About Cheryl Sparks, PhD, LPC
www.cherylsparks.com
Cheryl is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in individual, couples and group therapy. Her private practice is in Wayne, PA. She also serves as faculty in the Marriage and Family Therapy doctoral programs at Eastern University. She has specialized experience working with couples using Emotionally Focused Therapy. She also has experience working with individuals and couples who have experienced mood disorders (depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder), relationship issues, and abuse and trauma recovery.
In therapy, Cheryl provides a safe and comfortable approach which discovers how thoughts and feelings may have gotten "stuck" in painful patterns, causing difficult symptoms such as anxiety, constant worry or depression. These painful patterns of thinking and feeling may have gotten started in past relationships or situations and can affect not only your personal sense of well-being, but also current relationships or work performance. Cheryl uses a collaborative approach to address the root issues which are underlying the problems you face, helping you to re-gain a sense of peace and control. Her clients find her friendly, approachable and understanding.
Cheryl's approach to therapy is flexible, and depends on your particular needs and interests. Tools such as Insight-Oriented (Psychodynamic Therapy) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques to control anxiety, taking brief inventories, and practicing new communication skills are all possibilities. She is comfortable working with clients who wish to integrate their faith and spirituality into their work. With compassion and understanding, she encourage her clients throughout the difficult and sometimes painful process of growth and healing.
In Emotionally Focused Marriage and Family Therapy, Cheryl works with clients in the areas of
*Building and restoring a sense of intimate connection and trust
*Marriage conflict and crisis, including marriages threatened by affairs
*Pornography and Sex Addictions
*Communication
*Building sexual intimacy
*Pre-marital assessments and counseling to explore areas of strength and growth, providing a solid foundation for the relationship
*Parenting children with difficulties
Education
PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, Eastern University, St. David's, PA
Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling, Eastern University, St. David’s PA
Master of Arts in Christian Education, seminary at Columbia International University
Advanced Training in Emotionally Focused Therapy
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from UNC-Chapel Hill
Facilitator, PREPARE / ENRICH program for couples counseling
Experience
In addition to the private practice of psychotherapy and marriage and family therapy and work as faculty at Eastern University, her experience includes clinical mental heath work, participating in research as a therapist, pastoral therapy, teaching and ministry in church and college ministries, and working as a licensed physical therapist in a variety of settings.
Professional Organizations
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
American Counseling Association
International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
North American Association of Masters Psychologists
Philadelphia Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy, board member
Christian Association for Psychological Studies.
www.cherylsparks.com