Benjamin Keller

I work with adults experiencing challenges at any life stage. I have experience working with those struggling with symptoms related to depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, grief, and everyday challenges that life brings. As an LCSW, I have a passion for people and the overall human experience. My whole adult life has been spent working with and trying to better the lives of those around me. I've worked as an outpatient 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. Before my experiences as a therapist, I worked in homelessness prevention in Bucks County and with foster youth as a life skills counselor in Montgomery County. I also have a background in health and fitness. 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. 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.