2023-2024 Intern Counselors

Sarah Jane Coffey

Sarah Jane Coffey, (she/her/hers), M.A. in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling, expected May 2024

Life is complex. Thankfully we don’t have to do this alone. Therapy is a collaboration. I will meet you where you are and together we will work to honor your unique identity, experiences, needs, and goals. My aim is to foster the conditions and provide support that allows your inner wisdom, joy, and freedom to arise, even when challenged by circumstances outside of your control. I work with anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, grief, authenticity, aging, illness, and end-of-life experiences. My approach is informed by Humanism, Gestalt, IFS, neuroscience, mindfulness and meditation, queer and decolonized counseling practices, poetry, art, and prayer.

Outside of therapy, I am a parent to a nine year old and twin six year olds, a death doula, a passionate gardener, recreational weight lifter, and pun enthusiast.

Dean Gestal, (he/him/his), M. A. in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling, expected May 2024

I am passionate about helping people find meaning and purpose in their lives and helping you to make sense of the things that happen seemingly out of our control. You are so much more powerful than you think you are. I combine scientific and spirituality based approaches such as Existential psychotherapy, Gestalt therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Logotherapy to help people uncover their own power within so that they can be free to choose their own path in every moment.

I enjoy working with anyone struggling to understand what life has thrown at them. Some events are natural courses of biology, others are matters of environmental and interpersonal conflict and engagement. Trauma and anxiety is not limited to one group of people. I work with anyone ranging from adolescents to elderly populations. If you are struggling with making meaning in your life. I would love to work with you. My path has taken me into the nooks and crannies of topics such as end-of-life and transition anxiety, religion and spirituality, love and sexuality, death, relationships and boundaries, and choice of will. But, of course, my interests and expertise range far beyond that to anime, the next best opportunity to see live music, and the superiority of American cheese.

Regardless of what you are facing, there is a path to freedom. You know the way, I am just here to be your sidekick in navigating the motions in the darkness. I promise to show up with authenticity and curiosity as we let new experiences arise and process what is present in this moment. Through integration of your parts and our awareness of their function, we can work towards loving every part of ourselves. We are going to get to know the real you, and remind you that you are whole just as you are.

Jillian Tosta (she/her/hers), M.A. in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling, expected 2024 

Choosing to start therapy is a big deal and takes courage. I see you putting in the effort to care for yourself, and I’m glad you’re here. As your counselor, I will strive to create an atmosphere where all parts of you feel welcome. I will listen compassionately and challenge you when appropriate. Together we will address your challenges in a way that draws on your strengths and aligns with your values. 

Mental health challenges do not exist in a vacuum. I utilize a holistic approach considering your mind, body, spirit, history, and social and cultural influences. My counseling style is mindfulness-based, trauma-informed, and body-centered. I also have a background in health and wellness coaching. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, playing volleyball, hiking, and spending time with my dogs. 

Lissa Treger, (she/her/hers), M.A. Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling, expected 2024

Seeking assistance is a human need. Finding yourself in deep personal distress may be an indicator that you are wanting and ready for change. Together, we can honor those signals and better understand what fuels them. This awareness helps us make sense of how we interact with the environment and shifts how we perceive the world.

With empathic support, we can turn towards the difficult things that may be holding you back, making space for your inherent wisdom, creativity, and growth. My approach to therapy is collaborative and playful. My work integrates humanistic, strength-based, queer, decolonized, and trauma- informed approaches. In terms of modalities, I use Gestalt, mindful and somatic practices, IFS, nature, and the arts. Ultimately we can decide what works best for you.

I am also bilingual and use ASL (American Sign Language) for those who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing.

Efsun Elci, (she/her/hers), M.A. in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling, expected
May 2024

I am an investigator of life, lifelong learner, teacher, and a guide. I will share with you the tools
that helped me to embody a great sense of well-being through cultivation of self-love and
acceptance. I will accompany you in your process of uncovering your truth that is in alignment
and in congruence for you. I trust we all possess the wisdom and power we need in order to
heal wounds, live a fulfilling life and have a positive impact on our environment.

I am dedicated to compassionately support you in your journey of discovering the nature of
your own mind, body and soul. I will guide you in navigating challenging emotions, situations
and relationships, explore further for clarity and gain new perceptions to create authentic new
meaning. Hard times and emotional turmoil are signs for that which is not serving you and
require your attention, compassion, and radical acceptance. I believe through deep presence
and curiosity; the intrinsic wisdom of each individual will naturally emerge. The practices for
self-awareness and self-awakening actually transform the individual’s life. What we can feel, we
can heal.

I am passionate about mindfulness-based practices and therapy. I integrate person-centered
and trauma-informed approaches as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Gestalt
Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Past Reality Integration. I work with adults and
couples. When I am not seeing clients, I love to cook, do yoga, go to insight meditation retreats,
dance and enjoy time out in the nature.

Claire Bailey (she/her/hers), MA in Somatic Body Psychotherapy, Expected 2024
You are the expert on your own experience. In our work together, I will invite you to gradually
connect with your inner landscape and, as appropriate, attune more deeply and presently with
the interconnected wisdom of your body, breath, heart, and the living systems of which we are
a part. I work with anxiety, stress, trauma, highly sensitive people, LGBTQ+ identities, and
improving intimacy and connection in relationships. I utilize Pain Reprocessing Therapy in
addressing chronic pain syndromes and other physical symptoms.

My approach is person-centered, body-oriented, trauma- and social equity-informed, focused
on fostering self-compassion, and informed by my background in nature education and visual
art. In my free time, you can find me backpacking, gardening, dancing, and dabbling in
photography.

Carlie Price (she/her/hers), M.A. in Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology,
expected May 2024

Congratulations on your pursuit of self study! This step is a brave and hard one. As a therapist,
I adhere to the philosophy that you have all of the inherent wisdom you need. My job is to help
you discover that wisdom for yourself. I want to walk alongside you in your journey toward self
understanding, self awareness, and self compassion; a journey that will hopefully be
incorporated throughout a lifetime.

I believe that our healing is intrinsically linked; your work will inevitably influence my own.
Together, we can work to uncover the parts of ourselves left in the shadows, maybe receiving
shame or hatred. Rather than eradicate them, my goal is to help you understand their purpose.
With compassion and awareness comes healing.

I am best known for being a half Jew from Philly, who has no rhythm but the most fun on the
dance floor. I have a cow dog named Beef, who is my best and brightest yoga student. Most
importantly, I would be honored at the prospect of working together.