Center City, Philadelphia: Therapist Spotlight: Alicia Steinmetz, MA, NCC
Interview with Center City THerapist, Alicia Steinmetz, MA, NCC
Interview by Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT
Alicia Steinmetz brings a grounded, relational presence to her work as a therapist at A Better Life Therapy…one shaped by curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for the body’s role in healing. Before entering the therapy room, Alicia worked in clinical research at the University of Pennsylvania, supporting patients navigating cancer treatment. It was there that she first witnessed the power of resilience, story, and relational support, and felt called to walk alongside people in a more personal, healing-focused way.
Today, Alicia’s work is reflective, direct, and somatic. She partners with clients who want to better understand themselves, their patterns, and their emotional worlds, especially those healing from trauma or learning how to feel safe and vulnerable again. Whether sessions involve deep reflection, creative expression, laughter, or simply slowing things down, Alicia’s approach centers on helping clients feel both supported and gently challenged.
I sat down with Alicia to learn more about her path to becoming a therapist, what therapy feels like with her, and the small rituals that keep her grounded outside the therapy room.
Why You Do This Work?
What originally drew you to becoming a therapist?
Before becoming a therapist, I worked on clinical research trials for patients undergoing cancer treatments at the University of Pennsylvania. I worked closely with licensed clinical social workers and admired learning each individual story of resilience. I knew I wanted to learn how to support people more deeply on their journeys.
What keeps you passionate about therapy now, even on hard days?
I grow right alongside my clients. Healing is relational, and I feel grateful to share in that process with them.
Clinical Style & Philosophy
How would you describe your therapy style in a few words?
Reflective, direct, and somatic.
What kinds of clients or issues do you feel most energized working with?
I enjoy working with clients who are curious about their stories and seeking deeper understanding, even if they’re unsure where to begin. I feel especially fulfilled working with clients exploring vulnerability and safety after traumatic events. With consistency, that work can lead to deeply compassionate breakthroughs.
What do you think good therapy should feel like for a client?
Cathartic, yet challenging…and safe.
What’s it like to sit with you in session?
We’re social beings, with hearts and souls. I encourage clients to share what they need from me that day, whether that means creating art or music, laughing about uncomfortable patterns, or holding space for deep reflection and processing.
What can someone expect in a first session with you?
First sessions can feel overwhelming because it can feel like sharing your life story with a stranger. I aim to guide clients through their story, slow things down, and help them recognize areas of strength while beginning to identify goals and areas for growth.
ALICIA OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE
Alicia in Bushkill Falls finding Split Gill Mushrooms
What small joy or ritual brings you comfort or happiness?
Music and movement each day.
Is there a book, podcast, or idea that has influenced how you think about life or relationships?
“When you trust without knowing, you will grow beyond intention.”
And a quote from The Alchemist: “When you want something, the whole universe conspires in order for you to achieve it.”
If you weren’t a therapist, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
Creating music that combines bilateral stimulation with therapeutic mantras and affirmations…think EMDR, but with music as group therapy.
Closing Thoughts
If someone is feeling unsure about starting therapy, what would you say to them?
Reaching out for therapy takes courage. You don’t have to carry it all alone. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty, grief, or trauma. Together, we slow things down, create space for your emotions, and begin uncovering new ways of coping and connecting.
Schedule Therapy with Alicia Steinmetz
Alicia Steinmetz offers individual therapy for adults through A Better Life Therapy’s Center City Philadelphia office, as well as telehealth sessions for clients across Pennsylvania. Her reflective, direct, and somatic approach is well-suited for individuals seeking deeper self-understanding, healing after trauma, and a therapy space that feels both safe and gently challenging.
If you’re looking for a therapist in Center City Philadelphia who values relational healing and collaborative growth, Alicia works with clients navigating grief, trauma, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. Telehealth therapy is also available for Pennsylvania residents who prefer or need the flexibility of virtual sessions.
To get started, you can schedule an appointment with Alicia Steinmetz through our intake team or by visiting our website and scheduling online 24/7. We’ll help you determine whether in-person or virtual therapy is the best fit for your needs and answer any questions you may have along the way.
Our Center City Philadelphia Therapy Office
A Better Life Therapy’s Center City office is thoughtfully designed to help clients feel calm, grounded, and at home the moment they walk in. The space is beautifully decorated, warm, and inviting, intentionally created to support comfort, safety, and meaningful therapeutic work.
Our office is easily accessible by public transportation, including the Market-Frankford Line (EL), Broad Street Line, SEPTA, and PATCO. For those driving, there is a parking garage located directly beneath the building, making appointments convenient.
The location is also an easy walk for residents of Center City, Old City, the Art Museum area, and Graduate Hospital, making it a central and accessible option for therapy in Philadelphia. Whether you’re coming from work, home, or school, our Center City office is designed to fit seamlessly into your day.