Andrea Kirsch

Hello! My name is Andrea. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Pennsylvania and licensed to meet with clients who live in New Jersey as well. I received my bachelor's degree in psychology from Penn State University, and my master's degree in counseling psychology from Delaware Valley University. I have experience working with adolescents and adults in outpatient recovery centers and community mental health settings. My professional passion is to help adoptees heal from the effects of abandonment trauma, and overcome symptoms often associated with borderline personality disorder. I also find it fulfilling to help clients who are experiencing symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance-related disorders, and trauma-related disorders. Lastly, I am devoted to creating a safe space for identity-related growth and affirmation.

When it comes to supporting clients, my goal as a therapist is to make sure we are factoring in values, beliefs, morals, interests, and anything else that is important to you based on your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability-status, age, and any other aspect of your identity.

In my work with clients, I often use an integrated clinical approach based on my client's goals. Using a person-centered approach serves as the foundation because I believe having a genuine, unconditional positive regard for each and every person I meet with is a primary ingredient for creating a safe, therapeutic space.

Emotions can be difficult to control and can make us feel out of control. I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help teach clients how to regulate their emotions, handle high pressure or crisis situations without losing control, and increase the effectiveness of their interpersonal communication.

I love Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) because it views you as the expert of you. SFBT is based on the idea that you already possess what's needed to reach your goals. I can help you create solutions to overcome problems using all of the things about you that make you YOU.

I also use EMDR therapy with clients to help with trauma processing in a manner that is often faster and more efficient than traditional talk therapy.

Other therapies I use include CBT, psychodynamic, mindfulness, strengths-based, IFS, and attachment-based.

During our first appointment, I will introduce myself and talk briefly about a few things like confidentiality/informed consent. Next, I often ask new clients if they have been in therapy before, and if so, what did they like about their past experience(s). If a client is new to therapy, I will ask if they have any questions about therapy.

It's also very likely that I will ask a lot of questions to get to know you (but I never expect anyone to answer a question they don't want to answer or don't feel ready to answer yet). Lastly, we will also talk about what brought you to therapy and what would you like to work on in our sessions.