Solana Warner
MS | Masters of Science in Clinical and Counseling Psychology
LAPC | Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (in supervision towards clinical licensure with Aly Goldberg, LMFT)
Pronouns: they/she
Offering In-Person (West Chester) & Teletherapy (PA & NJ)
Therapy is a place for everyone. Whether you are struggling through something right now or just looking to gain a different perspective, there is space for you here: welcome!
In my work, I strive to create an open environment where all of my clients can feel comfortable as well as heard. The world can be cruel at times, and if you are feeling anxious or depressed because of something you are going through – know that you are not alone. Therapy, however, can be a valuable tool to help soothe the hard feelings of today and prepare you to face the world a little wiser tomorrow.
As a clinician, I believe that the best tool for an effective listener is an open mind, and I approach new challenges with curiosity, honesty, and humor (when appropriate). It is my belief that the client is the expert on their own life, so I will check in frequently and collaborate with you throughout the therapeutic process to make sure we are aligned to the same goals. While some forms of therapy take the approach of “fixing what’s wrong,” I aim to increase a client’s self-awareness about how they think and react to situations so they can begin to act with more intention. Further, using a strengths-based approach, I attempt to highlight a client’s existing talents and resources to draw upon in times of distress.
Psychodynamic and narrative perspectives also inform my work as a therapist – meaning that I see great value in exploring formative early relationships in your life that affect how you build and maintain relationships now. Narrative therapy can also provide a helpful framework of viewing your life as a story in order to identify central themes and beliefs. If your life were a book, who would be the characters who influenced you most? Whose words do you use to describe the past? Are you the hero or villain of your own story? Oftentimes, the words we use to describe memories are words we have borrowed from family or friends. Taking a step back to acknowledge the origin of our narratives can help us sift through the stories that actively help us, and “re-story” the ones that do not.
While my doors are open to everyone, I am especially passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community and helping clients navigate new and ongoing identity exploration. As a queer person myself, I am sensitive to the social and financial barriers that many face when seeking help for their mental health, and it is my wish to make therapy as accessible to everyone as possible. While the queer community is robust and supportive, there are still unique challenges that face those of us who cannot – or choose not to – “pass” as straight or cisgender in today’s society, and I know that therapy can seem particularly scary to those who have seen it leveraged as a means of limiting access to services, such as gender-affirming care. I am a clinician who understands this delicate history and wants to rebuild trust in mental health professionals by offering the best tailored care to LGBTQ+ individuals that I can.
Whether it is your first time in therapy, or you are well-familiarized with the process, I hope to meet you where you are and tailor my help to fit your unique set of needs. I understand that seeking help can be scary – but the fact that you’re reading this means you have shown incredible courage already. I look forward to meeting you and sharing in your story.
Area of Focus:
Gender Identity & Dysphoria, Sexuality Exploration, Life Transitions, Non-Traditional Relationships & Ethical Non-Monogamy, Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy, Multiculturalism, Racial Identity & Systems of Oppression, Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Trauma, Grief and Loss
I accept Aetna, Cigna, & IBX insurances.
Please click the button below to contact our administrative team and begin the intake process.