Turning Leaf Therapy LLC
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Philadelphia Therapist

Meet Our Team

To schedule an appointment with one of our therapists, please call us at
​215-399-4128 or fill out our CONTACT form and we'll call you back

Luke Romano 

Pronouns: He/Him
Licensed Professional Counselor
Luke Romano, LPC
Specialties
Children, Teens, Families
Adults
LGBTQ+
Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Life Adjustments
Relationship Issues
Identity Exploration

My Approach
Relational Psychoanalytic
Psychodynamic
Play Therapy
Art Therapy

Location
In-Person
Virtual (PA Residents)
​

Rate:
$150

"I am committed to fostering a warm experience and collaborative process tailored to fit your needs."
​​
My areas of expertise include challenges navigating social life, relationships, and life transitions, coping with traumatic experiences, and understanding complex family dynamics. My goal is to create a comfortable and judgment free therapeutic space within which adults, children, and youth can explore, heal, and grow.

​With advanced training in relational psychodynamic therapy, I specialize in trauma informed mental health treatment based on the development of a strong therapeutic relationship. I work from a deep understanding of how patterns developed under our circumstances in childhood can set the stage for the complex challenges we face as adults, while remaining grounded in our experience of the present.

When working with LGBTQ+ individuals, my approach is affirming and holds in mind the psychological impact of social marginalization on LGBTQ+ mental health. My work with children emphasizes the roles of free play and family involvement in healing, self-expression, and healthy development.
​
 I appreciate that the fit is critical in finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and can trust. Please feel free to reach out for a free consultation prior to making an initial appointment. I’m here to discuss any questions you may have.​

Lenni Marcus

Pronouns: She/Her
Licensed Clincial Social Worker
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Specialties
Teens & Adults
Family Therapy
LGBTQ+
Gender & Sexual Identity Exploration
Relationship Issues
Trauma, Sexual Abuse, Dissociation
"High Emotionality"


My Approach
Relational Psychodynamic

Location
In-Person
Virtual (PA Residents)


Rate:
$150
"I see therapy as a space for us to build a meaningful connection that foster a gentle self-reflection so you can better understand yourself."
​
I aim to create a warm environment that allows the support, courage, and self-compassion necessary for you to grow. Through this process, we’ll uncover and address the reasons you may feel stuck, unhappy, preoccupied, worried, or anxious. 

We are often impacted by our past experiences in invisible and unspoken ways, and these experiences hold a powerful influence over how we see ourselves and relationships with others. I am especially interested in how you’ve been impacted by your historical or childhood experiences, any trauma or adverse life events you may have experienced, your attachment and relationship history, systemic oppression, and your overall social culture.

​My primary approach is a relational psychodynamic lens, which means that I pay close attention to how the therapeutic relationship can illuminate dynamics in your life outside of therapy, while providing corrective emotional experiences whenever possible. I’m experienced in and draw from behavioral therapies, such as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). ​

While I work with a variety of folks and areas of concern, I have particular experience working with trauma, young adults, sexual identity, gender identity, and other LGBTQ+ related concerns. I also have experience working with folks struggling with eating disorders and body image concerns. I use she/her pronouns.
​See Lenni's full bio on Psychology Today
Lenni's Psychology Today

Victoria Galperin

Pronouns: She/Her
Licensed Professional Counselor
Victoria Galperin, LPC
Specialties
Children, Teens, & Adults
Family Therapy & Parent Coaching
Depression, Anxiety, Stress, & Life Adjustments

My Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Play Therapy

Location
In-Person
Virtual (PA & NJ Residents)
​
Rate:
$165- $180
"It has always been my belief that our capacity for flexibility, growth, change, empathy, and recovery has no bounds."

Although beginning the therapeutic process can feel scary, it is an opportunity to trust ourselves and our ability to learn new ways of coping with adverse events, be they from our past, present or future.


In recent years our world has changed greatly and many of us, both adults and children, have been trying to adjust to our new reality, while facing economic uncertainty, discrimination, illness, isolation, disruption of natural development, as well as numerous other kinds of loss. If you find yourself or your child struggling with any of the challenges presented by your current environment or by experiences from your past, please know that you are not alone and that I am honored to work with you. My goal for our sessions is for you to feel seen, supported and empowered to release the burdens that hold you back and move forward.

My therapeutic approach is integrative, collaborative, and is tailored to each individual client, with basis in client centered, feminist, body positive, and humanistic therapy. I utilize a variety of modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, Play Therapy, behavior modification, solution focused, and strength based. I have experience providing therapy in community mental health agencies and private practice to adults and children, couples, families, and groups.
​

I have lived in Philadelphia ever since I immigrated from Ukraine as a teenager, I love reading, and I have two young children.  I am looking forward to getting to know you!
​See Victoria's full bio on Psychology Today
Victoria's Psychology Today

John Kreitzberg

Pronouns: He/Him
Prelicensed Therapist
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Specialties
Adults
Childhood Trauma, Neglect, & Sexual Abuse
Dissociation
Grief & Loss
Men's Issues/Masculinity
Life Transitions
Feeling Stuck

My Approach
Psychodynamic

Location
In-Person
Virtual (PA Residents)

Rate:
$100- $120
"Therapy can help foster healing and change by offering a space to safely and freely explore who you are and what you want for yourself and in relationships with others."
​
I believe past negative experiences can have a lasting impact on the present in ways that are sometimes hard to make sense of, such as negative relationship patterns, feeling stuck or overwhelmed, anger, shame, confusion, intimacy issues, concerns connected to gender identity and sexuality, or just doing things in life that aren’t working but you don’t understand why . My work helps people gain insight into how the past may be impacting the present, and foster the strength to express and stay true to their own needs and desires.
​

 Throughout our work together I will listen thoughtfully, offer perspective, and challenge you to become curious about who you are and how we can work together towards meaningful change.


I am specializing in work with male-identifying, gender non-conforming, and queer survivors of childhood sexual abuse. In addition, I have experience working with a range of people and concerns.  Above all, I am dedicated to tailoring my work to the unique contexts, concerns, and goals of every person I see with respect and without judgement.
​

​See Johns's full bio on Psychology Today
John's Psychology Today

Anne Miller-Uuda

Pronouns: She/Her
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
​Director of Supervision
Anne Miller-Uuda
Specialties
Teens & Adults
Perinatal & Postpartum
Sexual Violence & Interpersonal Trauma
Childhood Trauma & Sexual Abuse
Birth Trauma
Exploration of Childhood/Upbringing on Parenting
Life Adjustments
Anxiety


My Approach
Relational
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma Art Narrative Therapy
DBT & Mindfulness
Group Therapy


Location
In-Person
Virtual (PA & NJ Residents)
​
Rate:
$150
"I believe that healing occurs in therapy when there is a safe and trusting connection between the therapist and client. I strive to support the person sitting with me through listening with empathy and no judgments."
​
I am continually honored to bear witness to healing as I support individuals and groups as they strengthen the relationship to themselves, others, and communities.
​
I am a licensed clinical social worker with experience working in a variety of settings. I specialize in working with trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, life changes (including pregnancy and transition to parenthood), interpersonal difficulties, self-esteem, and adult children of unattuned parents. I have extensive experience working with survivors of sexual violence, interpersonal violence, and child abuse. I work with both adults and adolescents. I also offer clinical supervision for LSW’s working toward their LCSW.

My therapeutic style is integrative; I work with each individual to find an approach to treatment that meets that person’s needs in the moment and over the course of therapy. In doing so I draw on a variety of approaches including relational, emotion-focused, mindfulness-based, body awareness, and cognitive behavioral. I also keep in mind the impact systems have on individuals and the intersectional nature of identities. In my practice I strive to be trauma-informed and affirming of all identities, including LGBTQ+. I stand with the Black Lives Matter movement.

I am trained in a number of trauma-specific interventions. I am a certified Prolonged Exposure provider and a certified Trauma Process Yoga Group provider. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Art Narrative Therapy.
​

See Anne's full bio on Psychology Today
Anne's Psychology Today

Dr. John Machalaba

Pronouns: He/Him
Clinical Psychologist
​Director of Clinical Services

Dr. John Machalaba
Specialties
Adults
Relationship Issues

Men's Issues/Masculinity
Chronic Illness
University/Graduate Students


My Approach
Relational Psychoanalytic
Psychodynamic


Location
In-Person
Virtual (PA Residents)

Rate:
$175
​"I want my clients to feel empowered and free to explore themselves and grow into the person they wish to become."

My approach to therapy is one that prioritizes the creation of a relationship that is safe, mutual, and honest. My presence is calm, warm, and active. I offer my clients feedback and challenge them in ways that encourage growth, often with some levity and humor. I value knowing my clients as a person first and foremost and prioritize gaining an understanding and appreciation of their perspective.

I work together with my clients to identify negative patterns in their life and provide the opportunity to create new, healthy experiences. My therapeutic approach is generally grounded in psychodynamic, existential, and humanistic theories. However, I believe that no two clients are alike and that no one approach works for everyone. For this reason, I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs through collaboration and feedback.

As a licensed clinical psychologist, I have considerable experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and difficulties in interpersonal or romantic relationships. I am also committed to working with issues concerning identity development, diversity, and sexuality. The focus of my practice is in treating individuals from late adolescence through adulthood. I have extensive expertise working with university students and medical professionals.

​I also have broad experience and training in facilitating interpersonal process groups that help clients improve their relationships with others and gain a better understanding of their interpersonal interactions.

See John's full bio on Psychology Today
John's Psychology Today

Dr. Alison Tripptree

Pronouns: She/Her
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Alison Tripptree
Specialties
Adults & Young Adults
Gender Identity Exploration and/or Concerns
Sexual Orientation Exploration and/or Concerns
Attachment and Relationship Concerns
Relational Trauma
Childhood Trauma
Eating Disorders
OCD
​

My Approach
Psychodynamic

Location
In-Person
Virtual (PA Residents)
​
Rate:
$175
"From the beginning of therapy, I want to establish a relationship that feels as comfortable and safe as possible so that we can work collaboratively to decide the direction of therapy."

I seek to provide you with the flexibility and agency to choose for yourself if you would like to accept or change certain patterns within your life. I bring a gentle, calming presence to the relationship, which I balance with active challenge and feedback in order to create the possibility for new behaviors, emotions, and relationship dynamics.

I work from a relational, emotion-focused psychodynamic therapy approach, which emphasizes understanding relationship patterns in the past and present in order to process the emotions related to these experiences. When we are young, we learn ways to cope with our feelings and usually these strategies were helpful at the time. However, these ways of coping frequently do not serve us anymore and in fact, disrupt our growth. We will aim to broaden these strategies so you have more options when responding to a situation. We will try to understand the meaning behind these behaviors and what it might represent.
 
I have specialized experience working with individuals who present with developmental and relationship trauma, eating concerns and eating disorders, as well as self-injurious behavior. I also work with individuals experiencing a variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, identity development, and attachment/relationship concerns.
 
I have significant experience working with individuals who are exploring or have concerns related to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. I have written letters for my clients in support of gender -affirming surgery. We can focus on your identity development and how you want to incorporate this part of yourself into your life. We can also discuss conflicts that have arisen within yourself, important others, and how you are treated in the world since questioning and/or acknowledging this part of your identity. ​
​See Alison's full bio on Psychology Today
Alison's Psychology Today

Dr. Emily Johansen

Pronouns: She/Her
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Emily B. Johansen
Specialties
Adults
Trauma/Abuse & Dissociation
Anxiety, Depression, & Emotional Instability
Self-Harm
Relationship Difficulties
Identity Confusion and Exploration
Sprititualty
Multicultural Diversity


My Approach
Relational Psychodynamic
​Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) 
​Mindfulness


Location
In-Person
Virtual (PA Residents)

Rate:
$175
"I believe that therapy is about finding or rediscovering well-being, hope, safety, insight, stability, courage, and potential for oneself within the context of a professional relationship."

In my sessions, I value being down-to-earth, empathic, and non-judgmental, as well as attending to how a client’s unique identity dimensions (e.g., gender, race, religion, sexuality, disability, socioeconomic status) shape who that person is. I believe that a client’s past and present experiences, since they can influence one’s future, are equally important to address during the healing process. 


My theoretical orientation is integrative and uniquely tailored to each client’s needs, meaning that while I am grounded in relational psychodynamic, humanistic, and multicultural theories, I incorporate more direct, practical behavioral interventions from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT), and cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) when appropriate. I believe that trauma takes many different forms—whether it is rooted in experiences of societal discrimination (e.g., racism, heterosexism), family dysfunction, neglect, emotional/physical/sexual/spiritual abuse or violence, grief/loss, or any other personally upsetting moment or period in life—and that all forms should be validated.

 I have worked in a variety of settings in urban and suburban areas of PA and DE, including a community mental health clinic, public university, inpatient & residential sesttings, private practice, offering both individual/group psychotherapy and assessment services. My biggest passion is empowering those who have felt invalidated, oppressed, and mistreated in this world to fight for their right to be heard.
​See Emily's​ full bio on Psychology Today
Emily's Psychology Today

Jeanine Stewart

Pronouns: She/Her
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jeanine Stewart
Specialties
Adults
Anxiety Disorders
Life Transitions and Adjustments
Relationship Difficulties
Divorce and Seperation
University/Gradutate Students
Identity Issues and Exploration
Gender and Sexual Identity Eploration
​
My Approach
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) 
Psychodynamic and Attachment=Focused
Gestalt
​

Location
In-Person
Virtual (PA Residents)

Rate:
$150
"I utilize my deep curiosity about individuals to establish trusting relationships and to guide clients to deeper clarity and understanding of themselves—their triggers, strengths, as well as how to cope and attain more fulfillment, happiness, and peace in their lives."

Having served at a community mental health center as well as a methadone clinic in the past, my work is infused with an awareness of the modern environmental factors at play in clients' journeys—systemic issues such as racism and socioeconomic disparities, discrimination, family or lack thereof, to name a few, and I believe in empowering clients by helping them differentiate what is within their control to change and what is not. I am open to meeting all clients where they are at and have extensive experience helping young adults with issues such as perfectionism, depression, anxiety, gender transitions, job/school transitions, breakups, and other big life decisions and changes in addition to adults later in life. I have also worked with substance use disorder, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, postpartum mood disorders, and anger.
​
I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a third-wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps people develop a more mindful relationship with their thoughts, in addition to drawing from Gestalt therapy for remaining present with clients and appreciative of their strengths, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for emotion regulation, traditional CBT for recognizing cognitive distortions, and Positive Psychology for infusing more positive influence into one’s life.
​See Jeanine​'s full bio on Psychology Today
Emily's Psychology Today

Dr. Abby Costello​

Pronouns: She/Her
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Abby Costello
  Specialties
Adults
Couples
College Students & Young Adults
Trauma
Sexual Assault
Abusive Relationships
Eating Disorders
Perfectionism
Relationship Issues


My Approach
Relational 
Emotion Focused Therapy
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Interpersonal Process
Humanistic


Location
In-Person
Virtual in : PA & NJ (+ several others)

Rate:
$175 (Individual Therapy)
$180 (Couples Therapy)
"I strive to create a secure, caring, and collaborative relationship with each of my clients so that therapy is a place they feel fully seen, heard, understood, and respected."

I believe that healing often occurs best in the context of a safe and trusting relationship between a client and therapist. I work from an integrative and holistic perspective, meeting each client where they are and working collaboratively with clients to reach their own personal goals and to create lasting, meaningful change and healing in their lives.

​My theoretical approach is integrative and based on interpersonal process, humanistic, multicultural, and psychodynamic theories. I believe in the importance of helping clients gain insight into how their past and present relationships are influencing their understanding of themselves, their current relationships, and their life struggles.


As a licensed clinical psychologist, I have broad experience in providing therapy to a diverse range of clients with a variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, identity development, perfectionism, stress, and relationship struggles. I have particular expertise in working with survivors of interpersonal trauma, and have extensive experience treating individuals who have experienced sexual assault, harassment, stalking, intimate partner violence and childhood abuse. Additionally, I have specialized training and experience in treating eating disorders and body image concerns. In addition to individual therapy, I am passionate about conducting couples therapy using a combination of techniques from Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy and the Gottman Method.

Over the past several years, I have had the ability to conduct therapy across a variety of settings and have been able to witness clients’ profound ability to overcome obstacles and change their lives when provided with a supportive environment. Being able to build trust with clients that allows them to share their innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences to help facilitate meaningful change is the biggest privilege of my work.

​See Abby​'s full bio on Psychology Today
Emily's Psychology Today

Samara Perez​

Pronouns: She/Her
Counseling Intern
Samara Perez
Specialties
Adults
Anxiety & Depression
Childhood Trauma
Life Stressors
Grief & Loss
Relationship Difficulties


My Approach
Person Centered
​Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)


Location
In-Person
Virtual (PA Residents)

Rate:
$45
"I believe therapy can be a beneficial tool for any person that choses it, and I am honored when I am allowed to be a part of someone’s healing journey."
​

My approach to therapy is largely Person-Centered – meaning I respect and honor the capacity that each person has to grow and heal, and that I believe already exists inside of everyone. Sometimes people come into therapy expecting the therapist to have all the answers or to be able to read their minds, but I think it’s important to create a space where we can better understand and work on things collaboratively. I also draw from the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, so that we can understand and work on improving the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and use different strategies and coping skills to decrease symptoms and work towards a variety of goals.
 
​I work with teens and adults experiencing a variety of issues related to depression, anxiety, relationship problems, life stressors, grief/loss, and the effects of all kinds of traumas, big and small. My role is to support you through this journey of healing, discovery, and self-improvement, to help provide some perspective, or to ask questions to help build greater insight, understanding, and self-compassion. Most importantly, my role is to hold space for you and with you. I value the client’s needs and building a strong therapeutic relationship, where you can feel heard, seen, and accepted.
 
​Currently, I am completing my Master’s degree at Thomas Jefferson University’s program in Community and Trauma Counseling. I am specializing in trauma-informed therapy, and my work thus far has focused extensively on understanding the effects of childhood trauma on individuals in later life when left untreated. I also have a strong background in understanding the relationship between food and mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression. This allows me to take a holistic approach to therapy, and to better understand the mind-body connection.  ​

Maya Johnson

Pronouns: She/Her
Licensed Professional Counselor
Maya Johnson
Specialties
Adults
Trauma
Sexual and Domestic Violence
Community Violence
Anxiety, Depression, & Mood Disorders
Grief & Loss
Substance Use


My Approach
​Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-Focused CBT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) 


Location
Virtual (PA Residents)

Rate:
$150
"I believe that therapy should be a safe and warm space to share openly and truly do the work to become the healthiest, most self-actualized version of yourself."
​

​I am a Licensed Professional Counselor providing services in Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs. I have worked with clients on a large range of presenting issues, including but not limited to substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, major depressive disorders, mood disorders, grief and loss, trauma, sexual and domestic violence, and community violence.

 I am also skilled in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) practices and trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My practice emphasizes strengths based and person-centered approaches, prioritizing the resilience in each client.  My goal is to provide the right balance of support and challenge to help each client work and grow into their potential.

"Ali" Alexandra Thieman

Pronouns: She/Her or They/Them
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
(Not Accepting New Clients)

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Specialties
Adults
Teens
Attachment
Depression & Anxiety
Trauma
OCD
Parenting/Caregiving


My Approach
​Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) 
Attachment-Focused
​Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)


Location
Not Accepting New Clients
"My approach is directed at alleviating symptoms, while also doing the deeper work of healing, self-insight, and growth."

I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in providing relational, trauma-informed and attachment-focused therapy. I have a wide range of experience treating a variety of presentations that may or may not be related to trauma, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), relationship difficulties, attachment-related problems, and life transitions.  
​ 
​One of my biggest passions is working with caregivers of all types - new parents, adoptive and foster parents, biological parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, among others. I help caregivers work through their own difficult experiences growing up, form increasingly helpful emotion management and relationship patterns, and build skills and confidence caring for their children. I am trained in the ARC model (Attachment, Regulation and Competency), an approach designed to support kids and teens with more significant emotional and behavioral issues, typically related to trauma. This can help them improve relationships, emotion regulation skills, and a sense of confidence.
 
For teens and adults, I am also able to integrate my training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to challenge and rework unhelpful ways of thinking, increase mindfulness, and improve interpersonal skills - tailored and adapted for the individual in age-appropriate ways. I also have specialized training and experience implementing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for the treatment of OCD in children, teens and adults. This is considered the frontline, evidence-based treatment for those struggling with intrusive thoughts, obsessive and constant worries, and repetitive mental or physical behaviors. ​

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We are a full-service private practice offering a variety of therapeutic services conveniently located in Old City, Philadelphia. ​
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215-399-4128
123 Chestnut Street, Suite 304
Philadelphia, PA 19106
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Copyright © 2018 Turning Leaf Therapy LLC All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • Services
    • Trauma-Informed Therapy
    • Children, Teens, Parents, & Families
    • Culturally Sensitive Care
    • Supervision
  • Our Team
  • Groups
    • Online Sexual Assault Survivor Group
    • Trauma Recovery Group
  • Policies and Forms
  • Fees
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Join Our Team
    • LSW Training Program