Existential Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
I primarily work from an Existential Therapy and Buddhist Psychotherapy lens.
Looking deeply into your life, your struggles, and what gives you strength and meaning can be a transformative and a healing process. Helping people to do this is a passion of mine. Working to understand your struggles in greater context, changing behaviors or transforming suffering through insight, we will work directly with the feelings and roots of your struggles. We will work towards goals of greater presence with all aspects of life, and a steady foundation to live a life that has meaning, value, and joy.
I primarily work from an Existential Therapy and Buddhist Psychotherapy lens.
Looking deeply into your life, your struggles, and what gives you strength and meaning can be a transformative and a healing process. Helping people to do this is a passion of mine. Working to understand your struggles in greater context, changing behaviors or transforming suffering through insight, we will work directly with the feelings and roots of your struggles. We will work towards goals of greater presence with all aspects of life, and a steady foundation to live a life that has meaning, value, and joy.
I mostly use relational, psychodynamic, existential, person-in-environment, and trauma-informed lenses.
Exploring our inner lives can provide powerful opportunities for problem-solving, self-discovery, healing, and growth. But life often teaches us that this is impossible or unsafe. Therapy provides a safe, intentional space for the exploration. I'm Alex (any/all) and I'm here to walk alongside you, helping to find words for things that have felt unknowable or maybe too frightening and painful to name. If you're navigating questions involving depression, identity, gender, neurodiversity and executive functioning, creativity and expression, life transitions, experiences of neglect, or difficult relationships, I'm probably a good fit.
I mostly use relational, psychodynamic, existential, person-in-environment, and trauma-informed lenses.
Exploring our inner lives can provide powerful opportunities for problem-solving, self-discovery, healing, and growth. But life often teaches us that this is impossible or unsafe. Therapy provides a safe, intentional space for the exploration. I'm Alex (any/all) and I'm here to walk alongside you, helping to find words for things that have felt unknowable or maybe too frightening and painful to name. If you're navigating questions involving depression, identity, gender, neurodiversity and executive functioning, creativity and expression, life transitions, experiences of neglect, or difficult relationships, I'm probably a good fit.
Jodi Rhoden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAADC
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19141
Waitlist for new clients
I utilize modalities and frameworks such as internal family systems (IFS), attachment theory, boundary work, mindfulness and somatic practices, existential therapy, and feminist therapy in my work with clients.
I became a therapist because of my sincere belief that when each of us as individuals is able to engage in our own journey of healing, we can’t help but to heal the world. I believe that each person has a unique sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, the “why” of what brings them to the next step in their life path. My work is to help them explore this meaning and purpose, while feeling safe and at home in their bodies and in the world. I specialize in working with adults in healing and recovery from trauma, grief, estrangement, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.
I utilize modalities and frameworks such as internal family systems (IFS), attachment theory, boundary work, mindfulness and somatic practices, existential therapy, and feminist therapy in my work with clients.
I became a therapist because of my sincere belief that when each of us as individuals is able to engage in our own journey of healing, we can’t help but to heal the world. I believe that each person has a unique sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, the “why” of what brings them to the next step in their life path. My work is to help them explore this meaning and purpose, while feeling safe and at home in their bodies and in the world. I specialize in working with adults in healing and recovery from trauma, grief, estrangement, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.
At Farrell Wellness Group we believe that therapy is a helpful way for people to self-actualize; to create and pursue a path to a more fulfilling life. We are committed to providing compassionate care to all and will work with you to address your concerns and help you achieve your goals. We are mental health professionals who specialize in treating anxiety and depression, relationship issues and life transition concerns, PTSD and trauma, and racial identity related concerns. We will work to support you in becoming the person you know you can be, achieve your goals, and help you live a meaningful, satisfying life.
At Farrell Wellness Group we believe that therapy is a helpful way for people to self-actualize; to create and pursue a path to a more fulfilling life. We are committed to providing compassionate care to all and will work with you to address your concerns and help you achieve your goals. We are mental health professionals who specialize in treating anxiety and depression, relationship issues and life transition concerns, PTSD and trauma, and racial identity related concerns. We will work to support you in becoming the person you know you can be, achieve your goals, and help you live a meaningful, satisfying life.
I operate from a trauma informed, creative narrative, existential, humanistic POV.
Of late, I've been especially passionate about working with people pursuing nontraditional relationships in friendship, romance, sex, kink, and family. Whether you're a polyamorous couple navigating communication or jealousy issues, a queer family navigating difficult decisions in a hostile world, or a neurodivergent person navigating relationship scripts that weren't made with you in mind, you're likely wanting clarity and support in finding a new normal outside of traditional cultural norms. I have extensive experience in building new, nontraditional ways of navigating the world. I'm here to help you find your unique path forward.
I operate from a trauma informed, creative narrative, existential, humanistic POV.
Of late, I've been especially passionate about working with people pursuing nontraditional relationships in friendship, romance, sex, kink, and family. Whether you're a polyamorous couple navigating communication or jealousy issues, a queer family navigating difficult decisions in a hostile world, or a neurodivergent person navigating relationship scripts that weren't made with you in mind, you're likely wanting clarity and support in finding a new normal outside of traditional cultural norms. I have extensive experience in building new, nontraditional ways of navigating the world. I'm here to help you find your unique path forward.
Many of us hope to meet life with joy and vitality, but find ourselves stuck in painful patterns that prevent us from feeling connected to ourselves and engaged with the world. We may feel held hostage by our past, caught up in overwhelming and contradictory emotions, or frustrated by encountering the same problems in our relationships over and over again. In our sessions together, we will give these conflicts compassionate, thoughtful attention as we work to make meaning of these experiences.
Many of us hope to meet life with joy and vitality, but find ourselves stuck in painful patterns that prevent us from feeling connected to ourselves and engaged with the world. We may feel held hostage by our past, caught up in overwhelming and contradictory emotions, or frustrated by encountering the same problems in our relationships over and over again. In our sessions together, we will give these conflicts compassionate, thoughtful attention as we work to make meaning of these experiences.
Finding a therapist can be difficult and prioritizing yourself can be even harder. You may be seeking support for feeling overwhelmed, disorganized, or trying to balance too much at once. Or you may be like many people and experience guilt or shame because you think you aren't living up to personal or societal expectations. These all can effect how you feel about yourself, your work and your relationships. It's hard to know where to start and that's why I'm here. Therapy is a space where we can identify what it is you want from life and develop strategies to help you not only cope but also develop proactive ways to help you thrive.
Finding a therapist can be difficult and prioritizing yourself can be even harder. You may be seeking support for feeling overwhelmed, disorganized, or trying to balance too much at once. Or you may be like many people and experience guilt or shame because you think you aren't living up to personal or societal expectations. These all can effect how you feel about yourself, your work and your relationships. It's hard to know where to start and that's why I'm here. Therapy is a space where we can identify what it is you want from life and develop strategies to help you not only cope but also develop proactive ways to help you thrive.
Your brain is (almost always) doing its very best to protect you, but sometimes it is really bad at its job. That's when things like anxiety, depression, anger, shut down, and behaving in a way that doesn't match with your values pops up. What if we approached your mind and body gently? What would it look like to invite your brain to regulate and realign with the truer, sometimes harder to access, version of you?
Sometimes it feels like in order for therapy to be productive, we need to shame ourselves into change. It may be harder, but I believe we can hold gratitude for our mind while also challenging it to grow and heal.
Your brain is (almost always) doing its very best to protect you, but sometimes it is really bad at its job. That's when things like anxiety, depression, anger, shut down, and behaving in a way that doesn't match with your values pops up. What if we approached your mind and body gently? What would it look like to invite your brain to regulate and realign with the truer, sometimes harder to access, version of you?
Sometimes it feels like in order for therapy to be productive, we need to shame ourselves into change. It may be harder, but I believe we can hold gratitude for our mind while also challenging it to grow and heal.
As a Queer, Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University, I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and supported. I walk alongside clients as they navigate challenges, explore emotions, and develop strategies to thrive. I normalize emotional responses and affirm that all feelings are valid and part of the human journey. I have a strong interest in working with young adults during times of personal growth and transition.
As a Queer, Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University, I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and supported. I walk alongside clients as they navigate challenges, explore emotions, and develop strategies to thrive. I normalize emotional responses and affirm that all feelings are valid and part of the human journey. I have a strong interest in working with young adults during times of personal growth and transition.
My therapeutic style can be described as humanistic, existential, relational and trauma-informed.
I work with adult individuals and couples, focusing on my clients’ strengths that can help them to establish meaningful relationships and pursue fulfilling lives. Trust and collaboration set the foundation of the therapeutic process, and so it is vital for me to meet my clients where they are as we work together to individualize treatment based on their unique qualities and experiences.
My therapeutic style can be described as humanistic, existential, relational and trauma-informed.
I work with adult individuals and couples, focusing on my clients’ strengths that can help them to establish meaningful relationships and pursue fulfilling lives. Trust and collaboration set the foundation of the therapeutic process, and so it is vital for me to meet my clients where they are as we work together to individualize treatment based on their unique qualities and experiences.
I am a white, queer, art therapist and family and relationship therapist. I primarily work with neurodivergent, creative, and chronically ill folks who are interested in recognizing their place within systems, both interpersonal and oppressive, in order to be intentional in their conflict, communication, and care. I use artmaking, body awareness, internal dialogues, and critical evaluation of systems and interactions to support clients in self-understanding and relationship change.
I am a white, queer, art therapist and family and relationship therapist. I primarily work with neurodivergent, creative, and chronically ill folks who are interested in recognizing their place within systems, both interpersonal and oppressive, in order to be intentional in their conflict, communication, and care. I use artmaking, body awareness, internal dialogues, and critical evaluation of systems and interactions to support clients in self-understanding and relationship change.
For many individuals the decision to see a therapist in an effort to resolve their deep, personal, and intimate issues, requires considerable strength and courage, often involving a prolonged period of time, as such an endeavor may be unimaginable and forbidden because of the societal taboos. As a consequence, I greet and welcome my clients who, despite these obstacles persevered and sought assistance through therapy. I respect their fortitude and determination, and accompany them on their therapeutic journey. My goal is to foster trust and address the client’s unique needs by drawing on evidence-based, culturally sensitive practice
For many individuals the decision to see a therapist in an effort to resolve their deep, personal, and intimate issues, requires considerable strength and courage, often involving a prolonged period of time, as such an endeavor may be unimaginable and forbidden because of the societal taboos. As a consequence, I greet and welcome my clients who, despite these obstacles persevered and sought assistance through therapy. I respect their fortitude and determination, and accompany them on their therapeutic journey. My goal is to foster trust and address the client’s unique needs by drawing on evidence-based, culturally sensitive practice
I provide system-aware, trauma-informed, relational therapy, drawing on Narrative Therapy, Systemic Therapy, Existential Theory, and mindfulness, often with humor, storytelling, and body awareness.
At Luna Therapy Group in Philadelphia, I work with adult individuals, couples, and groups navigating reproductive mental health across all family structures, including the decision of if, when, and how to have children. Clients also come to me while facing life transitions, self-concept struggles, trauma, or feeding and eating disorders. My work is deeply relational: two humans showing up, connecting, and doing the work together, with curiosity about how systems, relationships, and lived experience shape you, so you can move toward growth with more clarity and self-trust.
I provide system-aware, trauma-informed, relational therapy, drawing on Narrative Therapy, Systemic Therapy, Existential Theory, and mindfulness, often with humor, storytelling, and body awareness.
At Luna Therapy Group in Philadelphia, I work with adult individuals, couples, and groups navigating reproductive mental health across all family structures, including the decision of if, when, and how to have children. Clients also come to me while facing life transitions, self-concept struggles, trauma, or feeding and eating disorders. My work is deeply relational: two humans showing up, connecting, and doing the work together, with curiosity about how systems, relationships, and lived experience shape you, so you can move toward growth with more clarity and self-trust.
I find myself naturally working with queer and male-identifying individuals who are seeking to reclaim pieces of themselves that anxiety, depression, trauma, and dependency have taken from them. I am here to help you find closure for the life events you likely did not consent to, transforming "unfinished buisness" into a foundation for your future. I provide a sex-positive, trans-affirming space that welcomes all genders and sexual orientations. I honor all romantic dynamics, ranging from monogamy to polyamory.
I find myself naturally working with queer and male-identifying individuals who are seeking to reclaim pieces of themselves that anxiety, depression, trauma, and dependency have taken from them. I am here to help you find closure for the life events you likely did not consent to, transforming "unfinished buisness" into a foundation for your future. I provide a sex-positive, trans-affirming space that welcomes all genders and sexual orientations. I honor all romantic dynamics, ranging from monogamy to polyamory.
Being unhappy can take you by surprise. Sometimes the cause of it seems clear, like a sudden break up or the death of someone close to you. Other times it’s harder to say. You might be in a relationship that no longer feels the way it once did. You may have moved to a new place or started a new job and find yourself unsettled. Or you may feel that everything is “going well,” yet still, for whatever reason, you just aren’t happy. If any of this sounds like you, I can help.
My style is client-centered ,psychodynamic, and humanistic,
Being unhappy can take you by surprise. Sometimes the cause of it seems clear, like a sudden break up or the death of someone close to you. Other times it’s harder to say. You might be in a relationship that no longer feels the way it once did. You may have moved to a new place or started a new job and find yourself unsettled. Or you may feel that everything is “going well,” yet still, for whatever reason, you just aren’t happy. If any of this sounds like you, I can help.
My style is client-centered ,psychodynamic, and humanistic,
I primarily use a psychodynamic approach but also employ humanistic, existential, mindfulness, somatic, EMDR, and cognitive/behavioral techniques.
I like to help people explore their patterns and behaviors in life and discover ways to become a happier, healthier, more grounded person. Feelings, experiences, and life may be keeping us stuck. I provide a safe space to understand and express these feelings, offer tools for how to work with feelings, thoughts, and nervous system, and then help clients discover their true self, interests, and path/way forward. Therapy may be helpful to deal with a difficult event or a way of living. I help my clients to navigate a more peaceful, fulfilling, and meaningful life.
I primarily use a psychodynamic approach but also employ humanistic, existential, mindfulness, somatic, EMDR, and cognitive/behavioral techniques.
I like to help people explore their patterns and behaviors in life and discover ways to become a happier, healthier, more grounded person. Feelings, experiences, and life may be keeping us stuck. I provide a safe space to understand and express these feelings, offer tools for how to work with feelings, thoughts, and nervous system, and then help clients discover their true self, interests, and path/way forward. Therapy may be helpful to deal with a difficult event or a way of living. I help my clients to navigate a more peaceful, fulfilling, and meaningful life.
At Out of Harm's Way, LLC, we use CBT, Neuro-counseling, Psychodynamic, Existential, and Solution-Focused therapies.
Life is like a rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs that can sometimes leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed. As your therapist, I want you to know that I've faced my fair share of life's challenges, including anger, grief, and worry. I chose this path because, beyond my passion for helping people, I've always been curious about exploring my own inner world and understanding the human experience. I genuinely believe that everyone can benefit from having a supportive and non-judgmental person by their side.
At Out of Harm's Way, LLC, we use CBT, Neuro-counseling, Psychodynamic, Existential, and Solution-Focused therapies.
Life is like a rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs that can sometimes leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed. As your therapist, I want you to know that I've faced my fair share of life's challenges, including anger, grief, and worry. I chose this path because, beyond my passion for helping people, I've always been curious about exploring my own inner world and understanding the human experience. I genuinely believe that everyone can benefit from having a supportive and non-judgmental person by their side.
I believe that all life's challenges - including mental health challenges - are opportunities for growth, and for ultimately building a more meaningful and connected life. In a caring environment, we will collaborate on affecting real change of your moods, thoughts and/or behaviors. Through a psychodynamic approach that balances insight and practical coping-skills development, I draw on various evidence-based and trauma-informed modalities to meet the unique needs of each client.
An expert in treating depression and related issues of substance use &/or anxiety, I've worked with adults from a range of backgrounds and professions.
I believe that all life's challenges - including mental health challenges - are opportunities for growth, and for ultimately building a more meaningful and connected life. In a caring environment, we will collaborate on affecting real change of your moods, thoughts and/or behaviors. Through a psychodynamic approach that balances insight and practical coping-skills development, I draw on various evidence-based and trauma-informed modalities to meet the unique needs of each client.
An expert in treating depression and related issues of substance use &/or anxiety, I've worked with adults from a range of backgrounds and professions.
My approach is a mix of modern contextual family therapy, narrative therapy, parts work, and existential therapy.
Life is messy and chaotic. It can bring us any number of challenges: Grief, anxiety, depression, loneliness, or disappointment. We may experience conflict in our relationships or a crisis with our self-esteem. Perhaps we lose our way or have yet to find a purpose. Our resiliency, our tolerance, and our faith all get tested along the way. I work with couples and individuals using an integrative approach that takes into consideration all the factors at play in our lives. The goal is to heal wounds, strengthen resiliency, foster better relationships, and gain some self-knowledge along the way.
My approach is a mix of modern contextual family therapy, narrative therapy, parts work, and existential therapy.
Life is messy and chaotic. It can bring us any number of challenges: Grief, anxiety, depression, loneliness, or disappointment. We may experience conflict in our relationships or a crisis with our self-esteem. Perhaps we lose our way or have yet to find a purpose. Our resiliency, our tolerance, and our faith all get tested along the way. I work with couples and individuals using an integrative approach that takes into consideration all the factors at play in our lives. The goal is to heal wounds, strengthen resiliency, foster better relationships, and gain some self-knowledge along the way.
Matt Sosnowsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, MSW, MAPP
5 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
If you're feeling the weight of this life stage—career pressure, relationship challenges, or just a nagging sense that something's off—you're in the right place. Maybe it's constant overthinking, the pressure to have it all figured out, or just feeling stuck despite doing everything "right." I work with men and women in their 20s, 30s and 40s who want to make sense of what they're experiencing and move forward with more clarity and confidence.
If you're feeling the weight of this life stage—career pressure, relationship challenges, or just a nagging sense that something's off—you're in the right place. Maybe it's constant overthinking, the pressure to have it all figured out, or just feeling stuck despite doing everything "right." I work with men and women in their 20s, 30s and 40s who want to make sense of what they're experiencing and move forward with more clarity and confidence.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Nearby Existential Therapists Searches for Philadelphia
- Ardmore
- Bala Cynwyd
- Drexel Hill
- Elkins Park
- Gladwyne
- Glenside
- Haverford
- Havertown
- Jenkintown
- Manayunk
- Narberth
- Wynnewood
Existential Therapists
How does existential therapy work?
Existential therapy focuses on a patient’s inner experiences. The therapist tries to help the individual comprehend and alleviate symptoms by exploring their interior life. By confronting negative disquiet and emotions, the individual will hopefully become more open to finding meaning and purpose. This therapy can be administered to individuals or groups.
Is existential therapy evidence-based?
Existential therapy is an evidence-based practice. Research has determined that existential therapy can lead to significant improvement in the mental health of patients, and for some people it can be just as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy. The benefits of existential therapy are enduring, even long after treatment has ended.
How long does existential therapy last?
The goal of existential therapy is to understand a person’s internal experiences, which may sound like a lengthy process, but it does not have to be so in-depth. However, sessions are not short-term, and therapy can continue for months or up to a year. And because patients learn the theory behind existential therapy during treatment, they can also practice its tenets throughout life after therapy sessions have been completed.
Is existential therapy effective?
According to research, many patients find success with existential therapy. Researchers note that the therapy is particularly useful in improving feelings of isolation, feelings of purposelessness, as well as conditions such as anxiety and depression. Improvements in problem areas can persist even after the end of existential therapy, as individuals can continue working on themselves by using the tools they’ve developed during treatment.