Psychotherapy

At PHL Therapy Collective, we offer a range of psychotherapy services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Whether you prefer in-person sessions or virtual therapy, we are committed to providing accessible, professional, and client-focused care.

“And you? When will you begin the long journey into yourself? ”

— Rumi

In-Person and Virtual Therapy

In-Person Therapy: For those who can visit our Center City Philadelphia office, in-person sessions are the preferred option for fostering focus and connection during therapy. This option is available to all Pennsylvania residents able to make the trip.

Virtual Therapy: Open to any Pennsylvania resident, virtual therapy sessions are conducted via Zoom, SimplePractice (our electronic health records system), or other HIPAA-compliant platforms. To best replicate the in-person experience, we ask clients to attend virtual sessions seated in front of a stationary device (tablet, laptop, or phone on a stand).

Services

  • Individual Therapy

    Individual therapy that focuses solely on you without considering your relationships—with family, friends, coworkers, or within the contexts of gender, religion, ability, or sexuality—misses key factors for lasting change. At PHL Therapy Collective, we center you in your story while also exploring how these relationships and contexts shape your experiences.

    Whether you're navigating mood states such as depression or anxiety, building new skills, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, individual therapy offers a space to reflect on your past and chart a more grounded and intentional path forward.

  • Relationship Therapy

    As social beings, our connections with others play a fundamental role in our lives, yet maintaining those connections can be challenging. Relationship and family therapy focuses on understanding the dynamics between you and those closest to you, identifying current patterns, and working collaboratively to improve them in ways that benefit everyone involved.

    By replacing blame and judgment with curiosity, this type of therapy fosters deeper understanding and stronger, more supportive relationships. The work centers on the relationship itself, encouraging all participants to contribute to its growth and the well-being of everyone involved.

  • Sex Therapy

    Sex therapy is similar to other forms of talk therapy but includes a focus on the biomechanics and complexities of sexual functioning. This can encompass topics such as sexuality, sexual functioning, kinks, fetishes, paraphilias, and healing from sexual assault or abuse.

    Exploring this deeply personal aspect of yourself can help you develop a healthier understanding of what excites and fulfills you. Learning to be vulnerable with others in this area promotes healthier sexual relationships and meaningful connections that support healing and growth.

Short-, Mid-, and Long-Term Therapy Options

Short-Term Therapy

Focused on behavioral change and practical solutions, short-term therapy typically includes 8 to 12 sessions after the initial intake.

Techniques may include:

  • Solution-Focused Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Somatic Therapy

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Mid-Term Therapy

Geared toward deeper insight and experiential growth, mid-term therapy typically spans 15 to 22 sessions.

Methods may include:

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT/EFIT)

  • Structural Therapy

  • Narrative Therapy

Long-Term Therapy

Designed for trauma work, ongoing mental health concerns, and deeper exploration, long-term therapy often involves 25 or more sessions. This approach emphasizes continued support and long-lasting insight.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Collective is currently associated with Independence/Keystone Blue Cross Blue Shield. Only Brian Swope, LMFT, is paneled with Keystone Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
    For associate-licensed and pre-licensure clinicians, we can provide superbills for out-of-network benefits. However, it’s important to confirm with your insurance provider that:

    • You have out-of-network benefits.

    • The clinician you’re seeing meets their reimbursement requirements.

  • Your first appointment is all about getting to know you. You don’t need to have all the answers or share anything beyond what you feel comfortable with. Our therapists and trainees create a supportive environment and are mindful of power dynamics that may arise in sessions. Therapy can be short-term or long-term, depending on your goals and needs.

  • Yes, homework is sometimes assigned to help you continue your progress outside of sessions. This might include:

    • Journaling exercises.

    • Steps or actions to take in your daily life.

    • Reading articles or book chapters.

  • The Collective consists of several therapists and interns who all have different availability. If you are open to whom you would work with, you could be seen within a few days of reaching out.

  • All therapists start their professional career in a graduate program before beginning at a placement site that meets the requirements of the program and contracted with the program/university. Trainees may lead their own sessions, observe virtually, or be in session doing conjoint therapy with a supervisor. They are required to have weekly supervision for case management and self of therapist support. This is in addition to supervision and support they have within their graduate program.  

    Pre-licensure therapists are meeting the requirements for licensure while continuing with supervision as per state board guidelines.

    Associate licensure is new in Pennsylvania, as of spring 2024. They are still supervised as a pre-licensure therapist, but have already been vetted by the appropriate state board and can be paneled with insurance or are acceptable for out-of-network insurance benefits for health plans that have it.