Posted by: Shannon Oliver-O'Neil, LSWTherapist

Being hit by a big emotion, whether it’s anger, sadness or fear can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Most people don’t like to sit in uncomfortable feelings, and we…

Posted by: Richard (Rick) Snyderman, Richard (Rick) Snyderman, LPC, CADC, CSAT, NCC

Codependent Couples:

How to Heal from being Codependent on your Partner

    Codependency, a popular buzz-word today in many social circles, is still often misunderstood in relationships…

Posted by: Jaclyn Jacobs, Jaclyn Jacobs, MS, CRC, FELLOW

Winter can be a stressful time of year. Between weather changes, the holiday shopping frenzy, and deciding which relatives to visit first, you may feel the tension building already. For…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

  Conflict is one of the experiences that everyone has to go through, especially in relationships.  According to Dr. John Gottman, couples’ therapist and researcher, the majority of conflicts happen due…

Posted by: Shannon Oliver-O'Neil, LSWTherapist

For many people, their biggest critic is themselves. In an attempt to learn from their mistakes, many people fall into the trap of confusing negative self-talk with accountability…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

You may be familiar with the stages of grief conceptualized by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, or the acronym DABDA. The model consists of stages that are cyclical, sometimes repetitive, and come in no…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

It can be so very challenging for most of us to say no, and for a number of very good reasons. First and foremost, we are all taught from an…

Posted by: Libby Gilbertson, ABD, MEd, LMFT, Director of Quality Assurance

Emotions can be hard for some to identify, express, listen to, or manage. Whichever your difficulty with emotions, sometimes it is helpful to have a refresher on feelings.  

This tip…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

The Resume of Emily Endres

EDUCATION

Temple University—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2018 – 2020 (expected graduation date)

Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology

• Relevant courses: Theories in Counseling Psychology, Counseling…

Posted by: Libby Gilbertson, ABD, MEd, LMFT, Director of Quality Assurance

Feeling breakup ambivalence? Not sure if you want in or out of your relationship? Are you fighting for working on your relationship but feel like your partner is half out…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

Coping with Babyloss during the Holidays:  It's a magical time of year: snow may be beginning to fall, ornaments are hanging delicately from Christmas trees, and decorations appear across neighborhood lawns. Maybe…

Posted by: Jaclyn Jacobs, Jaclyn Jacobs, MS, CRC, FELLOW

How to Tell a Potential Sexual Partner about Herpes

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), often called herpes, is a common virus that is usually transmitted through sexual contact. According to the…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

After some deliberation, you made the conscious effort to stay single for some time.  Specifically, you decided to take a break from pursuing a committed relationship. Perhaps you found…

Posted by: Richard (Rick) Snyderman, Richard (Rick) Snyderman, LPC, CADC, CSAT, NCC

Benefits of Twelve-Step Meetings: A Twelve-step meeting such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Gambling Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous and many others are designed to be a support group…

Posted by: Libby Gilbertson, ABD, MEd, LMFT, Director of Quality Assurance

You read the tip on mismatched differentiation for those who feel healthier in their relationships. Now, what do you do about it? How do you fix something…

Posted by: Libby Gilbertson, ABD, MEd, LMFT, Director of Quality Assurance

What do you do when you are the emotionally healthier person in a relationship?

Emotional health can be described through the concept of differentiation. Differentiation is a balance between independence…

Posted by: Libby Gilbertson, ABD, MEd, LMFT, Director of Quality Assurance

Engaged? Planning your wedding? How will you plan for your marriage? This tip clarifies many of the questions people have before entering premarital counseling.

Q: What is Premarital Counseling? …

Posted by: Jennifer Foust, PhD, MS, LPC, Director of Clinical Services

What exactly is shame?  Shame is the feeling that results from how we negatively judge ourselves about an action we did. Actions that create shame are ones that we want…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

What happens to relationships after the loss of a pregnancy, and do men and women grieve differently? While this has been the focus of much academic literature, I would like…

Posted by: Shannon Oliver-O'Neil, LSWTherapist

SHANNON OLIVER O'NEIL, MSW, LCSW2401 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 1a2Philadelphia PA 19130267-428-2610

CLINICAL & EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE      o                   

Center for Growth | Philadelphia, PA |

Individual, Couples…

Posted by: Jaclyn Jacobs, Jaclyn Jacobs, MS, CRC, FELLOW

Creating Emotional Awareness Through Music

Sometimes it can be difficult to be in touch with your own emotions. This can be a frustrating experience that may lead you to feeling…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (2018), Erectile disorder (ED) is a challenging sexual dysfunction that approximately 53% of US men have experienced at some point.  Though there are…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

Unfortunately, nearly every person has or will experience symptoms of depression to a certain degree.  These symptoms include anhedonia (i.e., loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities), melancholy, lethargy, changes…

Posted by: Tonya McDaniel, ABD, MEd in Human Sexuality, MSW, LSW

Our prefrontal cortex is one of our greatest developmental achievements and challenges. On the one hand, it allows us to perform complex executive functions (e.g., problem solving, judgement, memory, impulse…

Posted by: Shannon Oliver-O'Neil, LSWTherapist

Many women and men struggle with being mindful during partnered sex. Difficulty staying engaged, or mindfulness, during sex can make sex less enjoyable, or even cause avoidance of sexual…

Posted by: Richard (Rick) Snyderman, Richard (Rick) Snyderman, LPC, CADC, CSAT, NCC

"Rick" Richard Brian Snyderman, 

Experience

NOVEMBER 2018 TO PRESENT

Therapist / The Center for Growth 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Provide outpatient therapy services to individuals, couples…

Posted by: Jaclyn Jacobs, Jaclyn Jacobs, MS, CRC, FELLOW

Reducing Stress in Your Morning Routine: Do you ever find yourself hitting the snooze button several times and then rushing to get out the door for work or school in a…

Posted by: Tonya McDaniel, ABD, MEd in Human Sexuality, MSW, LSW

VIRTUAL REALITY: AT THE FOREFRONT OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES WITH 3D SIMULATIONS TO TREAT MENTAL DISORDERS

The Center for Growth offers Virtual Reality (VR) as one of their innovative services for…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

What's in a Name? Deciding whether to Name the Baby You Lost

I've known, unfortunately, many women who lost babies during various stages of pregnancy. I've walked beside them as…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

The loss of a baby can bring about a challenging time in your life. Depending on the stage of your loss, your body may be reacting in a number of…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

We use the terms "grief" or "grieving" as if there is one standard definition, and that can be a problem to most grievers. Often, the words evoke feelings of sadness…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

            Many people like to imagine that how they see the world is crystal clear: they see everything in 20/20.  However, how many people actually have perfect vision? …

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

            Whether they are with our friends, family, or loved ones, the relationships that you hold with others are truly important.  We’ve all heard that…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

        During the 1980s, scientists recognized mycoplasma genitalium (mahy-koh-plaz-muh jen-nee-tae-lee-um) as a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI).  To put it simply, mycoplasma genitalium, also known as MG, is…

Posted by: Tonya McDaniel, ABD, MEd in Human Sexuality, MSW, LSW

Overcoming negativity bias is far more complicated than most people imagine. Though we often split the world into optimists and pessimists, the reality is our brains are hypervigilant to threats…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

Not every woman who has experienced babyloss wants to have another child, but many women do decide to try to conceive again. Though this path can be fraught with anxiety…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

There are no adequate words to describe the pain of the loss of a child. When you lose a baby early in pregnancy, or due to termination or stillbirth, you…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

In Part One of this two-part series, I introduced you to two broad coping styles that I've noticed in adolescents facing the loss of a brother or sister. Since these…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

It's been said that the intensity of your grief is equal to the intensity of your love. Therefore, it's no surprise that grief hits all of us a little differently…

Posted by: Jennifer Foust, PhD, MS, LPC, Director of Clinical Services

Everyone experiences anxiety sometimes and exhibits anxious behaviors. Anxiety is a natural human emotion.  In fact, experiencing anxiety is important for our survival. It lets us know when we are…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

Being in a romantic relationship can truly be wonderful.  There’s the excitement of being with someone new, the joy of receiving and giving sexual attention, the pleasure of having someone…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Are you and your partner interested in spanking but do not know where to start? Trying something new can be fun and exciting, but also overwhelming and anxiety provoking. Below…

Posted by: Jennifer Foust, PhD, MS, LPC, Director of Clinical Services

Core beliefs are the ideas that we hold about ourselves.  Some core beliefs that we have are positive such as “I am smart” or “I am talented”.  Other core beliefs…

Posted by: Tonya McDaniel, ABD, MEd in Human Sexuality, MSW, LSW

All across the world, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or culture, babies are born predisposed to express certain emotions. We call these primary emotions, meaning that they are the first…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Replacing Self-Criticism with Self-Compassion

People often think that self-criticism is the key to self-improvement. Self-criticism pushes us to perform better and raise our standards, right? Actually, self-criticism is more affiliated…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

Porn is a sexual tool that many people utilize.  However, while some have a healthy relationship with pornography, others develop obsessive and destructive tendencies with porn.  Some people would…

Posted by: Jennifer Foust, PhD, MS, LPC, Director of Clinical Services

In your drug and alcohol addiction you likely engaged in lying to everyone on a regular basis.  You likely engaged in lying so frequently that lying is now a…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

Mother's day is just around the corner, and no doubt you've seen a growing number of ads on social media inviting families to "celebrate" the special mothers in their lives…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

You and your partner may be eager to delve into the Bondage/ Discipline/ Submission/ Domination (BDSM) world, but may not be ready to go to the store to buy toys…

Posted by: Tonya McDaniel, ABD, MEd in Human Sexuality, MSW, LSW

Considering the fast pace of our world, it is not surprising that we may engage in reactive responses or employ knee-jerk decisions. However, if we can find a way to…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

How to Keep a Food Journal for People Struggling with Binge and Over-Eating: Anyone who has ever kept a personal journal or diary knows how therapeutic it can be to…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

If you've experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or ending a wanted pregnancy, then you might be familiar with the scenarios below.

You open Facebook to be greeted by pictures of your friend's…

Posted by: Tonya McDaniel, ABD, MEd in Human Sexuality, MSW, LSW

Learn how prenups can strengthen relationships.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented is for discussion purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

“You have made my life and…

Posted by: Tonya McDaniel, ABD, MEd in Human Sexuality, MSW, LSW

In the late 1980’s, Dr. Marsha Linehan created a cognitive behavioral treatment known as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for chronic suicidal, self-injurious individuals who struggled with emotion regulation. A key…

Posted by: Jennifer Foust, PhD, MS, LPC, Director of Clinical Services

Drug and alcohol recovery often includes addressing underlying issues of addiction. Do you know what the underlying issues are that contributed to your drug and alcohol addiction?  Underlying issues are…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Limiting the impact of attempted suicide: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10-24 year olds. Teen depression rates are also on the rise, but the stigma associated with…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Whether you get your news from your personal computer, television, radio, or smartphone, it’s likely that you feel bombarded with negative messages and images from the world around us.  Parenting…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Loneliness is an issue that affects all of us at some point in our lives.  There isn’t a right or wrong way when managing loneliness, as long as you recognize…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

The popularity of 50 Shades of Grey has sparked curiosity of the BDSM world for many. Although the blockbuster brought attention to the BDSM world, 50 Shades Of Grey does…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE  Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION

2011    Doctor of Social Work, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA      

           2006    Master of Social Work, University…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

Becoming Pregnant After the Loss of a Baby: It’s an unthinkable concept to most expectant parents, but, sadly, many have walked the anguished path of pregnancy loss. Whether your pregnancy ended…

Posted by: Dr. Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, DSW, MSW, MBE

Telling Family and Friends about the Loss of Your Baby:There is so much to look forward to during pregnancy: hearing the baby’s heartbeat for the first time, watching your belly…

Posted by: Jennifer Foust, PhD, MS, LPC, Director of Clinical Services

Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction involves learning to manage problematic thinking.  This tip will specifically focus on negative thoughts and how they are tied to negative emotions. You may…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Anger is an emotional response that is triggered by a real or perceived threat. We often get angry when we have a difficult time communicating our feelings. When we aren’t…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Is your anxiety preventing you from facing fears and seeing situations through to the end? Perhaps someone close to you keeps telling you “Let go of your anxiety! Face your…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Do you struggle with anxiety, particularly avoidance? For example, do you avoid going to parties or answering the phone due to your anxiety? Do you avoid opportunities even when you…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Loneliness has historically been defined in many ways: the perception of being alone or isolated, the inability to find meaning in one’s life, or the subjective negative feeling related to…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

When it comes to sex, there are so many more possibilities than penile-vaginal intercourse. There’s intimate touching, kissing, oral, role-play, toys, anal, and so much more. For many couples anal…

Posted by: Shannon Oliver-O'Neil, LSWTherapist

For many people, anxiety is triggered by attempting to control things that you actually have no control over. You feel stressed about the possibility that something might go wrong, and…

Posted by: Alex Robboy, CAS, MSW, LCSW Individual, Couples & Family Therapy IMAGO Certified Marriage Counselor AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor Founder & Director of the Center for Growth Inc.

Stress is a condition that occurs in response to actual or anticipated difficulties in life. Stress is no laughing matter, and if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

For many, college can be a wonderful time of self-exploration, connecting with others, and engaging in fun activities.  Regardless if you went to college for four years or more, transitioning…

Posted by: Jennifer Foust, PhD, MS, LPC, Director of Clinical Services

Managing your problematic/persuasive thinking is a big part of drug and alcohol recovery.  Whether it’s rationalizations or thoughts persuading you to use, they need to be managed as part of…

Posted by: Jennifer Foust, PhD, MS, LPC, Director of Clinical Services

Learning to understand and manage your cravings and triggers is an essential part of your drug and alcohol recovery. While 12 step meetings and your sponsor are very helpful…

Posted by: Jennifer Foust, PhD, MS, LPC, Director of Clinical Services

Once you finished your drug and alcohol addiction treatment program, you were probably more than ready to move on with your life.  You have likely been attending 12 step…

Posted by: Jennifer Foust, PhD, MS, LPC, Director of Clinical Services

Depression, anxiety, shame and guilt are emotions that nobody likes to experience. Unfortunately, when you are in drug and alcohol recovery, especially early on, these emotions are often present…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

When we think of abusive relationships romantic partners and family members may come to mind. However, friendships have the capability of being emotionally abusive that can cause overwhelming anxiety. Intimate…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

            You have been single for some time now.  You’ve managed the single life rather well, at the same time, there’s one aspect that you’re…

Posted by: Shannon Oliver-O'Neil, LSWTherapist

Not everyone who has Erectile Dysfunction needs to have an in depth conversation with their partner about it. Maybe your partner is new, and ED is just part of…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

How to support a partner with anxiety 

Relationships can be difficult at times, especially when an anxiety disorder is added to the mix. Living in constant fear is not fun…

Posted by: Libby Gilbertson, ABD, MEd, LMFT, Director of Quality Assurance

Many people who have learned to talk themselves out of following their gut tend to feel worse about decisions made where they did not follow their gut instinct. Even though…

Posted by: Libby Gilbertson, ABD, MEd, LMFT, Director of Quality Assurance

Are you feeling less sure of the decisions you make? Anxious that everything you touch is crumbling? If you have been feeling like you need help navigating your decision making…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

How to Support Your Partner Who’s Survived Sexual Assault: The United States is in the middle of tackling a monumental problem: sexual assault and harassment.  Seemingly, every other week, people are…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Squirting. A wet and wild phenomenon beyond your experience. You learned about it somewhere. Magazines? Online? Or maybe a friend told you about it.   What exactly IS squirting though? Squirting…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Do you struggle with your body image? Do you feel out of touch with your sexuality? These concerns are common for women throughout their lifespan. Body image is defined as…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

For some the holiday time can be an exciting time of year filled with great food, loved ones, and traditions. For others, it can bring feelings of anxiety, loneliness, frustration…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Ramadan, Kwanza and New Year’s Day are annual holidays that can be a very difficult time for people who have experienced the death of a loved one…

Posted by: Shannon Oliver-O'Neil, LSWTherapist

A good relationship allows each person to feel supported, and that they and their partner are on the same team. Each person can trust that their partner is invested in…

Posted by: Shannon Oliver-O'Neil, LSWTherapist

Are you and your partner having the same fight over and over again? When couples get stuck in a fight that pops up over and over again, it’s because you…

Posted by: Tonya McDaniel, ABD, MEd in Human Sexuality, MSW, LSW

How many times have you walked away from an argument feeling worked up, overwhelmed, or defeated? Part of the challenge may be that you are too emotionally fused or codependent…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Mindful Eating

Food is not only a way to nourish your body, but has also become a way to socialize, cope, and entertain. Society has placed more attention on what…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Trauma -sensitive yoga (TSY) has been shown to provide a safe healing process to those who have experienced trauma. Talk therapy is an important step in trauma recovery, but if…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

            Smartphones have become quite sophisticated.  You can look up videos, watch movies, and even read this article on your phone.  However, because of all these abilities, ignoring one’s partner…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

            No matter who you are, chances are you’ve experienced anxiety before.  For some people, this universal state of mind happens too often.  Fortunately, there are some ways to manage…

Posted by: Center for Growth Therapists

Facing rejection is a hard thing to do. When we face rejection, we try to deal with the rejection as quickly and painlessly as possible. There are small rejections we…

Posted by: Shannon Oliver-O'Neil, LSWTherapist

Anxiety sits at an uncomfortable intersection of two thoughts: that something is wrong, and that we can and should correct it. Anxiety keeps us focused on the future and the…

Posted by: Tonya McDaniel, ABD, MEd in Human Sexuality, MSW, LSW

If you have ever wondered how you can create emotional independence through language, then you are in the right place.

There’s no “I” in “team!” Many of us may be familiar…

Posted by: Tonya McDaniel, ABD, MEd in Human Sexuality, MSW, LSW

Did you know a solution to emotional reactivity, emotional fusion or codependence is emotional independence? But what exactly is emotional independence?

When people struggle with asserting their needs and desires within…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

            You come home to what seems to be another ordinary day.  However, as you stop to say hello, you unexpectedly see your teen in the middle of looking at…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

Has your child just been diagnosed with Turner Syndrome?  Does a loved one, such as a family member or close friend, have Turner Syndrome?  This article will provide an overview…

Posted by: Melvin Tillman, MA, Melvin Tillman, MA

Have you been in a conversation or a situation where someone has said something that’s triggered you to react?  Maybe you’ve become angry, or frustrated, or sad?  And once you…