Grief and Loss Counseling Center of Excellence

The Grief and Loss Counseling Center of Excellence is composed of clinicians with deep knowledge and experience helping individuals and families find peace in bereavement.

Grief can extend beyond death loss; this includes the loss of anything of value (relationships, jobs, loss due to traumatic experiences, etc.).  Grief is not something to “get over.” It’s how we learn to adapt to a different life after a meaningful loss. If you or a loved one are struggling with loss, our compassionate clinicians in the Grief and Loss Counseling Center of Excellence are here to help.

Our trained clinicians provide a non-judgmental environment to help support you through your journey of grief. Whether you’re struggling with the shock of loss, trauma, or working through prolonged grief, our counselors are here to walk with you every step of the way. Together, we will explore the complex emotions and experiences that grief will bring, engage in coping techniques to help manage stress, adapt to the change, explore the ongoing capacity for well-being, and find new meaning in life.

There is no one right way to grieve. Our clinicians honor that every person grieves in their own way and in their own time. We are here to support you through your personal journey with grief.

Scroll below to see the members of the Center of Excellence, and to browse our resources for further learning.

Members of the Grief and Loss Counseling Center of Excellence

Emma Sadler, LPC

Location: Telehealth

Everyone deserves a space where they can be heard, respected, and listened to. I strive to promote an open, nonjudgmental, and collaborative space within the therapeutic relationship. I passionately view therapy as an approach to understand and empower you within your healing. As a queer therapist, I am curious, warm, and open to my clients, while sometimes giving the gentle push needed while healing.

My approach to therapy involves a social justice, person-centered, humanistic, and somatic approach. Alongside being a licensed professional counselor, I am a board-certified dance/movement therapist. I am also fully trained in EMDR, facilitating organic healing to those experiencing overwhelming triggers, trauma, or grief. Together, we will explore the relationship of the mind and the body to bring more awareness to the valued uniqueness that is you.

Specialties:

  • Grief and Loss
  • Trauma Recovery
  • EMDR
  • LGBTQIA-related issues
  • Life Transitions
  • Consensual Non-Monogamy
  • Couples Therapy
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

Martin Ward, PhD

Location-Telehealth

It is important that you know I already believe in you. You are looking for someone who can help you, understand you, and work with you. I will work hard to create a space where you can talk openly, and make changes to feel better and become healthier. You have strengths and abilities that we can build on. You have goals and hopes, even if you can’t put them into words yet. I am ready to help you learn new skills, develop emotional tools, and change difficult behaviors. Whether you are looking to make a small change or a long, difficult change, I am prepared to support you. I look forward to welcoming you, hearing you, and working together to develop the life you want.

In the past, I have enjoyed working with diverse ages and concerns. Currently, I am working with adults with a broad range of concerns: relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, grief, medical issues, and religious concerns. My practice has been balanced by working with both women and men. I have chosen to develop strong skills in building therapeutic relationships with men, especially those who have never been in therapy before. I use a variety of therapeutic skills, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, emotion-based approaches, and holistic approaches. Whichever approach is right for you, let’s start the healing.

Credentials

  • Licensed Psychologist, State of Arizona
  • Licensed for Telehealth in Pennsylvania, E.Passport, PSYPACT
  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Florida
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Cognitive Psychology, University of Kansas

Charles Hill Jr, LPC

Therapy is an avenue for this space, and my aim as a therapist is to provide guidance and support along your journey of growth, change and healing. I strive to foster an environment of collaboration, compassion and acceptance. My approach is to gain a better understanding of your perspective, to hear your story, and the areas of your life where you would like to see improvement. Change can be challenging, at times may even seem like it’s nearly impossible. Along our therapy journey, I’m here to remind you change is possible. We will work together to identify steps to overcome those challenges, build your resilience, and move closer to achieving your goals.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and work from a variety of therapeutic approaches to include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy and a blend of therapeutic techniques. I also identify as a Christian and practice the faith in my own life. If there is an interest, I can bring this additional knowledge to our work together to address the challenges you are facing from a Biblical perspective. My focus areas include, but are not limited to, grief/loss, stress management, depression and anxiety.

Madelyn Strouse, LPC

Location-Telehealth

My approach to therapy is seeing each person as an individual and using a client-centered
approach to giving specialized care. In times of struggle, when thoughts can be so powerful,
it can be hard to feel connected to your body. In therapy, integrating these two can be a
powerful tool to getting to know yourself and ultimately befriending yourself.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Yoga Teacher. I have nine
years of experience working with and advocating for diverse populations. I am a
Queer therapist, gender affirming, trauma informed, and dedicated to creating a safe
atmosphere for all clients. I am passionate about LGBTQ+ issues, social justice,
integrating psychoeducation, and creating safe spaces to be authentic in sessions.

Credentials & Affiliations

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania
  • Master’s of Science in Clinical & Counseling Psychology at Chestnut Hill College
  • 300 hr Yoga Certification – Soul Yoga Studio
  • American Psychological Association (APA) Member

Katherine Michos, Psy.D

Location: Society Hill, Telehealth

I am a licensed psychologist in the state of Pennsylvania and obtained my Psy.D. at the Institute of Graduate Clinical Psychology at Widener University.

I have past experience working in a variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient, and school settings with people who present with varying issues.

I treat primarily adults and older adolescents who present a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, grief/bereavement, stress management, college preparation and adjustment, and life transitions.

Credentials

  • Licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania
  • Doctorate in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) – Institute of Graduate Clinical Psychology at Widener University

Sarah Pastore, LCSW

Location: Society Hill, Telehealth

My therapy style is flexible and creative. My work focuses on building new skills, celebrating your strengths and successes, and honoring your pain. I am not here to tell you how to live your life, but instead, to be your co-pilot as you pursue what is meaningful to you. I strive to foster self-compassion and empowerment as you build the life you want to live and let go of thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve you.

I draw from a variety of evidence-based practices including solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and narrative therapy. Additionally, I offer sand tray therapy, which shifts away from traditional talk-based methods to incorporate visual and symbolic communication styles. I welcome feedback from my clients so that I can adjust to meet your needs and continue to grow as a clinician.

All kinds of therapy require trust and respect to be effective. I look forward to earning yours.

Credentials:

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania
  • Master of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania
  • Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies from the Trauma Research Foundation

Angelina Pelletier, Psy.D

Location: Lafayette Hill, Telehealth

My ultimate goal is to empower you to navigate the challenges that life presents you with confidence. I have a passion for helping individuals connect with their values, reach their goals, and find relief from pains of the past. My goal is to make you feel comfortable, validated, and hopeful. I believe that seeking out a therapist can be a difficult action and see that as the first success you will feel in the work we will do together. We will work together to figure out what works best for you and your needs.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Pennsylvania. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient care. I am trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and find benefits of also utilizing interventions for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well.

Credentials

  • Licensed Psychologist in Pennsylvania
  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology (M.S.) – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Masters of Arts in Clinical/Counseling Psychology (M.A.) – LaSalle University

Janice Baxter, LMFT

Location: Telehealth

I believe that growth and change are natural parts of life. However, these can be overwhelming and challenging to face alone. I strive to create a safe and accepting space for clients to face these periods of life with support and encouragement. My aim as a therapist is to balance providing gentle challenging and nurturing support to help clients find healing and be their most authentic selves.

I have experience working in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient substance abuse facilities, military communities, and private practice. I have received training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed EMDR. I use these techniques as well as a variety of other therapeutic approaches such as family systems therapy, solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness to best support my clients.

Credentials:

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Pennsylvania
  • Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern Mississippi
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mississippi State University

Resource Corner

5 Reasons to Join a Grief Support Group

Author: Emma Sadler, LPC When mourning the loss of a loved one, a significant relationship, or a life-altering event, navigating grief is an emotional journey that often defies words. In these moments, grief support groups offer a vital source…

The Grief We Don’t Talk About: Abortions

Author: Emma Sadler, LPC Grief is a natural response to a loss or death.  However, the experience of grief following an abortion remains a complex and often under-discussed and under-researched phenomenon.  How does abortion impact the…

What Animals Teach Us About Grief

Author: Emma Sadler, LPC Back in 2018, Tahlequah, an orca, captured international attention for carrying her dead calf 1,00 miles for 17 days as an act of intense mourning. Sadly, Tahlequah has recently been spotted in this new year carrying…

Schedule an Appointment

If you’re interested in scheduling an intake with a member of the Grief and Loss Counseling Center of Excellence, please call our main number: (267) 861-3685; option 1,  to speak with one of our Referral Coordinators.