(she/her)
Welcome! I'm Crystal DeRose, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania. I earned my Master's degree from Millersville University and have been practicing for over 12 years. As a therapist, my role is to support and guide you through your personal journey. I strive to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and comfortable exploring the challenges that bring you to counseling. Together, we will identify goals and work toward meaningful changes that support a more balanced and fulfilling life, even in the face of life's ups and downs.
In our first session, we will spend time getting to know one another and reviewing the counseling process, including addressing any questions you may have. I will focus on understanding what has brought you to counseling, your current goals, important relationships or family dynamics, and relevant past experiences. You will not be expected to share anything deeply personal or traumatic until you feel ready. While I may ask a number of questions to better understand your experiences, you are always in control of what and how much you choose to share. Together, we will begin exploring the reasons you are seeking counseling and identify some initial goals for our work. My aim in this first session is to gain a clearer understanding of your story so we can begin creating a personalized plan that supports your needs and the changes you hope to make.
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is the collaborative and individualized way I work with clients. I often describe the process as putting together puzzle pieces. The experiences, thoughts, and feelings you share are pieces of a larger picture, and together we work to understand how they fit while exploring the gaps that may be contributing to current challenges. I draw from a variety of therapeutic methods and tailor them to the person I am working with rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Clients often share that I am able to challenge them in a gentle and supportive way. At times, this may include naming something directly or bluntly when it feels important to the work we are doing, but I prioritize building strong rapport and trust before introducing those moments of deeper challenge. I also value feedback and view therapy as a collaborative process. I reflect on each session and invite clients to share what is or is not working for them. If our current approach is not meeting your needs, I want there to be space to discuss that openly so we can adjust our work together or explore additional resources that may better support you. My goal is to create a space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered while also being thoughtfully challenged toward meaningful growth.
I work best with individuals who are open to self-reflection and interested in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. Many of the clients I support are navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, anxiety, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They may be seeking greater clarity, healthier ways of coping, or a stronger sense of balance in their lives. I work well with clients who appreciate a collaborative approach to therapy—those who value honest conversation, thoughtful reflection, and a willingness to be gently challenged in a supportive environment. Whether you are new to counseling or returning to therapy with specific goals in mind, I aim to meet you where you are and support you in moving toward meaningful and lasting change. Because this is my secondary professional role, my availability is limited to Tuesday afternoons. I am best positioned to support clients seeking weekly or biweekly sessions within that schedule. Due to this limited availability, I may not be the best fit for individuals who are looking for more frequent or higher levels of care, and I am happy to help connect those clients with additional resources when needed.
EMDR
Certified in Attachment Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for treatment of single-incident, and complex trauma. In some instances, EMDR methods can be useful in the treatment of anxiety, and phobias. To determine if EMDR treatment is appropriate, thorough assessment, and a period of stabilization and engagement in talk therapy for 2-6 months is necessary.
Gottman method
Level II Trained in Gottman Methods. In many instances, Gottman principles can be useful for couples, families, friendships, coworkers, etc.
Eclectic
I incorporate elements from a variety of theoretical models and modalities, tailored to each individual’s needs. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-informed Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-based Therapy, and Polyvagal Therapy.