Dorothea Appling

Associate Therapist Call Now

Office Locations

Art Museum Therapy Office – Pennsylvania

2401 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 1A2 Philadelphia PA 19130

Society Hill Therapy Office – Pennsylvania

233 S. 6th Street, Suite C-33 Philadelphia PA 19106

Telehealth Locations

Telehealth Services in New Jersey

Telehealth Services in Pennsylvania

Book appointment

Fee: $100

Locations

Virtual: Telehealth Services in New Jersey, Telehealth Services in Pennsylvania

In-Person: Art Museum Therapy Office – Pennsylvania, Society Hill Therapy Office – Pennsylvania

Dorothea Appling, MS, CADC, is an associate Therapist at The Center for Growth /Individual Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, FND and Life Transitions

Hi, I’m Dorothea (she/her), MS, CADC, an Associate Therapist at The Center for Growth. I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and respected. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. Whether you’re working through a difficult relationship, coping with grief, exploring your identity, or managing a mental health condition, my goal is to help you feel supported while developing the tools and confidence to move forward.

My Experience and Background

I hold a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from the University of Phoenix and am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). I also bring more than 10 years of experience supporting individuals facing co-occurring mental health conditions, trauma, and complex life challenges.

My professional background includes case management and working alongside treatment teams in outpatient mental health programs, residential treatment facilities, community-based services, and inpatient hospital settings. These experiences have given me an appreciation for how mental health, relationships, personal history, and everyday stressors can influence our well-being.

As an Associate Therapist, I practice under licensed clinical supervision while working toward independent licensure.

Areas I Can Help With

I enjoy working with individuals experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, depression, bipolar disorder, anger, low self-esteem, grief and loss, FND, trauma, and major life transitions.

I also have clinical interests in relationship challenges, infidelity, discernment counseling, gender identity, LGBTQIA+ concerns, alternative sexual lifestyles, learning disabilities, and identity development.

I recognize that each person’s experiences are different. Rather than approaching therapy with a one-size-fits-all solution, I work to understand your particular concerns, personal strengths, and goals.

My Approach to Therapy

My therapeutic approach is grounded in person-centered therapy. I believe you are the expert on your own life and that meaningful change begins with feeling safe enough to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of judgment.

Depending on your needs, I incorporate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBT-P), and Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT). These approaches can help you recognize unhelpful thinking patterns, regulate difficult emotions, develop coping skills, and better understand the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

I also value mindfulness, authenticity, and humor. Therapy can involve difficult conversations, but it can also include moments of connection, discovery, and even laughter.

What You Can Expect When Working With Me

Our work together will be collaborative and guided by what matters most to you. Some sessions may focus on understanding patterns in your relationships or exploring past experiences. Others may involve learning practical skills for managing anxiety, improving emotional regulation, building self-esteem, or navigating everyday challenges.

I won’t tell you who you should be or what your life should look like. Instead, I’ll help you explore your options, recognize your strengths, and make decisions that reflect your own values and goals.

I know that reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. You don’t need to have all the answers before starting.

My hope is that our work together helps you feel more confident, connected to yourself, and better equipped to navigate whatever life brings.

If you’re considering individual therapy or mental health counseling, I welcome the opportunity to get to know you and explore how we might work together at The Center for Growth.

Dorothea Appling Associate Therapist

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