Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Lancaster, PA

I work with adolescents and adults who want more than just healing and coping-I help folks connect the dots for how to live a more successful and joyful life. About half of my practice is focused on performance psychology, while the other half focuses on overcoming depression, trauma, and anxiety. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, driven, and curious. They're not only looking to feel better-they want to know why they feel the way they do. As I often say: descriptions can validate, but explanations heal. Together, we connect the dots between your experiences, patterns, and goals in order to thrive.

I am a warm, kind, non-judgmental listener that has been through a lot of adversity in my life. Due to the hard times I have struggled to overcome I work hard to show both understanding and compassion.

I am curious and validating, providing a nurturing environment to talk openly and honestly about your struggles, strengths, weaknesses, needs, likes, and dislikes. I love helping people explore their unique and particular powers as well as how these powers impact their world and their relationships. As a passionate supporter of those who have been through unjust or otherwise traumatic experiences--including those experiencing discrimination based upon race or gender identity or sexual orientation--I am particularly interested in helping people gain skills for dealing with, and making sense of, the remnants of their pasts.

Having completed Bessel Van der Kolk's Trauma Research Foundation's Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies in early 2025, I have a strong foundational understanding of the most cutting edge approaches to treating trauma. I am also comfortable using a combination of approaches, including Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I received an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, a psychodynamically focused program, after which I completed Bryn Mawr's certificate program in psychodynamic psychotherapy. I have also completed 1 year of Gestalt Therapy training and the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Immersion Program.

As an LCSW, my training emphasized the role of social environment--from the family to society at large--in how we construct our narratives, enabling me to help you make sense of what in your life is yours to own and what is a product of your environment.

Hello and welcome! I’m Beth, and I’m so glad you’re here and have taken the important first step toward self-care. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. You may be feeling like you've lost motivation or that your emotions have taken over, or perhaps you're worried about a child. Whatever challenges you're facing, EVERYONE deserves to lead a meaningful life. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can confront their struggles, find empowerment, and regain a sense of security to start living their best lives.

As a highly sensitive person (HSP) with strong empathy, I understand the importance of compassion. I'm a down-to-earth person who has my own struggles, just like everyone else. I have two children: a son who recently got married and a daughter currently in college. Between my family, including my husband, we certainly know how to drive each other crazy! I love spending time outdoors in nature, as it helps me stay balanced. The tools and strategies I share with my clients are ones I’ve used in my own life, and I believe my experiences as a therapist, educator, mother, wife, daughter, and friend make me a relatable ally for those I work with.

Before becoming a counselor, I spent the first 20 years of my career as a school teacher in Philadelphia. During that time, I was privy to many difficult situations in my students' homes, including various forms of abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, the education system's main focus was on meeting academic standards, leaving little room to address the mental health challenges these children faced. I did my best to support them both academically and emotionally. Over time, I realized what my true calling was and I resigned from teaching to pursue a graduate degree in mental health counseling.

I encounter clients where they are. As we build a relationship, we explore coping skills. I believe that small progress is still progress.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New Jersey, with six years of experience in the mental health field. I view therapy as a space where your voice is valued, respected, and truly heard.

Shannon is a trauma-informed therapist with a Master of Arts in mental health counseling with a concentration in addiction and offenders counseling from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has a Bachelor of Arts in applied psychology and a minor in criminal justice from Penn State University, Berks campus. She is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), a certified advanced alcohol and drugs counselor (CAADC), a certified clinical trauma professional (CCTP), certified in dialectical behavior therapy (C-DBT) and a rainbow advocate clinical specialist (RACS).

I accept every client for who he or she is. I do not pass judgment, and I am very confidential.