Services

In-person appointments in Newtown, PA

Take a seat. We’re here to help you change your life.

Most likely, you are facing some kind of problem — a relationship problem, a work problem, a family problem — whatever it is, it’s very personal, and it’s causing you a great deal of anxiety and pain. You want to feel better, and you want something in your life to change.
We can help you.
mental health

Who we help

Couples

Couples counseling at McKernan Therapy and Consultation (MTC) helps partners navigate the complexities of their relationships. Our skilled therapists create a neutral and supportive space for couples to discuss their concerns. This open environment improves communication and helps resolve conflicts. We use tailored therapeutic approaches to address issues such as trust, intimacy, and mutual respect. This empowers couples to understand each other’s perspectives and strengthen their partnership. Focusing on effective communication skills and strategies for managing disagreements, couples counseling at MTC can rejuvenate relationships and rekindle emotional bonds. It also creates a foundation for lasting harmony and satisfaction in the relationship.

Children

At McKernan Therapy and Consultation (MTC), we understand the unique challenges children face. We also recognize the importance of addressing their mental health needs early. Our child therapy services offer a safe, nurturing environment for children to express their feelings and navigate their experiences. Therapists use age-appropriate techniques like play therapy, art therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. These methods help children understand and manage their emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and improve their behavior. We work closely with families to ensure a holistic approach that supports the child’s overall development and well-being. Whether a child faces anxiety, behavioral issues, trauma, or social challenges, therapy at MTC equips them with the tools they need to thrive emotionally and psychologically.

Adolescents

At McKernan Therapy and Consultation (MTC), we understand that adolescence is a critical period of physical, emotional, and social changes. Our adolescent therapy services are designed to meet the unique challenges teenagers face. We provide a supportive space where teens can explore their identities, express their feelings, and build resilience. Our skilled therapists use evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques. These methods help adolescents manage anxiety, depression, peer pressure, and academic stress. We foster open communication and build trust to guide teens in developing healthy coping strategies, improving self-esteem, and making positive life choices. At MTC, we are committed to helping adolescents navigate this transformative stage of life with confidence and emotional well-being.

Families

At McKernan Therapy and Consultation (MTC), we understand the complex dynamics families navigate. We recognize the importance of fostering healthy, supportive relationships within the family unit. Our family therapy services help families address a range of issues, from communication breakdowns to coping with major life changes like divorce, loss, or blending families. Our experienced therapists create a safe and neutral space where each family member can express their perspectives and feelings. In guided sessions, we work on enhancing understanding, rebuilding trust, and developing effective communication strategies. By addressing both individual and collective concerns, MTC helps families strengthen their bonds, resolve conflicts, and create a harmonious home environment. This promotes overall family well-being and resilience.

Emerging adults

At McKernan Therapy and Consultation (MTC), we understand that emerging adulthood is a pivotal and often challenging phase of life. Our therapy services are tailored for individuals in their late teens to mid-twenties. During this time of significant transition, young adults face challenges like identity formation, career choices, relationship dynamics, and the pressures of newfound independence. Our compassionate therapists offer a supportive space for emerging adults to explore their goals, fears, and aspirations. Using evidence-based approaches, we help clients build resilience, enhance decision-making skills, and foster emotional well-being. At MTC, we are dedicated to guiding emerging adults through this critical stage. We empower them to lay a strong foundation for the future and navigate adult life with confidence and clarity.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals develop psychological flexibility. It encourages embracing thoughts and emotions rather than fighting or feeling overwhelmed by them. ACT combines mindfulness practices with behavior-change strategies to promote well-being. Instead of focusing on reducing symptoms, ACT emphasizes creating a life aligned with one’s values. It teaches that discomfort and challenges are natural parts of the process. This approach contrasts with therapies that aim to eliminate negative thoughts or feelings. ACT fosters a new relationship with them instead.

Co-parenting

Co-parenting therapy is designed to support separated or divorced parents in working together to provide a stable, supportive environment for their children. This specialized counseling helps parents improve communication, reduce conflict, and build a cooperative partnership that prioritizes their child’s well-being. Through guided discussions, parents develop strategies for effective problem-solving, setting consistent boundaries, and managing emotions that may interfere with healthy co-parenting. This approach is especially valuable in high-conflict situations, fostering mutual respect and understanding despite personal differences. At McKernan Therapy, our goal is to help parents create a structured, nurturing environment where children feel secure and supported by both caregivers.

Executive Functioning Therapy

Executive Functioning Therapy is a therapeutic approach designed to improve the cognitive processes that enable individuals to plan, organize, manage time, regulate emotions, and achieve goals. These skills are critical for managing daily tasks, problem-solving, and adapting to challenges. This type of therapy is often used with children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with executive function challenges, which are commonly associated with conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, or learning disabilities. Executive functioning therapy is useful for individuals who experience difficulty managing tasks and responsibilities in school, work, or daily life. Areas that be will addressed: Planning and Organization: Breaking down tasks into manageable steps and structuring activities effectively. Time Management: Estimating time needed for tasks, setting deadlines, and prioritizing activities. Working Memory: Holding and manipulating information in mind while performing tasks. Emotional Regulation: Managing emotional responses to stress, frustration, or unexpected events. Impulse Control: Pausing and thinking before acting or speaking. Cognitive Flexibility: Shifting focus or adapting to changes and new information.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

At McKernan Therapy and Consultation (MTC), we recognize the importance of providing specialized therapy services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our therapists have extensive experience and training in working with individuals on the spectrum, understanding their unique strengths, challenges, and communication styles. Through personalized therapy sessions, we aim to support individuals with autism in areas such as social skills development, emotion regulation, sensory integration, and daily living skills. Using evidence-based interventions tailored to each individual’s needs, we create a safe and supportive environment where clients can thrive and reach their full potential. By collaborating closely with families and other professionals, MTC is dedicated to helping individuals with autism lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Play therapy

Play therapy is a structured approach to therapy that uses play as a medium for helping children express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It is particularly effective for children because play is a natural mode of communication for them, allowing them to express what they may not be able to articulate verbally. Play therapy is often used to address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief, family conflict, and behavioral challenges. It can also support children coping with life changes, such as divorce or relocation. Although primarily used for children aged 3 to 12, play therapy can also be adapted for teenagers and adults in some contexts. The therapist’s role is to observe, interpret, and guide the process to promote healing and growth.

Specific Types of Therapy

cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This is an evidenced based practice that helps individuals challenge negative thinking patterns to develop more effective and healthy ways to problem solve and navigate challenging situations. CBT is used to treat anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, trauma and some mood disorders.
solution focus behavioral therapy

Solution Focused Behavioral Therapy (SFBT)

Is a short-term goal-focused evidence-based therapeutic approach, which helps clients change by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems. In the most basic sense, SFBT is a hope friendly, positive emotion eliciting vehicle for motivating, achieving, and sustaining desired behavioral change. SFBT is used to treat anxiety, depression, self-esteem, work issues and relationship issues.