Located in Philadelphia
Welcome
If you are looking for a therapist who identifies as polyamorous and is queer, Kate Manser Counseling, LLC can help. Together we can navigate the large and small challenges in your life, with all of your complexities and nuances. Whether you find yourself with insecure attachment styles, having difficulty managing boundaries, or are experiencing conflicts with people in your life, here you will find the support for your journey in polyamory. I recognize that challenges do not stop at the individual or one-on-one relationship level. That is why individual as well as relationship therapy (up to 4 people) is offered. Even if your polycule does not identify as a triad or a quad, you can still experience the benefits of having sensitive and informed therapy.
If you live in Pennsylvania or New Jersey and believe I could be a good fit for you, or you would like to learn more, please contact me through the form on this website, by email, or by phone.
Office in Philadelphia
About Me
A queer, polyamorous therapist
For well over ten years, I have worked in the mental health field. Some of my most satisfying work has happened while working with the queer and polyamory communities in Philadelphia and New Jersey that have accepted me without conditions, and I wish to bring that experience to you. I have worked with people navigating the resurfacing of old relationship wounds in current relationships, people experiencing prejudice based on their sexuality, gender, or ethnicity, difficulties with sexual intimacy with your partner, and everything in between. You deserve to feel accepted, valued, and back in charge of your own life. I will show you my enthusiasm when we celebrate your victories and will provide you with warmth and compassion during your toughest moments; you can always count on me to bring my authentic self when meeting with you. Therapy is a commitment and a relationship and I am excited to share this journey with you.
My Qualifications
Education and Licenses
The College of New Jersey Masters in Counseling
Specializing in Community Counseling
Graduated 2011
Licensed Professional Counselor
Pennsylvania License: PC013552
New Jersey License: 37PC00656300
Certifications & Trainings
Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level 1
Personal Beliefs
As someone who identifies as cis woman who is queer and practices polyamory, it is important to me that my actions match my words. I have a long history of activism and volunteering with abortion rights, advocating for Black lives, and being involved in my queer and polyamorous communities. Between marches, performing in parades and concerts, and attending fundraisers, you will most likely see me in the community if you live in Philadelphia, PA.
Treatment Orientation
You may be looking for a therapist that has a specific treatment orientation that you are interested in trying or you know works well for you. I recognize that one treatment modality may not be the best fit for everyone who chooses to work with me. You can expect me to draw on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Thearpy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic experiencing, the Gottman Method, or Imago Relationship counseling. I use a variety of treatment modalities so that we can find the right one for you. I'm receptive to all feedback and want to make sure we address your concerns in a way that works for you.
Other Topics Treated
Adjustment Disorder
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Codependency
Cultural and systemic
opression
Depression
Divorce
Domestic Violence
Gender identity
Intimacy
Life transitions
Personal growth
PTSD/trauma
Relationship issues
Self-esteem
Self-harm
Sexual abuse or assault
Sexuality
Social anxiety
Stress
Women's Issues
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Do you take insurance?I am out of network for insurance, meaning that I do not accept insurance plans. However, I am paired with Thrizer, a service that can help reimburse eligible policy holders through their out of network benefits. I am also a provider through Spring Health Employee Assistance Program and have limited slots through that platform.
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How much does therapy cost?At this time, an individual session is $150 and a dyad/triad/etc is $180. For a sliding scale, I am a member of the Open Path Collective and have limited slots through that platform. Any client interested in exploring a reduced rate is welcome to read more about Open Path Collective and apply to see if they may qualify. If you wish to explore this option, please let me know before scheduling our first session as I may not have any current slots available.
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Can we talk about things that aren't about polyamory?Yes! For many clients, polyamory isn't even the main focus of our sessions, yet knowing that their therapist is well-versed in the community is comforting for them for when those concerns do arise. With over 13 years of experience in the mental health field, I am trained to help you navigate a wide array of concerns that impact your life.
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Do my partners or polycule have to come to therapy, too?Oftentimes clients know right away if they want individual or relationship therapy, yet sometimes it's unclear what could be most helpful. If the latter is the case, I'm happy to explore all possibilities together.
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I'm not polyamorous, can I still schedule sessions with you?Absolutely! Many of my clients identify as monogamous and we have a great working relationship. They may have come to me because they were referred by a friend or professional, or they appreciated that I have an alternative perspective from mainstream culture.
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Do you provide WPATH letters?No, I do not. I acknowledge that I need more training and a deeper understanding as to what needs to go into a WPATH letter to write one confidently. Recently some insurances have begun requiring that a physician or doctor provide this letter; in that event, I would be unable to write one regardless of any training I complete as I am not a doctor. If you do reach out to me for a WPATH letter, I will recommend clinicians that you can connect with to have this need met.
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Can we meet in person?I am excited to announce that as of September 2024, I have an office in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Philadelphia! This office is located on the first floor and has steps outside leading up to the first floor, one gender-neutral bathroom, no scents used in the office during my sessions, an air-purifier used during all sessions, and HAES-inclusive furniture. Masks are optional and I can wear a mask if requested. Pictures to come!
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How can I refer you without outing myself as non-monogamous?I understand on a personal level that living as non-monogamous can come with discrimination, prejudices, and other unfortunate impacts. That's why my email address is under Kate Manser Counseling as well as my LLC; this way any billing from me will come under Kate Manser Counseling. I also have an alternate website that does not target polyamorous and non-monogamous folks that you can use.
Disclaimer: These estimates may change as the treatment progresses and are not a guarantee of treatment frequency, length, or cost. Your signature does not require you to receive psychotherapy services from me.
