Meet Ambler Counseling Center’s Therapists

About Taylor

I am committed to being a guiding hand and listening ear for others on their unique journey towards healing and meeting their life goals - whatever they may be! I enjoy working with children, teens and families through an exploratory lens with warmth, creativity, compassion, support and resources.

My road to becoming a mental health therapist started after I earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from West Chester University, in which I completed a field experience as a Music Education Pathways research member. I went on to achieve a Master of Arts in Counseling degree with a concentration in Child and Family Therapy from Arcadia University. There, I completed a practicum as a domestic violence counselor and an internship at a community mental health center where I provided therapy and worked with an array of diagnoses and demographics - I stayed on as an outpatient therapist for years after.

I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet each client's individual needs and interests. I have experience using Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, mindfulness and a person-centered approach. On my free time I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends and caring for my toddler. Entering therapy is an admirable first step in achieving one's goals and becoming one's best self - it is not always easy (go you!) I am honored and dedicated to helping provide the tools and skills clients need to better cope with life's challenges and build the self-insight and confidence needed to get there.

About Allison

I strive to model and strengthen secure attachment in order to enhance clients' interpersonal words to reach their unique and individualized goals. It is my philosophy that at the forefront of therapy is the therapeutic relationship and creating a safe and trusting environment in which this can happen.

My entire career, I have focused on the emotional and mental wellbeing of individuals and families to create long lasting, secure, and trusting supports that assist the client in growing their autonomy and strengthening relationships. In order to do this, I seek to use an eclectic approach with a person centered and family systems base. Using these models at the forefront of my practice, I am able to utilize the best interventions for their personal needs, including, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), mindfulness, grounding, and more. In conjunction with these styles, a crucial role the therapy sessions have is also providing psychoeducation to my clients to bolster knowledge, confidence, and acceptance. It is my goal to equip individuals with the tools they need to thrive in their environments.

About Mariana

I am very passionate about creating a safe space where clients feel comfortable in exploring all of their emotions and experiences so they feel heard, validated and aligned with me as their therapist.

I graduated with a Masters in Arts degree in Clinical Counseling from Alvernia University, and have been able to use my skills in treating various different diagnoses from Depression, Anxiety ADHD, PTSD and personality disorders. I have experience working with children, adolescents, families and couples! I strive to empower every person that walks through my door to achieve the goals that they envision for themselves, or to just provide a listening ear to meet them where they're at in a judgment-free environment.

Deciding to come to therapy can be intimidating, but I am committed to assisting clients in feeling safe sharing emotions and thoughts, and building confidence within vulnerability, I will be there every step of the way.

About Amber

Hi, I’m Amber! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Pennsylvania and received my Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology in 2018 from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. In my time as a clinician, I have worked in levels of care including residential, PHP/IOP and outpatient providing group, individual and family therapy services. I have an extensive background working with people navigating disordered eating, depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD and ADHD.

My approach is strengths based, trauma informed and client centered. Evidence-based practices utilized in therapy sessions include dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, emotion-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and internal family systems therapy. I have several years of experience facilitating CBT and DBT skills building individually and in groups.

Clients can expect to utilize therapy sessions to address their needs in the moment, whether that means processing emotions and stressors, learning and practicing coping skills, or engaging in creative exercises. I strive to make my clients feel safe and supported by making the therapy process warm, nonjudgmental and authentic.

In my free time, I enjoy swimming, hiking, kayaking, reading and playing Animal Crossing. I am a former collegiate swimmer and still compete in masters and open water competitions. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, I am a die-hard Steelers and Penguins fan. I can usually be found hanging out with my husband Nick and two adorable cats, Loki and Mako.

About Rebecca

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and completed my master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Prior to working at Ambler Counseling Center, I served in multiple roles advocating for the empowerment of refugees, young women and teens, and survivors across the world. This led me to develop a passion for supporting young adults with diverse experiences. I have also worked in multiple school environments which led me to my work as a therapist for individuals with neurodiversities such as autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.

I am a person centered therapist; meaning I believe we are two people coming together to collaboratively figure out what is and what is not working for you in your life. I aim to help you navigate life's ups and downs, and let go of shame and guilt to become your most confident and authentic self (even when that can seem uncomfortable or scary). I want to be alongside you on your journey of self-discovery; which might look at times like concrete skills to try outside of session, or processing your feelings and thoughts in session. I particularly love working with teens, young adults, and men who may also have diverse backgrounds, ADHD or Autism, have experienced environmental trauma or are generally struggling to feel more in control and compassionate in their day to day life.

What can you expect in session? - I strive to show up as my authentic self in session through a variety of skills from a cognitive behavioral, multicultural, trauma informed, or person centered lens. I also believe that sometimes it is easier to talk about hard things when you have something in your hands or feel comfortable, therefore I incorporate hands on tools in session at times and allow for movement, creativity, and control in session. I emphasize creative approaches, humor, compassion, taking small steps towards your goals, empowerment, and visual aides to challenge the "blank slate" approach to therapy.

About Zoe

I have recently graduated from Temple University with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, after receiving a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from West Chester University in 2021. My passion for helping others and making a positive impact led me to complete my counseling internship at Eastern University's counseling center, where I was able to gain valuable clinical experiences working with adolescents and young adults with a range of presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, adjustment, relationship, familial, and academic concerns.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in evidence-based techniques, primarily drawing from Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I believe in empowering clients to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, while providing a warm and non-judgmental environment for personal growth. By fostering a trusting and collaborative relationship, I hope to ensure that my clients feel supported and heard throughout their therapeutic journey.

I believe that a therapeutic relationship thrives on trust, empathy, collaboration, and respect. As a counselor, I am committed to helping clients navigate life's challenges, build resilience, and discover their true potential.

About Lila

I have obtained my Masters of Science from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in Mental Health Counseling where I was trained from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy lens. Prior to receiving this degree, I attended Temple University and graduated in May 2020 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Religion. Although I do not incorporate religious doctrine into my practice, I find that those classes gave me important perspectives in working with clients from different backgrounds and cultures.

While I was in undergrad, I found myself gravitating towards opportunities that allowed me to work with adolescents/teens in empowering ways. I served as a camp counselor, middle school tutor, mentor, and with clients on the autism spectrum. Currently, my specialty is working with clients through anxious feelings, depressive symptoms, traumatic experiences, emotional regulation needs, and daily/weekly challenges.

I primarily utilize person-centered approaches, behavioral approaches and modalities, and cognitive-behavioral therapy through a multi-cultural and supportive lens. In session I emphasize empowerment, authenticity, creativity, engagement, empowerment, and active interventions to meet your needs at the moment.

My diverse experience working with adolescent, teen, and adult clients led me to the counseling field. I strive to meet with clients who looked like me, clients who needed a safe space to share thoughts they believed no-one could understand, clients who had been in the system, and clients with diverse needs.

I know you are the expert in you, and am happy to be a collaborator on your journey to achieving your goals.

About Brenda

Having started her career as a Masters-level Clinical Social Worker, Brenda has come full circle by returning to the counseling environment at Ambler Counseling Center as the office manager. After pivoting from social work to administrative positions in student affairs, human resources, and private school education, Brenda looks forward to supporting the staff at ACC in creating a warm, welcoming environment for clients.

Making the decision to see a therapist is a courageous step toward improving your well-being. Every client deserves to be welcomed with respect, regard for their privacy, and with a warm smile.

About Janaeyah

I am a recent graduate from Widener University with a master’s in social work, after receiving a B.A in Women and Gender studies from The College of New Jersey. My passion for accompanying others along their life journey led me to complete my first internship at Friends Central Lower school and then my second internship at University Pennsylvania’s counseling center. Through both experiences I was able to gain valuable experience working with adolescents and young adults with a wide range of presenting concerns such as anxiety, trauma, adjustment, academic related concerns, and cultural concerns.

I primarily utilize person-center approaches, imagery, mindfulness, and visualization with a multi-cultural perspective. In session, I allow the client to be in the driver’s seat and I accompany them on their journey. They always are in control of the pace and speed in session. I emphasis and draw from creativity, authenticity, empowerment, and engagement while in session.

I strive to work with clients who hold marginalized identities and create and foster safe spaces for them to be heard, seen, and known.

About Maura

Hi! I’m Maura, a Mental Health Therapist based in Pennsylvania. I completed my master’s degree in Counseling at Villanova University in 2020. I am passionate about working with teens and young adults. Since graduating I have served as a School Counselor in Montgomery County. I have worked with adolescents as they navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, negative body image, and family changes. I also have extensive experience supporting individuals dealing with complex family illnesses, bullying, and anxiety.

As a therapist, I strive to create a safe and supportive space for clients. I practice as a Relational and Person-Centered Therapist, with an approach rooted in building genuine and empathetic relationships. In our sessions, we’ll unpack the stories and beliefs that influence your self-perception. We may also use journaling as a tool to strengthen your connection to your inner voice and break down patterns of minimization, peacemaking, and perfectionism. My ultimate goal is to help client’s build the confidence to handle life’s inevitable challenges.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, practicing yoga and going on walks with my two adorable dogs, Luna and Sunshine, with my fiancé, Rob.