Megan Sparks, MS, LPC

Clinical Director, York

Hi! Everyone has their struggles. It's my hope to be able to work collaboratively to help find the strength you already had within yourself to grow to your fullest potential and work through some of life's challenges. Building rapport is essential. I enjoy working with a diverse population. I have worked extensively with young children, preteens, teens, and parents for the past 8 years. I also have experience helping adults suffering from anxiety, depression, and trauma.

My areas of specialty include: Trauma and sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, child & family relational issues, domestic violence, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, children's behavioral issues, and play therapy for children.

I provide a warm and inviting space for both children and adults. You can find a homelike space that provides a comforting environment for you to work through life's challenges. Children can also find a playful space that allows them to express themselves in a safe and relaxing playroom.

I look forward to hearing from you and being able to help you make mindful changes to a positive recovery.

Melissa M. Whitman, MA, LPC

Clinical Director, Lancaster

Hello and Welcome! I am so glad that you are considering taking a step forward on a journey of introspection, growth, and healing for yourself and your relationships. I believe there are times in life in which everyone needs help. I recognize reaching out is not always an easy step. I offer a safe and comfortable environment for you to be yourself without judgement. I have been in the helping profession for over 13 years, working with children/teens, adults, and families.

I completed my education through Millersville University and Liberty University. I am licensed in the state of PA. I consider myself an eclectic therapist, pulling from a variety of models of therapy that best helps you feel successful and meet your goals. Some of these models include, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral therapy, person-centered, and attachment therapy. I specialize in working with individuals who experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief and loss, spiritual concerns, relationship stressors, and other traumas. I have advance training in EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) which assists you in reprograming negative cognitions and traumatic memories to significantly reduce symptoms associated with PTSD and other trauma disorders.

In working alongside families, I am certified in ESFT (Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy). This model of treatment focuses on helping families identify their negative patterns of interacting with one another and coaching the family how to interrupt these patterns to create, new healthy relationships. I strongly believe success in having a healthier family starts with giving every family member an opportunity to have an equal voice. I would like to assist in helping your family learn how to communicate and listen to one another more effectively

Whatever your challenges are, I want to work collaboratively with you to help you succeed in living your best life and having the best relationships.

Caitlin Chubb, MS, LPC

Clinical Supervisor

“the art of happiness is also the art of suffering well.”
― Thích Nhất Hạnh

Hello! There are times in everyone’s life that things can be overwhelming, exhausting, frustrating and sometimes unbearable or hopeless. If you’re here, you’re already considering change and are taking some brave steps toward that. I know how hard and how much courage starting that journey of self-discovery and wellness can be. For those I have the honor of joining on their journey, I will help walk alongside you through the “mud” of life and help you build your life worth living.

My passion is working with adolescents and adults to help them understand themselves more fully, wholeheartedly and bravely. Throughout your journey I will walk alongside you and we will explore how your past life experiences have impacted you. My strengths lie in trauma, relationships and grief and loss.

I received my Masters of Clinical Psychology from Millersville University and am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania. My work over the years has included child/adolescent and adult therapy with high conflict families, mood disorders, relationships and trauma. I have worked with populations from age 5 through adulthood, in individual, group, partial, inpatient, residential and family therapy settings. My treatment focus has supported clients and families working to build emotional intelligence, communication skills, coping strategies to mitigate stressors and improve relational dynamics. In addition to this, I have received advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT-Informed), Collaborative Law, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, TEAM CBT, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Sanctuary Model.

Kathy D. Richardson, PhD, NCC, LPC, RPT-S

Hi! My goal as a clinician is to build a warm, safe, and trusting relationship to allow individuals, couples, and families space to grow into their fullest potential. I view counseling as an opportunity to identify and build on strengths, with a focus on the whole person: mind, body, and spirit; rather than as a diagnosis or a set of symptoms. I have over 20 years of experience working with people of all ages, with a variety of issues and concerns. I believe that everyone has the potential for health and happiness; my role is to accompany you on that journey.

I am trained to utilize expressive therapies in conjunction with talk therapy to help people find ways to better articulate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. As a Registered Play Therapy - Supervisor (RPT-S), I have extensive experience utilizing play and sand therapies to address numerous life issues such as trauma, anxiety, and depression.

I completed my PhD at Loyola University of Maryland. My studies helped me to integrate my experience with a strong theoretical orientation in wellness. If you are interested in becoming more mindful and self-compassionate, and would like to learn ways to live a full, purposeful, and joyful life, please contact me. I would love to help you on that path.

Hannah Broadway, MA, LPC

“You don't think your way into a new kind of living. You live your way into a new kind of thinking.” - Henri Nouwen

Welcome! Therapy is more than just an hour of talking with a trained professional. It is a chance for you to check the distractions at the door and prioritize your own health and well-being. I applaud you for wanting to take this step and working through the barriers to show up.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and earned my Masters in Counseling from Geneva College in 2017. I specialize in working with individuals aged 16 to adult, as well as couples. My experience includes partnering with clients as they are going through life transition, anxiety, depression, family conflict, or those seeking personal self-exploration.

I believe counseling is important for everyone, especially during certain seasons of life, and it would be an honor and a gift to walk through that season with you. My treatment focus is very strengths-based as we discover what is already working well and uncover what change needs to occur. Some therapies I utilize may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Christian Counseling, and the overall systems approach.

My goal is for you to leave each session feeling lighter and more prepared to face the distractions outside.

Carolyn DeMarra, MS, LPC

Hello and welcome! I know how difficult and scary it can be to take that first step towards making positive, lasting changes when life feels overwhelming or hopeless. When you are ready, I would be honored to walk beside you on that journey. Are you looking to improve your relationships, experiencing a stressful event, or need some guidance with making important life choices? I am here to provide support and work with you as a collaborative partner.

I received my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Millersville University and am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania. I am also a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) and have over 8 years of experience working with adults who have sustained physical and cognitive changes as a result of car accidents, falls, and other traumatic events. In addition, I have also worked with both adults and adolescents to address a variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, gender related issues, and general life adjustments. While I most commonly utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I also emphasize the importance of mindfulness and self-care throughout the therapeutic process.

I look forward to hearing from you and sharing in your experience of growth and self-discovery!

Crystal DeRose MS, LPC, MHA, CAADC

"You cannot stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." -Jon Kabat-Zin

Hello and Welcome! As a therapist, I believe that my role is to help guide you through your own personal journey. I aim to collaboratively identify goals to help you live a more meaningful life despite the occasional (or frequent) dips along the way.

I work with individuals 14+ and couples with an array of treatment approaches including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), eye movement desensitization reprocessing therapy (EMDR), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and motivational interviewing (MI).

I received my master’s degree in clinical psychology from Millersville University and am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and certified advanced drug and alcohol counselor (CAADC). I am also working towards EMDR certification.

I look forward to starting your journey with you!

Mike G. McGuinness, MA, Ed.S., LPC, NCC

Hello! I strive to establish a welcoming and trusting connection with individuals and families searching for solutions to daily life challenges. I see counseling as a team effort between every unique client and clinician to create goals which treat the whole person, strengthening personal and social skills. I have years of experience in a variety of outpatient settings working with children/adolescents, adults, and families. Each person can benefit from counseling, including the therapist, and I am eager to learn your story so we can create healthy, lasting changes.

I utilize a variety of therapies which focus on addressing thoughts and behaviors together,

typically through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as Motivational Interviewing

(MI) strategies to better determine the best course of counseling for individuals experiencing

anxiety, depression, grief and loss, previous trauma, and behavioral challenges. My background

in music has also allowed me to join aspects of artistic expression to therapeutic practices,

supporting a client’s ability to link emotions and internal dialogue to songs, lyrics, and other

forms of art. Additionally, I attempt to weave humor into my therapy as I believe therapy should

be a positive experience that can be an enjoyable part of the week for everyone.

I hold a license in Professional Counseling in Pennsylvania, am recognized as a Nationally

Board Certified Counselor, and have recently gained my Educational Specialist I certificate for

school guidance. I completed my education at Messiah University, earning an MA degree in

Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School

Counseling. My studies have allowed me to gain a broad understanding of the needs presented

by each client and student, and I thrive on the successes of every individual I can serve.

I am excited to connect with you and share in this experience toward new beginnings

Ruth O'Gara, LCSW

Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with six years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I am glad that you are taking the first step towards finding support – sometimes that can be the hardest part.

I earned my Masters of Social Work from the University of Denver in Colorado and have provided outpatient therapy in a variety of settings. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting challenges and family conflict. I am comfortable working with individuals from childhood through adulthood, as well as families.

I will work with you to create an authentic and down to earth space where you feel comfortable sharing about your past and your present and beginning to move towards change. I will be your partner in considering new perspectives, learning new tools for coping, and uncovering the solutions that you already possess. I use techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and strategic family therapy. I also integrate art and play into sessions when appropriate. My goal is that you leave each session feeling empowered and optimistic about your journey.

I wish you all the best and hope we have a chance to connect.

Patrick Schuler, LCSW

Hello, and welcome! My introduction to the counseling field began while working within therapeutic group homes that served children through adults experiencing mental health struggles. This experience, both enriching and meaningful, inspired my interest in pursuing counseling. I was deeply moved by the varying degrees of challenging life experiences that we are all tasked with navigating and the ways we attempt to cope, gain insight from, and hopefully transform our adverse circumstances. I received my Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University and since, I’ve had the opportunity to assist a diverse range of clients in both inpatient treatment and outpatient therapy settings, and more recently, at a college counseling clinic at the University of Montana. Within these programs I’ve helped clients address anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, academic challenges, relationships, identity changes, sexuality, and general life stressors.

Through my years of being a counselor, my areas of specialty have coalesced around the practices of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Family Systems/Attachment Theory, and Motivational Interviewing. While these clinical approaches strongly inform my practice, I believe deeply in the importance of developing a collaborative relationship with clients. Relationships built upon trust and respect are vital in working together to identify areas of concern, hone specific skills and achieve goals that are rooted in practical application.

I’m also licensed as an Addiction Counselor; this area of practice has given me the opportunity to work with a spectrum of individuals struggling with substance abuse, ranging from those receiving care at an inpatient treatment center, to people who are just starting to question their substance use patterns and are seeking guidance around cutting back or are preparing to abstain.

I am grateful that I can work to help individuals navigate the evolving nature of their lives through providing unconditional positive regard, encouragement, and supportive guidance.

Shelby Wallick, LCSW

Welcome! As a therapist, I aim to create a safe and warm environment that allows each individual to deepen self-understanding and achieve their goals in therapy. I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaboration between therapist and client to work toward change. It is my goal to walk alongside clients as they navigate the delicate balance of acceptance and change in their lives.

I have experience working with adults struggling with depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and relationship stressors. I consider myself to be eclectic in my therapeutic approach by utilizing techniques from different modalities to meet each client’s individual needs. I also have advanced training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

I look forward to connecting with you as you take this next step.

Helen L. Imel, MS, LPC

Practice Founder

Welcome! As a therapist I strive to build a warm, trusting therapeutic environment to help each client reach their own personal goals. I am a licensed therapist in the state of Pennsylvania with years of experience in helping clients with a variety of concerns.

I believe each individual has their own unique set of strengths and that therapy can help identify and develop those. As a therapist I understand that an individual's life challenges are personal and can often feel overwhelming. My goal is to help clients develop a "tool kit" of skills and strategies they can use to help manage those challenges.

Improving relationships is something I am passionate about and communication is often key to this improvement. I help my clients develop skills to effectively communicate their wants and needs and also to actively listen to the wants and needs of others. These skills help improve and strengthen life's relationships.

I look forward to hearing from you and working with you as you take the next step toward positive life changes.

Sean Cox, Intern

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” -Viktor Frankl

Hello! If you’re reading this you are already taking courageous steps towards self-discovery, healing, and growth. My hope is to be your collaborator in devising ways to enact positive change and learn skills to cope with life’s challenges. In my clinical experience, I am exploring multiple treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy to be able to offer a variety of techniques to help individuals meet their goals. I am excited to be selected as the intern at Mindful Changes Counseling!

I received my undergraduate degree in Music Composition from Eastern University, and I am currently working to complete my Master’s Degree through Liberty University. Similar to my experience as a songwriter, I see the therapy room as a way for us to use the raw material of our experience to more fully understand where we have come from, what has brought us to therapy, and ultimately work towards a higher level of well being in the future.

I have a passion for working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. I look forward to starting this journey with you.

Polar

Woof!

My name is Polar and I am so happy to meet you. I am a Facility dog that has been assigned to Mindful Changes Counseling with my handler Melissa. I have been in training since I was a puppy and am certified through United Disability Services (UDS) in Lancaster, PA. My favorite thing about helping clients is being a calming presence and making them smile. For some people when they have experienced really bad things or feel scared- I can help them feel safe again. My favorite interventions are snuggling, kisses, belly rubs, and “Saying Hello.” I look forward to helping you experience the emotions of joy, comfort, and unconditional love.