My name is Alli Benhaim, and I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). I’ve dedicated the past decade to providing therapy for children, families, and adults, following my graduation from Bryn Mawr College of Social Work and Social Research. I bring a trauma-informed approach to a variety of areas and specializes in child development, attachment, mindful parenting, behavioral challenges, and neurodivergence. In working with my clients, I use evidence-based therapy techniques such as Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, Somatic Therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness-Based-Play-Family Therapy. 

I primarily work with children ages 2 to 12, their families, and adults. As a former behavioral specialist, I view behavior as a form of communication. I am highly attuned to my clients, as I address the entire person, consider what they have gone through, and their current environment. When working with children and providing child therapy, I collaborate with parents to develop a skill set designed to empower parents and children, both during sessions and at home.

I can help parents who are struggling to set boundaries with children. I will teach you to manage your emotions so they can borrow your calmness and work through their bigger than life emotions. Sometimes parenting can feel like the most unrewarding job, and the struggles can make you feel as though you have lost sight of what you loved about being a parent. All you know is that you love your child, and you want to be the best parent you can be, but you are struggling and unsure of how to find a path forward. What you know for certain, is that you need new skills to help your child and meet your child where they are, and I know how to help! 

Through a blend of talk-time and playtime, the right and left brain are engaged. This enables deep blocks to unravel as individuals navigate the path towards healing from trauma. EMDR is also used to allow children to release deep rooted fears or complex trauma from their bodies. 

As a parent of two, I have the lived experience of the challenges and joy that accompany parenting! This allows me to have true compassion and understanding for parents that can’t just be taught in books. I provide effective parent coaching that allows parents to develop a skill set that strengthens the parent-child relationship. Through this process, parents resolve their own attachment wounds, so they can support their child through a clear lens. I pride myself on being able to teach other parents tangible skills. I provide parents and caregivers with psychoeducation, a validating language, co-regulation strategies, and skills to repair attachment disruptions. Parents can participate in EMDR to release hypervigilance/trauma that is impacting their parenting. 

While working with Adults, my direct approach helps individuals resolve negative cognitions, and unhelpful coping strategies that no longer serve them. Through EMDR, I help my adult clients process trauma, and reduce hypervigilance to feel more grounded in their everyday lives.

It is possible to feel better! I would be honored to guide you or your family through this life changing experience. Call for a free consultation to see if you and I are a good match to work together. I currently see clients in our Ardmore location.