soda and water.

photo of people eating outside in downtown Collingswood, NJ

Specialized Women’s Therapy Services Now Available in South Jersey

Many South Jersey women have struggled to find therapists specializing in women’s specific mental health needs. Our therapy in Collingswood now brings specialized services including:

Trauma therapy including EMDR for Complex PTSD
Therapy for anxiety and depression specific to women’s experiences
Support for life transitions including career changes, motherhood, divorce, and empty nesting
Body image, eating disorder and self-esteem therapy
ERP therapy for OCD

Finding the Right Therapist in Collingswood, NJ

Finding a therapist who truly understands your needs can be challenging. That’s why we’ve carefully selected our Collingswood team to represent diverse backgrounds, approaches, and specialties. When you reach out to our South Jersey office, we’ll help match you with the therapist best suited to your unique situation.

Consider asking potential therapists:

What experience do you have with my specific concerns?
What therapy approaches do you typically use?
How do you measure progress in therapy?
What does a typical session look like?

We offer free phone consultations to help you determine if a therapist is the right fit before scheduling your first appointment.

How to Begin Therapy in Collingswood, NJ with Our Team

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting. Our streamlined process makes starting therapy in our Collingswood office simple:

Schedule a call or complete our online form
Get matched with the right therapist for your situation
Schedule your first appointment (often within 1 week)

Our new Collingswood office is located at 900 Haddon Avenue, just two blocks from the PATCO station and Collingswood’s vibrant downtown. To get more specific directions, click here.

Whether you’re in Collingswood, Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Voorhees, or anywhere in South Jersey, we’re now here to support your mental health journey closer to home. Experience the difference that specialized therapy in Collingswood can make for your wellbeing.

EMDR for Complex PTSD: A Powerful Path to Healing Trauma

EMDR for Complex PTSD has become one of the most effective treatment approaches we offer at Therapy for Women in Philadelphia. Many clients come to us wondering if their long-standing trauma can truly be resolved. We’ve seen remarkable results using EMDR for Complex PTSD, helping women process deeply rooted traumatic experiences and find relief from symptoms that have affected them for years.

woman hunched over struggling with complex PTSD

How EMDR for Complex Trauma Differs from Traditional Treatment

Unlike single-incident trauma, Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) typically develops from prolonged exposure to traumatic events, especially during childhood. This ongoing trauma can affect your:

Ability to regulate emotions, leading to intense mood swings
Sense of self and personal identity
Trust in relationships and connection with others
Feelings of safety in everyday situations
Core beliefs about yourself and the world around you

Furthermore, many people with C-PTSD experience flashbacks, nightmares, and body-based reactions that seem to come out of nowhere. Consequently, these symptoms can make daily life feel unpredictable and exhausting.

How EMDR for Complex PTSD Works: The Treatment Process

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was originally developed for single-incident trauma. However, therapists have since adapted EMDR for Complex PTSD to address the layered nature of chronic trauma.

At its core, EMDR helps your brain process traumatic memories that are stuck in your nervous system. Through specific bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements, taps, or tones), EMDR activates your brain’s natural healing processes.

When treating Complex PTSD with EMDR, the process typically involves:

First establishing safety and building coping skills before processing traumatic memories
Working with earlier developmental periods where trauma occurred
Processing both specific traumatic events and the negative beliefs that formed as a result
Finally, strengthening positive beliefs and resources for ongoing healing

Why EMDR Works Where Other Therapies May Struggle

Traditional talk therapy has its place, but sometimes trauma gets stored in parts of the brain that aren’t easily accessed through talking alone. EMDR for Complex PTSD offers several advantages:

Works directly with the body’s nervous system responses
Doesn’t require detailed verbal recounting of every traumatic experience
Helps change deep-seated negative beliefs that developed from chronic trauma
Creates lasting neurological changes rather than just coping mechanisms

Additionally, research shows EMDR can be effective even for trauma that occurred decades ago. A 2018 study found that 84% of adult survivors of childhood trauma no longer met criteria for PTSD after EMDR treatment.

What to Expect: Your EMDR for Complex PTSD Journey

Here’s what to expect:

Initially, you’ll work with your therapist on stabilization, ensuring you have tools to manage emotions that arise
Together, you’ll identify key traumatic memories and negative beliefs to target
Then, processing sessions will help your brain “digest” these experiences differently
Finally, you’ll strengthen positive beliefs and resources for continued healing

Because of the complex nature of C-PTSD, treatment usually requires multiple sessions over time. Many clients experience gradual improvement rather than immediate transformation. However, the changes tend to be deep and lasting.

Is EMDR for Complex PTSD Right for You?

While EMDR has helped many of our clients with Complex PTSD, every person’s healing journey is unique. This approach might be a good fit if:

You’ve tried talk therapy but still struggle with trauma symptoms
You find it difficult to verbalize certain experiences
You notice your body reacting strongly to trauma triggers
Traditional coping skills help temporarily but don’t create lasting change

At Therapy for Women Center, our trained EMDR therapists in Philadelphia, Collingswood, New Jersey and in Bala Cynwyd, can help you determine if this approach is right for you. Moreover, we’ll work at your pace, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout the process.

Healing from Complex PTSD is possible, even when trauma has been a part of your life for years. With the right therapeutic approach like EMDR for Complex PTSD, you can process these difficult experiences and move forward with greater freedom and choice.

We offer EMDR online and in person at our four Philadelphia-area offices:

8 Phases of EMDR: A Powerful Guide to Transformative Healing

Ever wonder what actually happens in EMDR therapy? Understanding the 8 phases of EMDR can take the mystery out of this powerful healing approach. Like chapters in a book, each phase builds on the last, creating a clear path toward recovery from trauma and PTSD.

Young girl sitting on a couch with her therapist starting 8 phases of EMDR therapy

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps the brain process traumatic memories and experiences. During EMDR, a therapist guides you through specific eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while you access distressing memories. This process helps the brain reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional impact and allowing healing to occur.

If you’d like to learn more about the foundations of EMDR therapy, check out our comprehensive EMDR information page. You might also be interested in exploring how EMDR compares to Brainspotting or how EMDR specifically helps with Complex PTSD.

What Are the 8 Phases of EMDR?

EMDR therapy follows a structured approach with eight distinct phases:

History Taking and Treatment Planning
Preparation
Assessment
Desensitization
Installation
Body Scan
Closure
Reevaluation

Breaking Down the 8 Phases of EMDR

Think of phase one as meeting your guide for a challenging hike. Your therapist learns about your journey – the rough patches you’ve crossed and the mountains you still need to climb. You’ll map out your goals together, identifying which memories need the most attention.

Next comes phase two – your training ground. Just as you wouldn’t climb Mount Everest without proper gear, you won’t dive into trauma processing without the right tools. Your therapist teaches you grounding exercises, like finding your “safe place” – a mental retreat you can visit when emotions run high.

Understanding the Middle Phase of the 8 Phases of EMDR

Phases three and four form the heart of your healing work. In phase three, you’ll choose a specific memory to process – like selecting which knot to untangle first in a tangled necklace. You’ll note the image, negative beliefs, and body sensations tied to this memory.

During phase four, the real transformation begins. While following your therapist’s finger movements or a light bar, your brain naturally processes the trauma. It’s like your mind is finally getting the chance to digest experiences that were too big to swallow before.

Moving Through the Final Stages

The last part of the 8 phases of EMDR focuses on cementing your progress. Phase five strengthens your new, positive beliefs – like building strong foundations for a house. Phase six checks in with your body to ensure no tension remains stored from the memory.

In phase seven, you end each session by returning to solid ground. Think of it as landing the plane smoothly – your therapist ensures you feel stable before leaving their office. The final phase, evaluation, starts each new session by checking your progress, like reviewing your map before continuing the journey.

What Makes Each Phase Important

Every phase serves a unique purpose in your healing journey:

The early phases build trust and prepare you for deeper work
Middle phases actively process and transform traumatic memories
Later phases ensure changes stick and check your progress
The final phase helps you maintain and build on your gains

Remember, healing isn’t a race. Some people spend more time in certain phases, especially preparation. Just as you wouldn’t rush training for a marathon, give yourself time to move through each phase properly.

Understanding these phases helps you partner more effectively with your therapist. While every person’s healing journey looks different, knowing what to expect can make the process feel less overwhelming. Trust the process – thousands have walked this path before you and found healing on the other side.

We offer EMDR online and in person at our Philly offices, in Bala Cynwyd (Main Line) office and in Collingswood, New Jersey!

Reach out to us to get started!

Important Things to Know About ACT Therapy

ACT Therapy, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has gained recognition as an effective approach for addressing various mental health concerns. Psychologist Steven C. Hayes developed this therapeutic method to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and chronic pain. This blog post will explore the key aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, helping you understand its core concepts and potential benefits.

White woman with red hair in a therapy session with a therapist using ACT therapy

What Is ACT Therapy?

Therapists consider Acceptance and Commitment Therapy a form of behavioral therapy that combines mindfulness strategies with commitment and behavior-change techniques. ACT proposes that psychological suffering often results from attempts to control or avoid unwanted thoughts and feelings. Instead of trying to change or eliminate these experiences, ACT encourages individuals to accept them and commit to actions aligned with their personal values.

Core Components of ACT Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy builds on six core processes, collectively known as psychological flexibility:

Acceptance: This involves embracing your thoughts and feelings without trying to change or avoid them. Therapists view acceptance as an alternative to experiential avoidance.
Cognitive Defusion: ACT uses techniques to change how you interact with or relate to thoughts. The goal is to alter the undesirable functions of thoughts and other private events, rather than trying to change their form or frequency.
Being Present: This involves maintaining continuous non-judgmental contact with psychological and environmental events as they occur. By experiencing the world more directly, you can make your behavior more flexible and your actions more consistent with your values.
Self as Context: This idea suggests that you have a basic sense of self that’s distinct from your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Therapists often refer to this as the “observing self.”
Values: These are chosen life directions that guide your behavior and give your life meaning. But in ACT, you use values to guide your actions and increase your psychological flexibility.
Committed Action: This involves taking effective action guided by your values. ACT encourages you to develop larger patterns of effective action linked to your chosen values.

Effectiveness of ACT Therapy

Researchers have demonstrated ACT’s effectiveness in treating a wide range of psychological issues. Studies show positive outcomes in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, as well as improving overall quality of life. However, the success of ACT largely depends on your willingness to engage with the process and practice the skills you learn in therapy.

Recovery and Outlook with ACT

The duration of ACT can vary depending on your individual needs and goals. You may see improvements in a few months, or you might engage in therapy for a longer period. Remember, ACT doesn’t necessarily aim to eliminate symptoms, but rather to change your relationship with them and increase your psychological flexibility.

Your progress in ACT may not always be linear, and you might face challenges along the way. The therapy focuses on moving you towards a more values-driven life, rather than achieving a specific end state. Be patient with yourself and recognize that small steps towards your values represent meaningful progress.

Finding an ACT Therapist

When choosing a therapist, find someone you feel comfortable with. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy offers a unique approach to mental health and personal growth. By learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings, clarify your personal values, and take committed action, you can move towards a more fulfilling life. At Therapy for Women Center, we have a number of therapists who specialize in ACT. We would be honored to work with you.

We see clients virtually in 42 states and have physical office locations in the Philadelphia area.

Old City
Center City/ Logan Square
Main Line – Bala Cynwyd
Coming soon to Collingswood, New Jersey!

8 Powerful Ways to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder in Philadelphia

January and February can feel endless if you live in Philadelphia. The gray days and rain can especially impact those who have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The shorter days and cooler temperatures can bring on feelings of low energy, mood swings, and even depression. One of the best ways to combat it is to plan activities that shake up your routine. We are going to share some of our favorites in the Philadelphia area.

woman with short hearing wearing a red scarf in a coffee shop in Philadelphia struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder

Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

Before we dive into the activities, it’s important to understand what seasonal affective disorder is and how it affects us. SAD is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons, typically starting in the fall and continuing through winter. Symptoms can include fatigue, depression, hopelessness, and social withdrawal. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to reach out for help. Philadelphia therapy options are available, and a mental health professional can provide valuable support and guidance.

Outdoor Activities to Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder

One of the best ways to combat seasonal affective disorder is by spending time outdoors and soaking up natural light. Here are some fantastic outdoor activities to try in Philadelphia:

1. Explore Fairmount Park: With over 2,000 acres of trails, meadows, and woodlands, Fairmount Park is the perfect place for a fall hike or picnic. The vibrant autumn colors can boost your mood and provide a much-needed dose of vitamin D.

2. Take a Historical Walking Tour: Philadelphia is rich in history, and fall is the perfect time to explore it. Sign up for a walking tour of Old City or Independence Mall to get your steps in while learning about the city’s fascinating past.

Indoor Activities for Rainy Fall Days

Sometimes, the weather doesn’t cooperate with our outdoor plans. Here are some indoor activities that can help combat seasonal affective disorder on those gloomy days:

3. Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Immerse yourself in creativity and culture at one of the city’s premier art museums. The vibrant colors and thought-provoking exhibits can stimulate your mind and lift your spirits.

4. Attend a Cooking Class: Learn to make hearty fall dishes at a local cooking class. Cooking can be therapeutic, and the social aspect of a class can help combat feelings of isolation often associated with seasonal affective disorder.

5. Try Indoor Rock Climbing: Get your adrenaline pumping and challenge yourself at an indoor rock climbing gym. Physical exercise is a great way to boost mood and energy levels.

Mindful Activities to Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder

Incorporating mindfulness into your routine can be incredibly beneficial when dealing with seasonal affective disorder. Here are some activities to try:

6. Join a Yoga Class: Many studios in Philadelphia offer fall-themed yoga classes. The combination of movement, breath work, and meditation can help reduce stress and improve mood.

7. Practice Gratitude Journaling: Set aside time each day to write down things you’re grateful for. This simple practice can shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life, even during challenging times.

Community Engagement to Beat the Blues

Connecting with others is crucial when combating seasonal affective disorder. Here’s an activity that combines social interaction with giving back:

8. Volunteer at a Local Food Bank: Fall is a great time to give back to the community. Volunteering not only helps others but can also boost your own mood and sense of purpose. Philabundance is a great resource.

Seeking Professional Help for Seasonal Affective Disorder

While these activities can certainly help manage symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, it’s important to remember that professional help is available if you need it. Philadelphia therapy options are plentiful, and working with a mental health professional can provide you with personalized strategies to manage SAD.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist if you’re struggling. At Therapy for Women Center, we have offices in Old City, Center City/ Logan Square and in Bala Cynwyd on the Main Line. We also offer virtual therapy in 42 states if you are struggling with seasonal affective disorder. We would love to help!

Remember, seasonal affective disorder is common and treatable. By combining fun fall activities with professional support when needed, you can make the most of the autumn season and maintain good mental health. So grab your favorite sweater, pick an activity from this list, and embrace all that fall in Philadelphia has to offer!

How to Heal Birth Trauma: A Path to Recovery

Birth trauma affects many new parents, yet people rarely talk about it. Whether you experienced physical complications, felt unheard during labor, or faced unexpected interventions, your feelings are valid. Let’s explore how to heal birth trauma and move forward with compassion.

mother with baby attempting to heal after birth trauma

What is Birth Trauma?

Before you can heal birth trauma, you need to recognize its impact. Birth trauma often shows up through flashbacks of your birth experience, anxiety about future pregnancies, or difficulty bonding with your baby. Many parents struggle with trusting medical providers after a traumatic birth, while others wrestle with feelings of failure or shame. Your body might tense up whenever you think about the birth, and you might find yourself avoiding certain places or people that remind you of the experience.

Your body and mind work together to heal birth trauma. You might notice strong physical reactions when hearing birth stories, or face sleep problems unrelated to baby care. Unexpected emotional outbursts might surprise you, and you might find it hard to talk about your experience without feeling overwhelmed.

To heal birth trauma, start with gentle steps. Begin by acknowledging your experience – what happened to you matters. Writing down your birth story can help process the events, even if you never share it with anyone. Finding trusted people who will listen without judgment provides essential support. Remember that your feelings matter, and healing takes time.

Finding Professional Support

Many parents find that professional help speeds up healing. Working with a trauma-informed therapist can provide specialized tools for recovery. At Therapy for Women Center, we have a number of therapists who specialize in working with individuals who endured birth trauma.

Postpartum doulas offer practical and emotional support, while women’s health physical therapists help with physical healing. Support groups connect you with others who understand your journey to heal birth trauma.

Physical and Emotional Recovery

The path to heal birth trauma includes both physical and emotional care. Gentle movement like walking or stretching can help release stored tension. Deep breathing exercises calm your nervous system, while body-based therapies support overall healing. Taking regular rest periods matters just as much as active healing work.

Signs You’re Starting to Heal:

Memories feel less intense
You can talk about your experience
Sleep improves
Anxiety decreases
You feel more present

Building Trust Again

Many parents need time to rebuild trust after birth trauma. Start by interviewing future healthcare providers carefully and bringing a support person to appointments. Ask questions until you feel satisfied with the answers, and choose providers who listen well. Most importantly, trust your instincts about who feels safe to work with.

Partners often need to heal birth trauma together. Open communication becomes essential during this time. Listen to each other without trying to fix everything, and consider attending counseling together. Supporting each other’s healing journey might look different for each person, but creating new positive experiences together helps both partners move forward.

Planning for the Future

When thinking about future pregnancies while working to heal birth trauma, take time to process your first birth completely. Research your options thoroughly and choose providers who understand trauma. Creating a detailed birth plan and building a strong support team can help you feel more confident and prepared.

Remember, you don’t need to heal birth trauma alone. Reaching out for therapy and other services shows strength, not weakness. Your experience matters, and you deserve care and understanding on your journey to recovery. Healing happens one small step at a time, and while the process might not follow a straight line, progress is always possible.

At Therapy for Women Center, we specialize in supporting women and mothers with birth trauma. We offer trauma therapy online in 42 states or in one of our four in person office locations

Old City, Philadelphia
Center City/ Logan Square, Philadelphia
Main Line/ Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
Collingswood, New Jersey

We would love to support you. Get started today!