Matt Ercolani, MS, LPC, NCC
Internship and Education Director/Therapist - Exton Office
$170/hour
It has been said that in life that it is not the destination but the journey that is the important part. That may be true, but sometimes the journey sure is tough to get through! It is Matt's (he/him) goal as a counselor and therapist to walk with you on your journey as you discover aspects of yourself and the world around you so that you can start living your best life. As a clinician, Matt believes in taking a strengths-based approach to help you figure out how to become the best version of yourself. To do this, he incorporates elements of rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), choice theory, and positive psychology in sessions. As a former public school music teacher, Matt also loves to incorporate elements of music and music therapy into his sessions, too! According to Matt, "I believe that everyone has the potential to improve their life. I also believe that everyone deserves the chance to try to find happiness. Regardless of where you come from, or where you are going, let's take the first step together to help you get there."
In his free time, Matt loves running and spending time with his family. He also enjoys hiking and is a voracious reader. An avid baseball fan, in the summer Matt can usually be found watching the Phillies suffering through another losing season.
Special Areas of Focus - Adolescents (ages 13-18) and their families/siblings • Adults (ages 18+) • Autism spectrum disorder • ADHD • Anxiety • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder • Depression • LGBTQ+ concerns • Personality disorders • Parent coaching • Disruptive/aggressive behaviors • Emotional regulation challenges
Education/Experience - BM in Music, Rowan University • BA in Education, Rowan University • MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, West Chester University • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained • Glasser Institute Choice Theory Level One Training
Specialty Training/Certifications - National Certified Counselor • Motivational Interviewing • Licensed New Jersey Public School Teacher
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. EMDR therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019).
EMDR therapy is different in that it does not necessarily require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, takes a neurologically-based approach to allow the brain to resume its natural healing process. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain.