Shayne P., MA (any/all)
M.S., Clinical Counseling Psychology, Chestnut Hill College
B.S., Psychology, Wilmington University
Reiki Master Teacher
Therapeutic Game Master
$165 per 50 minute session
Not accepting new clients
Virtual and In Person
About Me
I am more than just my credentials. I consider myself an alchemist, an adventurer, a spiritual seeker, and a nerd. On my days off, I spend my time taking long walks through the woods, window shopping in the mall, playing D&D with my spouse and friends, or writing stories on my couch with a cup of hot tea nearby. If given the chance, I will talk your ears off about music and films of the 1980s.
As a genderfluid and queer therapist, I draw on my lived experience when working with gender expansive and questioning individuals. I work with thoughtful, often anxious adults who are drawn to depth-oriented therapy. Many are interested in self-exploration and understanding their emotional and relational patterns, and are looking for therapy that goes beyond the surface. My hope is to be a guiding light as you discover who you truly are and where you want to go.
Specialties
ADHD & Autism
Complex Trauma &
PTSD
Anxiety &
People Pleasing
Gender & Sexuality
Attachment &
Relational Patterns
Religious &
Spiritual Trauma
Disclaimer: This list is not exhaustive, and therapists are always expanding their skill sets.
Looking for something specific?
Why I Became A Therapist
“What makes you ‘tick?’”
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by that question, wanting to understand the mechanisms beneath human behavior. Just how do people become who they are? What influences how they think, feel, and believe? How do our experiences create patterns that we unknowingly carry forward?
Experiencing how profoundly helpful therapy was in understanding myself, that curiosity grew into a desire to help others make sense of their inner worlds. The fulfillment I felt when helping someone find clarity or relief eventually led me to pursue education in psychology, as well as a lasting appreciation for the transformative nature of therapeutic work.
For me, therapy is not about fixing people. It’s about walking beside them as they explore themselves, make meaning of their experiences, and alchemize pain into something beautiful and life-giving.
Modalities (at a glance)
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Looks at patterns in relationships and emotions to help you understand how past experiences influence how you think, feel, and respond today.
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Helps people stop fighting their thoughts and feelings so they can focus more on living a meaningful life. Instead of trying to “get rid of” discomfort, the goal is to learn how to move forward alongside it.
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Focuses on noticing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and learning practical ways to reduce anxiety and feel more emotionally steady.
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Explores questions of meaning, values, identity, and purpose, including spiritual concerns, without pushing any specific beliefs.
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Assists in healing from harmful religious experiences and reconnecting with yourself outside of environments of fear, shame, or control. We rebuild a sense of safety, identity, and personal meaning on your own terms.
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Group therapy that uses tabletop role-playing games to explore emotions, identity, and relationships through story, characters, and shared play.
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Helps you notice thoughts, emotions, and body sensations with more awareness, making it easier to stay grounded and present during difficult moments.
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A gentle, optional practice that focuses on relaxation and calming the nervous system, supporting mind-body awareness and stress relief.
Who I Help
Adults (18+)
LGBTQ+
Geeks & Nerds
Creatives & Deep Thinkers
Neurodivergent Individuals
Spiritual Seekers
How I Work
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I use alchemy as a way of thinking about change. Instead of trying to get rid of difficult thoughts or emotions, we work with them, learning how pain, fear, and conflict can become sources of insight and personal growth.
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I help clients better understand themselves by looking at the patterns, beliefs, and emotional experiences that shape their lives. This can include processing religious trauma or developing a personal philosophy that feels healthy, grounded, and true to who you are.
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I work with the whole person, paying attention to emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Therapy is collaborative and tailored to you, with a focus on creating a space where you can be honest, curious, and fully yourself.
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I’m comfortable working with people who are deeply engaged in gaming, fandom, and other geek or nerd communities. These interests can be meaningful ways to talk about identity, emotions, and relationships. Tell me about your favorite characters!
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I help clients explore different thoughts, feelings, and beliefs as meaningful parts of themselves. This approach supports understanding inner conflicts with curiosity and compassion, rather than judgment.
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I approach therapy with an awareness of how trauma can affect the nervous system and relationships. We move at a pace that feels safe, with an emphasis on choice, consent, and feeling supported throughout the process.
What to Expect (first 1 to 2 sessions)
Session One
Introduce myself and explain my methods and modalities
Get a sense of your triggers and concerns, what brought you to therapy
Ask a series of intake questions, being attentive of your triggers
Schedule you for regular sessions to ensure you a space in my schedule
Session Two
Discuss further your reason and goals for attending therapy
Explore your background and relationships with important people in more depth
Analyze overarching themes you see repeated in your life and mental health
Co-create a Treatment Plan so you will know what we are working on in sessions
Looking for something specific?
Shayne’s Guide Picks
Resources I often share with clients.
Gender identity is a fundamental aspect of who we are. It shapes our experiences, relationships, and how we see ourselves in the world. For many, expressing this identity is not just a matter of preference but a crucial part of their mental and emotional well-being. This post explores why it’s important to express your gender identity, delving into personal growth, child development, and the broader impact of this expression on our lives.
Chromosomes play a significant role in determining biological sex, but the traditional binary understanding of sex as solely male (XY) or female (XX) oversimplifies the complexity of sex determination. Many other chromosomal arrangements and inherent variations in gene expression patterns exist, leading to a more nuanced understanding of sex as a spectrum comprised of many traits. Intersex variations, which encompass a wide range of natural biological differences, can involve differences in chromosomes, external genitalia, internal reproductive organs, hormone production, and hormone responsiveness. These variations challenge the binary classification of sex and highlight the diversity of biological sex characteristics.
Understanding gender identity can feel like a journey into a world full of rich and diverse experiences. At its heart, gender identity is about who you know yourself to be, beyond just the labels society might put on you. It’s a deeply personal part of who we are, and expressing it can be a powerful way to connect with yourself and the world around you.
Supporting a transgender child can be both rewarding and challenging, especially when you’re unsure where to turn for help. Utilizing resources for trans kids and for yourself as a parent or caretaker can make a significant impact on your journey.
Access to the right tools and support systems is essential to ensure your child feels validated and empowered. One such resource that can be incredibly helpful is LGBTQ+ therapy, where both you and your child can work with therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, particularly gender identity. This professional support is critical in navigating the complexities of gender exploration, helping you understand and guide your child through their unique experience.
Availability & Locations Served
Telehealth for clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York (teens with guardian consent as required and adults).
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Delaware
