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Rachel Chmelko

Who I Help

Are you a parent watching your child struggle with big emotions and behavioral challenges? Are you a teen feeling lost in a world of anxiety and self-doubt? Or a young adult navigating the complexities of trauma, chronic illness, or grief? I am dedicated to helping children, teens, young adults, and families who feel stuck and overwhelmed to find a more hopeful way forward. My own experiences, both personal and professional, have shown me that the deepest healing happens in the context of a safe, authentic relationship—one that can hold both the profound and the lighthearted. It would be my honor to build that trusted relationship with you or your child, and to help your family find that same connection with each other.

My Approach & Philosophy

My approach is warm, curious, and centered entirely on you. I use a trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming lens to meet you exactly where you are in each session. My goal is to support you in feeling more safe and regulated by exploring how your unique brain and body impact your feelings and behaviors. Whether we’re navigating a neurodivergent profile like autism or ADHD, or understanding how past experiences have shaped your beliefs, I strive to help you find a more hopeful way of moving through the world.

How I Can Help You

My clinical practice is fueled by a passion for supporting a diverse range of clients. I specialize in helping children with emotional regulation and family transitions like divorce, guiding teens through depression and self-esteem challenges, and supporting young adults as they navigate relational trauma, anxiety, and the complexities of chronic illness or grief. I often incorporate mindfulness and expressive arts into our work, offering creative pathways to self-expression and healing.

Specialized Training

I am committed to providing the most effective and modern care, and my training reflects that dedication. I have completed advanced training in:

  • Child-Centered Play Therapy: Helps children express themselves and process emotions through play.
  • Sandtray Therapy & TraumaPlay: Offers a safe, non-verbal space for children to process and heal from trauma.
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS): Helps children and families understand their inner world and feel more regulated.
  • Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD: A neurodiversity-affirming approach that helps clients gently confront fears and reclaim their lives from obsessive thoughts.

My academic foundation is an M.A. in Counseling from Arcadia University, with concentrations in Child & Family and Trauma, and a B.A. in Psychology and Music from Guilford College. Prior to my time at CFCE, I gained valuable experience leading groups for adults with anxiety and depression and working with children as a preschool teacher.

Outside of the Office

In my free time, I find my own balance by listening to music and podcasts, spending time in nature—preferably the woods or the beach—reading and writing poetry, and cheering on the Phillies. Of course, my cats are also masters of emotional regulation and a constant source of comfort.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

I look forward to partnering with you and your family to create a brighter, more connected future.

Expertise:

  • Children, Teens, Young Adults, Families
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Attachment theory
  • Mindfulness
  • Divorced families
  • Living with chronic illnesses

Fee: $140 for a 45-50 minute session

Locations: 19 East Main St. (Marlton, NJ) — and Virtual

Schedule an Appointment Now