Our Team

Karen L. Smith

MSS, LCSW

Our Founder and Director has maintained a full-time private practice for nearly 30 years. Early in her work, she identified the value of collaborating with other clinicians to discuss theories and approaches to work with clients, and the value of having more than one clinician engaging with the same client or client system.

While many outpatient therapists find themselves working in isolation, Ms. Smith has spent the past three decades participating in and running biweekly study and supervisions groups. These groups have created a team of clinicians who cross-refer clients when appropriate and have given them opportunities to discuss cases as a team.

Because of her years as a national educator on issues related to Eating Disorders, and more recently, educating other therapists on enriching their work with analytic theory, Ms. Smith found herself routinely getting more referrals than her practice could handle. Rather than simply referring them out to other clinicians, she decided to create a small group practice so she could offer a source for reliable psychotherapy services.

Each and every clinician in the Full Living practice has been interviewed and handpicked by the Director. Karen wishes to ensure nothing less than the best to offer those seeking top-quality psychotherapy services and clinicians that truly care about their clients.

Ms. Smith meets with every potential client personally, in a free initial consultation, to get a sense of which of her therapists is the best match, based on their stated needs, personality and style.

Full Living: A Psychotherapy Practice has offices throughout Philadelphia and The Greater Philadelphia Area including multiple offices in Center City 19109, Chestnut Hill 19118, Northern Liberties 19123, Old City 19106, Rittenhouse Square 19146, Roxborough 19106, South Philly 19107, University City 19104, West Philly 19143, and surrounding neighborhoods including Glenside 19038, Haverford 19041, and Narberth 19072.

Carolina Alshon

LCSW

“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” Joshua J. Marine. My role has a psychotherapist is to create an environment that is safe and non-judgmental in where you feel nurtured and supported to explore and overcome life challenges. My name is Carolina Alshon, a native of Chile, and a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I entered the profession with the solid intention to help those who come to me by creating connection, understanding, and a sense of belonging. I use a relational approach favoring attunement and respectful understanding for my clients. I am a curious clinician, who is animated and values a strong therapeutic relation. I believe that therapists can offer a space for clients to explore their experiences openly and without fear of judgment. I use active listening, empathetic support, humor, unconditional positive regard, and strengths-based approach. I tailor treatment by using a variety of tools, such as relaxation exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, psycho-dynamic approach and psychoeducation. My goal is that in working together your “alhue” (the Mapuche word for spirit) finds harmony with your mind and body.

“Los desafíos hacen la vida interesante y superarlos es lo que le da sentido a la vida”. Joshua L. Marine. Mi rol como psicoterapeuta es crear un ambiente seguro y libre de juzgamiento en donde te puedas sentir protegido y apoyado para explorar y superar los desafíos de la vida. Mi nombre es Carolina Alshon, nací en Chile y soy una trabajadora social clínica licenciada y además bilingüe. Elegí esta profesión con el convencimiento de poder ayudar a otros manteniendo una mente abierta, dando apoyo y mostrando empatía. Yo uso un enfoque relacional con énfasis en conexión y respeto por mis clientes. Soy una psicoterapeuta inquisitiva e interesada que valora la solidez del trabajo en terapia. Yo creo que los terapeutas pueden ofrecer un espacio donde las personas puedan explorar sus experiencias abiertamente y sin temor a ser juzgados. Me gusta escuchar con atención, entregar apoyo con empatía, usar humor, mantener consideración emocional, y cultivar la fortaleza interna. Mi tratamiento es diversificado y utiliza diferentes técnicas, como ejercicios de relajación, terapia cognitiva y de comportamiento, terapia de aceptación y compromiso, enfoque psicodinámico y educación. Mi meta es que trabajando juntos, tu “alhue” (espíritu en el idioma Mapuche) se encuentre en armonía con tu cuerpo y tu mente.

Services Currently Offered: Individual Therapy for Teens and Adults.

Sean Betman

LCSW

Sean Betman

LCSW

Therapy works when you feel genuinely seen and heard, and when we can build the trust to clearly imagine and move towards the ways you want yourself and your life to change. My approach to this work is warm, caring, and candid—and, above all, responsive to what you need. We might also laugh sometimes.

As an individual therapist I have experience treating anxiety, depression, shame and self-doubt, substance use, and family challenges. In couples counseling I can offer experience identifying and healing stubborn patterns of miscommunication and conflict that wear down openness and intimacy. I also work with those who have experienced grief and loss.

We are living through difficult times, and the past year and half has placed extreme pressure on individuals and relationships. Therapy can be a weekly practice of rediscovering that we are all capable of stability, growth, and joy.

Services Currently Offered: Works with Adolescents, Teens and Adults. Offers Individual and Couples Therapy.

Damon Constantinides

LCSW

Damon Constantinides provides individual, relationship, and sex therapy with adults and teens. Damon believes that change, growth and healing are possible through our connection with others. He works towards a world that makes space for people of all genders, identities, and bodies to heal and find joy in their lives. He is a trans and queer identified therapist who also provides regional and national training and is faculty for the Advanced Training in Transgender Mental Health certificate course offered through Widener University. He provides consultation and supervision to therapists who want to deepen their trans-affirmative practice.

Services Currently Offered: Works with Adolescents, Adults, Individuals and Couples.

Josh Dodes

MSW, LCSW

Deciding to begin psychotherapy is one of the kindest and most important choices you can make for yourself. It can be a turning point in your life, but it can also feel scary to talk to someone you don’t know well. Josh provides a warm, safe environment where he will listen carefully and will work together with you to understand and resolve the concerns you are struggling with and how they affect your current life.

Josh works with adults and adolescents who are struggling with relationship difficulties, performance issues, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, loss, low self-esteem, and a wide range of other concerns. When you come into Josh’s office, you will talk together about what you are struggling with and where you are feeling stuck. Josh believes therapy should be an interactive process, where you and he work together as a team, and talk about anything that is important to you.

Josh has advanced training in psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, but draws upon a number of treatment approaches in his work, including relational therapy, psychodynamic therapy, self-psychological therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Services Currently Offered: Works with Adolescents, Adults, Individuals and Couples.

Amy Gedrich

LCSW, ACSW

Amy has been a mental health practitioner since 1981, receiving her MSW from the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration and also holds a BSW from Penn State University. Her practice can be described as psychodynamic and solution-focused in nature, regarding the client as the expert and knowledgeable about their own situation. Amy encourages self-directedness, empowerment and is an expert in treating anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, with or without the use of medication. Other specialized issues include: caregiving, life transitions, communication between couples, people identified as having complex medical issues, and Veteran re-adjustment issues. Amy has been a mental health practitioner since 1981, receiving her MSW from the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration and also holds a BSW from Penn State University. Her practice can be described as psychodynamic and solution-focused in nature, regarding the client as the expert and knowledgeable about their own situation. Amy encourages self-directedness, empowerment and is an expert in treating anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, with or without the use of medication. Other specialized issues include: caregiving, life transitions, communication between couples, people identified as having complex medical issues, and Veteran re-adjustment issues.

Services Currently Offered: Works with Individuals, Couples and Families.

Robert A. Isaacson

MSS, LSW

Robert A. Isaacson

MSS, LSW

Bob’s been in practice since 1986 as a clinical social worker, with loads of experience with a variety of people.

Often he’s a sounding board, inviting clients to a more optimistic and hopeful view of possibilities for themselves, their work, and their relationships. Bob’s practical and concrete in what he says and recommends. Hard-nosed research drives his work.

Bob’s warm, friendly, and welcoming. Clients say he listens well, and at a deep level. He’s a straight shooter, speaks honestly and directly and uses humor in his sessions.

Services Currently Offered: Works with Adolescents, Adults, Individuals, Couples and Families. Offers Life and Business Coaching.

Shobhana Kanal

MSS, LCSW

Psychotherapy is a unique partnership that can help you step back, experience yourself and the world in new ways, and make empowered choices about how to live your life. Good therapy can help you learn or strengthen skills for coping with life’s challenges, identify the purpose for your life, and harness your own talents. If you engage wholeheartedly in the therapeutic conversation, you will begin to develop a better understanding of yourself and others and increase your capacity for joy.

Clients describe Shobhana as warm, encouraging, and nonjudgmental. She listens closely and actively, but doesn’t fit the stereotype of the near-silent therapist. As one client put it, “This feels more like a conversation.”

With 20 years of experience helping people with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, Shobhana can provide brief counseling or life coaching that targets a specific problem, as well as long-term therapy that helps people work though deep-seated conflicts and relationship patterns. She additionally provides specialized coaching for busy people who are overwhelmed by clutter and disorganization. Shobhana teaches ways to create space and use simple organizational practices in your home or office, so you can focus on and enjoy the things that really matter in your life.

Services Currently Offered: Works with Individuals and Couples. Offers Life Coaching. Shobhana is half South Asian and has a particular interest in the experience of first-generation Americans and multicultural families.

Andrea Miner-Isaacson

PhD

Andrea is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Dance/Movement Therapist. In her practice, located in Narberth, Andrea helps her clients solve the problems of living to create satisfying futures. She has expertise in many types of difficulties including depression, anxiety and trauma. Her specialties include Eating Disorders, relationship issues and addictions. Andrea uses a variety of specialized techniques including EMDR, mindfulness, Energy Psychology, Creative ARts and Aromatherapy. When it’s time to play, Andrea enjoys a variety of activities. An avid figure skater, she is a judge for US Figure Skating.

Services Currently Offered: Works with Adults, Individuals and Couples.

Gretchen Whitney

LCSW

My goal is to help adults and teens who are experiencing a variety of problems of living grow towards a happier and more satisfying future.

I listen carefully to fully understand where you are coming from so that you feel safe, seen and heard. Through our connection in therapy, we explore needs and identify strengths that lead to increased confidence and personal resilience.

I have many years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and
Dance/Movement Therapist helping people deal with painful issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationship, and family problems.

People have described me as being warm, down to earth, and easy to talk to. I use a collaborative, supportive approach to help you meet your goals for therapy. I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and have had special training in treating trauma, ADHD, and ASD.

I believe in the unity of body and mind and the value of movement practices, art, music, and meditation as components of a healthy lifestyle. I believe our connection with nature, and our pets, play an important role in enhancing our happiness and well-being.

Services Currently Offered: Individual Psychotherapy with Adolescents and Adults.