Philip Zarowny, LCSW

Philip Zarowny is a licensed clinical social worker who brings a compassionate, practical approach to counseling. With 11 years of experience and a Master of Social Work degree earned in 2009, he draws on a wide range of clinical roles, most recently working as a substance abuse counselor, to help people facing addiction, mood concerns, relationship struggles, and life transitions. He emphasizes a client-centered, strengths-based, and goal-focused style that treats people rather than labels, providing space to explore what is happening and to discover strategies that fit each person.

He has worked in both outpatient and residential settings and uses a variety of evidence-based methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and mindfulness practices. Before social work, he spent a long career in television news as a street photographer and editor, an experience that deepened his empathy for others and inspired a commitment to helping through personal storytelling.

As a father to an LGBTQ+ child, he understands the complexities of identity and strives to create an understanding environment for people from diverse backgrounds. Philip works with individuals and families on issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, self-esteem, career concerns, bipolar disorder, anger, and relationship challenges, and he accepts international clients. His work is collaborative and often involves creative problem solving to help people move toward greater well-being.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Care

Philip often draws on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical strategies for managing symptoms like anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and helps people build skills to respond differently to challenges.

He also uses dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness - methods that are especially useful for intense emotions, relationship difficulties, and coping with trauma. Motivational interviewing is another approach he employs to support people who feel ambivalent about change, particularly in the context of substance use and recovery.

Finding the right approach is part of the process and Philip works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they evaluate what is helping and adjust the plan as therapy unfolds so the work remains practical and relevant.

Online therapy offers flexibility to meet from home or elsewhere by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules or to connect across distances. These options support ongoing access to a licensed professional while allowing the format to match how the client prefers to engage.