Benjamin Keller

I've had a passion for the human experience for as long as I can remember! I believe in a comprehensive approach to treatment to understand where you've been, where you're at, and where you want to go. I've worked as a licensed therapist in the suburbs of Philadelphia as well as the streets of Kensington, with those experiencing the effects of severe trauma, depression, anxiety, and the impact of the opioid epidemic. Additionally, I work with many couples at any stage of their relationship. Before my experiences as a therapist, I worked in homelessness prevention and with foster youth as a life skills counselor. My approach is client-centered. I strongly believe in the therapeutic alliance and modeling the functioning of a healthy relationship. Though the question "How does that make you feel?" has its place, I believe participation and engagement by both parties are central to treatment. I lead with empathy and support and challenge when needed. As a therapist, father, and husband, I understand the importance of connection, creating a safe environment, and fostering growth. The foundation of who I am as a therapist begins with addressing the everyday trials and tribulations that life can bring, especially in a post pandemic world and the 24/7 news cycle that we live in. I believe peeling back the layers to understand the core beliefs and cognitive distortions present is paramount to addressing the root cause of symptoms. I understand that the first couple of sessions in therapy can be anxiety provoking; therefore, the initial sessions are more structured to ease that and help me get a better understanding of the presenting issue that you have identified and its history. The subsequent sessions are more client-centered as confidence in session and rapport have been built. I find that the presenting problem isn't always the core issue and that clients leave having achieved more than they came in for.