Looking for a compassionate therapist in Philadelphia
December 24, 2017 10:02 PM   Subscribe

Who is the kindest, most compassionate, most anti-tough love therapist in the Philly area?

I'm looking for a new therapist, and I have a list of...tons of specific things that seem to be hard to find at once. I am in Philly, but willing to go wherever this mystery perfect therapist may be, within reason.

- LGBT friendly/knowledgable in not actually queer themselves (I'm bi)

- pro-ketamine, and educated about it (if not educated about it, willing to be open minded and not make generalizations like "does it work, we just don't know!")

- trauma-trained, willing to go SLOWLY, and gently, experience with diagnosing PTSD and complex PTSD a plus. Some solid CBT training, even if we do a mix of therapies. NOT interested in prolonged exposure for complicated reasons.

- perhaps most important: willing to work with someone who attempted suicide, and still has suicidal ideation, while treating them like a person and not a monster (I have been turned away from multiple otherwise cool-seeming therapists for this reason)

- willing to accept my abuse has come from other psychiatric professionals, and have their eyes open that abuse exists in their own system

- willing to work out an alternate safety plan not involving hospitalization, a place where I was abused/generally hospital-critical/up on ableism to some extent

- in general, as I said, not "tough love" not "be your own inner support" but rather someone extremely gentle, willing to guide me slowly, willing to support me when I cannot support myself, and VALIDATE me rather than sitting there while I do this work alone, someone who sees me as a whole, entire, complete human being and cares about that human, who has been through some truly horrific things. Responds, rather than just sitting there. #1 goal is to build a strong therapeutic alliance with me, human to human.

- available to contact outside of a crisis, but also in a crisis

- won't tease me, make me sign anything illegal, push me into going too fast, or generally treat me like crap

Gender of therapist doesn't matter. Cost also doesn't matter, I have insurance but I can pay out of pocket and a good fit matters the most. Sense of humor a plus.
posted by colorblock sock to Health & Fitness (7 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
I've had good luck at the Therapy Center of Philadelphia (used to be the Women's Therapy Center but they changed the name to be more inclusive of trans folk). The therapists tend to be feminist and socially conscious. They do sliding scale and may take some insurances. Address: 1315 Walnut St.

(I should say: I did get a therapist there who was a dud but I complained and she no longer works there. I am very happy with my current therapist. I similarly need someone gentle and encouraging due to my personality. Feel free to PM me if you like)
posted by bearette at 6:28 AM on December 25, 2017


ETA: I am not sure if they treat cis men, but I know they treat cis and trans women and trans men.
posted by bearette at 6:30 AM on December 25, 2017


While I don't have any specific names because I don't live in Philly, I do have a general recommendation since I can relate to many of the things you are asking for. Since you have mentioned PTSD, I suggest looking for queer-friendly therapists who do EMDR. It was scary at first (due to my own fears, not the techniques) but has been validating in a way nothing else has been before. It's not exposure therapy at all but also not CBT-based; however, it's been scientifically-proven with many personal testimonies. Also, therapists who do EMDR tend to be up-to-date and good because it's a special skill that takes a lot of training and compassion. I hear you on how hard it can be to find a good match and I hope you can find someone soon.
posted by smorgasbord at 9:17 AM on December 25, 2017


Not Philly specific, but avoid def CBT and look instead for someone who practices with a "relational therapy" style, if you are looking for gentleness.
posted by rmless at 9:32 AM on December 25, 2017


She's out in the Main Line but Mariah Fenton Gladis is super gentle and relational. I don't know her experience with ketamine and CBT isn't her thing but she very much believes in letting the client lead the direction of therapy. DM me if you want any more info.
posted by mcduff at 8:45 AM on December 26, 2017


I memailed you.
posted by (Over) Thinking at 4:37 PM on December 26, 2017


Liza Linder.

She is incredibly queer friendly. She hits all your wants. She was my therapist for a few years and we continued to stay in loose touch after I moved.

If you do see her, tell her Sarah sent you!

Best of luck.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 7:27 AM on December 27, 2017


« Older Can I/how do I get a home equity loan on a low...   |   unsafe living situation forces me to vacate, more... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.