Michele Southworth is the Director of the Postgraduate Certificate Program in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a senior clinical staff member. She has practiced as a marital and family therapist and an attorney for over 30 years. She attended the University of Pennsylvania College for Women for her undergraduate work and began her professional education at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, after which she practiced family law in Philadelphia for eight years.

Working with families in the legal system led to an interest in the then-emerging field of divorce mediation and then to the study of marriage and family therapy at Council for Relationships. She was certified as a marriage, family, and sex therapist by Council for Relationships in 1989. Since then, she has practiced in the dual fields of divorce mediation and marriage and family therapy. Ms. Southworth has been a senior clinical staff member at Council for Relationships since 1989. Her clinical practice includes working with issues of personal growth, gender-role conflicts, bereavement, depression/anxiety, and divorcing families in a variety of divorce-related modalities, including divorce mediation. She has also worked in several interdisciplinary settings with legal and/or financial professionals and has pioneered new, cooperative approaches to the dilemmas of divorce. This work involves the development of innovative models to support the successful adaptation of all family members as they move through the divorce transition and has contributed to such new modalities as Collaborative Family Law and Parent Coordination for high-conflict parents.

Dr. Matthew McCrickard is a graduate of CFR’s Postgraduate Certificate Program. He came to the program after a 20-year career in higher education administration, most recently as the Director of Advising at Wallace Community College in northern Alabama – giving him the ideal combination of credentials and experience to help with leadership and administration of the program. Dr. McCrickard is charged with all things pertaining to COAMFTE accreditation.

The Rev. Dr. Dolores E. Littleton (Dee) is a Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Pennsylvania. She graduated from Eastern University with a BSW. Dee received her M.Div. from The Lutheran Theological Seminary (United) in Philadelphia and was ordained in 1983 as a Lutheran Pastor and has served two congregations in the Philadelphia area. She received her Doctor of Ministry in Marriage and Family Ministry from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Palmer). She completed the Council for Relationships postgraduate clinical training in Marriage, Family, and Sex Therapy. In addition, Dee is a graduate of the ELCA Systems Academy, a four-year structured engagement with family systems theory, theology, and clinical work. Dee developed a 2 -year Congregational Systems Academy at CFR and is excited about working with clergy of all faiths in understanding the systemic dynamics in their places of ministry.

Dee has had a small private practice for 25 years, providing therapy for individuals, families, and couples. Her areas of expertise include pre-marital, marriage education, relationship enrichment, spiritual and faith issues, mid-life transition, abuse, attachment, parenting, remarriage, and stepfamilies. Dr. Littleton is a consultant and coach for churches and clergy experiencing conflict and seeking to focus on mission and ministry. She also has experience working with churches that have faced the forced resignation of their pastor.

The Rev. Dr. Dolores E. Littleton is an experienced retreat leader, workshop speaker, and trainer for Prepare/Enrich, Healthy Boundary Workshops for Clergy, Congregational and Pastoral Attachment, Congregational Process, and various Relationship Education Programs.

Dr. James Wadley is Director of the Sex Therapy program at Council for Relationships. As a scholar-practitioner, he is a licensed professional counselor. He is the founding editor of the scholarly, interdisciplinary journal, the Journal of Black Sexuality and Relationships (University of Nebraska Press). He is also the founder and Principal of the Association of Black Sexologists and Clinicians and his professional background in human sexuality education, educational leadership, and program development has enabled him to galvanize scholars and practitioners in the field of sexology across the world.

His research and publication interests include sexual decision making among young adults, masculinity development and conceptions of fatherhood by non-custodial fathers, and HIV/AIDS prevention. He has developed undergraduate and graduate courses (including authoring 22 courses for the Master of Science in Counseling program for Lincoln University [PA]). In addition, he recently co-authored 13 doctoral-level courses for the Theological Seminary of Puerto Rico. In 2015, Dr. Wadley earned his NBCC-International Mental Health Facilitator certification after spending time with Rwandan therapists discussing the impact of genocide and trauma in the early 1990s. In 2016, he helped develop curricula and conducted a sexuality education course at the University of Muhimbili in Tanzania for the nursing and midwifery program. Later that year, he developed and taught an applied research methods course at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, South Africa.

In 2017, Dr. Wadley’s work and advocacy domestically and abroad enabled him to complete his first documentary, Raw to Reel: Race, Drugs, and Sex in Trenton, New Jersey, which captures some of the challenges that emerge in addiction and recovery. Finally, in 2018, Dr. Wadley co-edited The Art of Sex Therapy Supervision (Routledge), which is a book devoted to the clinical experiences of supervisors and supervisees in the field of sex therapy. The book won AASECT’s 2019 Book of the Year Award. His new book, The Handbook of Sexuality Leadership: Inspiring Community Engagement, Social Empowerment, and Transformational Influence (Routledge), carves a new path for sexuality educators, counselors, and therapists in that it serves as an invitation for re-conceptualizing the consultative roles in which sexuality professionals engage.

Dr. Wadley received his Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in Educational Leadership and Human Sexuality Education. He earned a Master of Science in Education degree in School Psychology from the University of Kentucky after completing his B.A. in Psychology from Hampton University. He holds a clinical postgraduate certificate from the Council for Relationships and is an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor.

Carol Blum is a Staff Therapist in our University City office.  Carol is an individual, couple, and family therapist who works with mindfulness techniques. These techniques include quieting the mind, calming the body through deep relaxation, and spirituality as a source of strength, if available.  Carol is recognized for helping families build safety, trust, and intimacy through secure attachments and resilience training. Carol has 20+ years of experience working with clients who have experienced trauma, grief, health concerns, addiction, depression, anxiety, and serious mental illness.  She employs research in brain-based psychotherapy to help clients reach their potential. Carol Blum is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Addiction Specialist in Pennsylvania.  She received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Temple University in 1991 and completed Post-Graduate training in Couple and Family Therapy at Council for Relationships. Carol worked at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia for 17 years before joining CFR.  Carol supervises therapists and teaches at CFR.  She has been married for 20+ years, has two children, and lives in Philadelphia.

Alexis Bové is a staff therapist at Council for Relationships. Alexis attended Georgetown University for her undergraduate studies, received her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University, and her law degree from Villanova University School of Law. She completed her Post-Graduate Marriage and Family Therapy Certificate from Council for Relationships in 2019. Alexis is a compassionate, empathic, and engaging therapist whose approach is collaborative and supportive while challenging clients to meet their therapeutic goals. She believes in the importance of fostering a safe, secure environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities. Alexis takes a systemic approach to her work with individuals, couples, and families, addressing the complexities that arise in families of origin and other intimate relationships in order to nurture clients’ change and growth as individuals and within their relationships. In her clinical practice, Alexis uses an integrative approach, meeting clients where they are and employing tremendous creativity to address the different issues that each client presents.

Rabbi Julie Greenberg, LMFT, is a 2003 Council for Relationships Postgraduate Certificate Program graduate. Since then, she has worked at the intersection of spirituality and psychotherapy, leading a local congregation, seeing people in private practice, consulting with organizations in transition, and working with the multi-faith, multi-racial social justice organization POWER. Julie is a mother to five children and author of Just Parenting: Building the World One Family at a Time, in addition to numerous articles, chapters, sermons, and online resources. More information is available at www.leyvhair.org.

Bea Hollander-Goldfein is the Director Emeritus of the Council for Relationships’ Postgraduate Certificate Program in Marriage and Family Therapy. She also serves as Co-Director of Research. Since 1991, Bea has been the Director of the Transcending Trauma Project, which is a large-scale research program investigating coping and adaptation after extreme trauma. Bea is licensed as a Clinical Psychologist and as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and is an AAMFT-approved supervisor. She is also a member of the American Family Therapy Association. Bea received her doctorate in psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University and subsequently expanded her training to include Marriage and Family Therapy certification. Systemic theory has guided her clinical practice and research activities for over 25 years. She has presented broadly on the topic of trauma and the importance of an integrated model of coping and adaptation. She has also published in the fields of Marriage and Family Therapy and Trauma studies.

Nancy Isserman is the Director of CFR’s Operation Home and Healing (OHH) and Codirector of CFR’s Transcending Trauma Project. In her role as the Director of OHH, Dr. Isserman has developed and run trainings in military culture for clinicians, clergy, and others.

She co-teaches a course on military culture and treatment for CFR’s interns and clinicians with Dr. Will Barnes, CFR’s military clinical consultant, and he is an adjunct lecturer at Gratz College, teaching a course on the Psychosocial Impact of the Holocaust on survivor families.

She is one of the authors of Transcending Trauma: Survival, Resilience, and Clinical Implications in Survivor Families (Routledge, 2012) and has published articles and book reviews, co-edited books, and lectured on topics relating to trauma and Holocaust survivors, military culture and the transmission of trauma in military families, marriage and family relationship education, and on resilience and tolerance in survivors. Dr. Isserman’s PhD from the Graduate Center, City University of New York, “I Harbor No Hate: Tolerance and Intolerance in Holocaust Survivors,” received the 2004-2005 Randolph Braham Dissertation Award.

Dr. Frani Pollack is a registered dietician, licensed social worker, and licensed psychologist. She has worked in multiple inpatient and outpatient settings and is presently in private practice at Bala Child and Family Associates. Frani also teaches at the Bryn Mawr School of Social Work. Her areas of specialty include working with teens, women, and families. Frani received her MSW from New York University and her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Toronto.

Courtney Ragin is a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families to support them in healing and developing healthy relationships where they feel seen and understood. She is passionate about helping people understand their life story and empowering them to create the life they desire. Courtney utilizes strength-based interventions to help clients recognize and own their power to make changes that align with their values, goals, and sense of purpose.

Courtney received her Master’s Degree in Family Therapy from Drexel University. She applies compassionate, collaborative, and systemic approaches to her work to support people in developing insight into the issues that they face in context with their experiences of themselves, others, and society while taking steps to solve those problems effectively.

Laurel Roe understands we sometimes need help navigating life’s many challenges. Using a collaborative and relaxed style, she helps clients identify and utilize their strengths to move toward the goals they have for their lives. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, she incorporates humor, mindfulness-based practices, and experiential techniques, as appropriate, to help clients better understand themselves. Ms. Roe’s background in education informs her developmentally appropriate practices as she supports people of all ages to discover that while change in life may be inevitable, adaptation and growth are possible.

Ms. Roe is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with an MS in Counseling and Human Relations from Villanova University. She uses an integrative, systemic approach that considers each client’s unique background and experiences. She is trained in EMDR.

Areas of special interest include supporting families with members who have special needs, parenting issues, childhood developmental concerns, and anxiety in children, teens, and adults. She works with couples in all stages of a relationship and helps adults manage the impact of childhood experiences, including trauma.

Jamie Rose is a dedicated professional specializing in systemic and integrative counseling for individuals, couples, and families. With a master’s degree in Biblical Counseling and post-graduate expertise in Marriage and Family therapy, she skillfully combines a faith perspective with an inclusive approach for non-religious clients.

In the counseling room, Jamie collaborates with clients, drawing upon their strengths to navigate unique challenges. Her therapeutic style incorporates creativity, warmth, and humor, fostering a safe environment for clients to explore their stories. Recognizing the significance of initiating therapy, Jamie honors each client’s personal journey toward hope and healing.

Licensed in Pennsylvania, Jamie not only provides counseling but also contributes to the field by supervising and teaching therapists in training within a post-graduate program. With a passion for guiding individuals through their transformative journeys, Jamie is committed to creating a space where clients feel heard, known, and cared for.

Kristine Seitz is the Professional Development Manager and a Staff Therapist at CFR.

Looking for a therapist can be a vulnerable time. Thank you for taking the first step. I believe that our relationships are the cornerstone of our lives. This includes our relationship with our self, our family, our partner(s), our friends, and our community. I am an empathetic, collaborative, and strengths-based therapist. Through a systemic approach, I both support and challenge clients by helping them to identify stuck points, heal wounds, re-write narratives, and strengthen relationships.

Trained in sex therapy, I specialize in all aspects of relationship & sexuality concerns including behaviors, communication & intimacy issues, desire, dysfunction, identify, infidelity, rejection, and sexual abuse. I also have expertise with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, PTSD, and trauma.

As a PhD candidate at Widener University’s Center for Human Sexuality Studies, my dissertation research focuses on ghosting in online dating relationships. I am a sex-positive, LGBTQ+, kink, and poly affirming therapist. I’m open to talking with you before scheduling an intake to see if you think we would be a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you.

Priscilla Singleton is the Director of Clinical Standards at CFR. Priscilla is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), a clinical member of AAMFT, and an AAMFT-approved supervisor. She received her MSW from Temple University in 1982 and completed her post-graduate marriage and family therapy training at Council for Relationships in 1989. Priscilla has completed additional training and certifications in EMDR, Sandtray therapy, and co-parent counseling/parent coordination. Priscilla has been in practice for over twenty-five years. Before coming to the Council in 1994, Priscilla worked with children, youth, and families in the child welfare system, with women in a crime victim center, with families of children with developmental differences, and with individuals and families in her private practice. Her areas of special interests are separating and divorcing families, adoption, and promotion of child and adolescent connection in their families.

Margot Stein completed the clergy track for post-graduate studies in marriage and family therapy. She is dedicated to helping individuals and families who are struggling with difference: autism, ADHD, behavior disorders, learning issues, non-traditional, nonbinary or gender queer orientation, artists, and others learning to listen to their inner calling. With warmth, compassion, and humor, Ms. Stein creates a safe space for clients to connect with their resilience and take the next steps toward desired areas of growth and change. Clients and their families experience an increased ability to care for and accept themselves as they successfully meet life’s challenges and discover new possibilities.