A Passion For Helping Others

After losing my father at the age of 11, I learned firsthand what genuine hardship can be like. Many events, including being homeless at 17 years old, followed his tragic death. I have experienced, personally, how to overcome adversity.

Experience And Community Service

I have a deep understanding of my client’s and families' unique challenges. My passion, education, and professional experience make me eminently qualified to empower others to reach their human potential. I am a Credentialed Substance Abuse Counselor, Clinical Supervisor, and Personal Development Coach with an honor’s degree in psychology. I believe that having meaning in life is powerfully connected to the happiness and fulfillment of both client and family. As a professional clinician and coach, I have completed numerous intensive workshops and training programs that contribute to my ability to help others identify and live their purpose.

I also maintain additional clinical certifications and am a Smoking Cessation, and Prevention Specialist trained at the Center for Tobacco Treatment Research and Training Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School. I have developed treatment programs and systems that serve clients from inpatient, outpatient, and intensive outpatient. I work with ACT, CBT, REBT, MI, TC, and DBT treatment modalities and have over 25 years of experience facilitating group therapies.

I moved to Pennsylvania from Massachusetts with my family in 2011 and treasure my most important role; that of a husband and father. I am a community leader actively engaged with various human service programs in Chester County, PA. I love spending family time and am an active musician in my free time. I enjoy playing live concerts with my band and working in my home recording studio. I am also involved with Stages Arts Initiative, a 501(c)(3) non-profit Music and Arts Program where I am an executive co-chair with a board of directors. I took on the lead role in creating the nonprofit corporation, helped establish programs, outreach, and mentoring services, and built relationships with multiple local human service providers.

A Letter From Emily

My clinical supervisor, Bernie Tiger, has greatly inspired my work and goals.  Bernie has listened patiently, offered guidance, and inspired confidence as a supervisor.  As a clinician, Bernie offered the same support, guidance, and wisdom to each client he met.  His patience with clients and clinicians has often been astounding to me.  In both roles, Bernie assisted individuals in developing their maximum potential. 

Bernie is also involved in several community organizations, including Toys for Tots and Stages Arts Initiative.  For the past two years, I have had the opportunity to join Bernie and volunteer with the Toys for Tots program in Chester County that he started.  There are no words to express what it was like to be a part of something that has enabled over 2000 children to open gifts on Christmas Day.   I felt truly honored to work alongside Bernie, knowing that he had brought together these diverse organizations. 

Working with Bernie has made me want to be a better clinician, to be more patient, more understanding, accepting, and open-minded.  Bernie has taught me that helping others goes far beyond the listening and guidance offered in a one-on-one session.  It includes bringing people together, connecting people with the vast resources available in their community, and making these resources available.  Bernie bridged the gap at the treatment program we worked together in by bringing in art therapy and music therapy. 

Bernie taught me to seek help beyond our organization's apparent limitations and constraints. He has also introduced me to a brand-new version of strength-based counseling with his work.  I witnessed him gently guide a seemingly broken young man to wellness through his love of poetry.  I watched as this shy person slowly came out of his shell in groups, offering support and feedback to his peers.  A few weeks later emerged a confident and empowered young man inviting other members to an open mic night where he would be sharing his poetry.  I don’t know how Bernie learned of this man’s gift for poetry.  All I know is that he helped the man find it and a new connection to the community and recovery. 

Emily B – clinician.