Hello! My name is Andrea. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Pennsylvania. 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 a community mental health agency. 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 mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related disorders, and stress-related disorders (like PTSD). Lastly, I am devoted to creating a safe space for identity-related growth and affirmation.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
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.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
The greatest compliment I have received from clients is that I created a safe space for them to speak freely about what is on their mind. I also promote a judgement-free zone and will ask questions instead of making assumptions. A compliment I received from a supervisor was about my flexibility and ability to use the most appropriate treatment approach at any given moment based on what my client is disclosing about during a session.
About Andrea Kirsch
Serves ages
Licensed in
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Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
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. I believe that you are the expert of you and your life. My role in our collaboration is to provide therapeutic support to help you feel better by identifying and overcoming barriers that are preventing you from living your best life as well as teaching you helpful skills to manage mental health symptoms and make positive changes in your life based on what is important to you.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Emotions can be difficult to control and can make us feel out of control. I use DBT to help teach clients how to identify, label, and regulate their emotions, how to handle high pressure or crisis situations without losing control, and how to increase the effectiveness of their interpersonal communication.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I love Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) because it, like person-centered, views you as the expert of you and your life. SFBT is based on the idea that you already possess what's needed to create solutions to reach your goals. As a SFBT-trained therapist I can help you learn how to create solutions to overcome problems using all of the things about you that make you YOU, like your personal strengths, personality traits, things you're good at or enjoy doing, and the people who support you.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
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.
Trauma Informed Care
Unfortunately, far too many have experienced at least one form of trauma in their lives. I use a trauma-informed approach with every client. This means I do things like asking permission to ask certain questions, not expecting anyone to answer a question or share details about themselves/their lives if they are not ready to, and understanding the impacts of trauma on your mental, emotional, and physical health.