About Contextual Theory

Contextual Theory is one of the earliest models of family systems treatment, which integrates individual psychotherapy and intergenerational family therapy from an ethical perspective. The contextual orientation assists individuals, couples and families in examining issues of fairness in close relationships, in order to achieve more satisfying living. It has been widely applied clinically, and is taught on both a national and international basis.

Approach to Treatment

Beyond providing symptom relief, the contextual therapist works preventatively to mobilize areas of trust, and to identify and rework areas of mistrust in past and present relationships. Individuals are encouraged to balance care of self with care of others, while strengthening relationships that are important to them.

As emphasized in Contextual Therapy, clinicians have a dual responsibility to approach clients with integrity based on the synthesis of their own experiences in their families and their professional expertise. That integrity is comprised of a professional commitment to the highest standard of care consistent with their scope of practice.

Contextual Therapists:

B. Janet Hibbs, M.F.T., Ph.D., Co-Founder

Dr. Hibbs is dually licensed as a Psychologist and Family Therapist. She is an Approved Supervisor for the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Dr Hibbs has 15 years of graduate teaching experience on the faculties of Hahnemann (Drexel) University, The Family Institute and Widener University. She has been in private practice for 25 years, and treats individuals, couples and families, and offers workshops to the public and to professionals.

Susan Silverman LaDuca, Ph.D., Co-Founder (retired)

Dr. LaDuca is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Approved Supervisor in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. She is the former Director of a community-based youth agency. Dr. LaDuca has extensive experience with adolescents, organizational and group dynamics, and interfaith family issues.

Suzanne Brennan, Ph.D., R.N.C.S.

Dr. Brennan is a Certified Clinical Specialist in psychiatric/mental health nursing. She is the former nursing service chief and family therapist of an in-patient brain and behavioral disorders team. Dr. Brennan presents extensively on the personal and family consequences of brain dysfunction.

Affiliates:

Jane Buhl, M.F.T., Ph.D
Dr. Buhl is a Licensed Psychologist and an Approved Supervisor for the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. She has been in private practice as a contextual therapist for over 25 years.

Debi Ettinger, Ph.D
Dr. Ettinger is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over twenty-five years of experience working with individuals, couples and families regarding life transitions and relationship building. Her integrative approach is deeply nested in contextual therapy, multidimensional family therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Ettinger previously served as the Director of Medical & Behavioral Therapy at Delaware Valley Institute for Fertility & Genetics and taught graduate courses in Temple University’s Counseling Psychology program. Dr. Ettinger has most recently worked with Women’s Therapy Center, a Philadelphia non-profit organization. Her practice specialties include fertility & neo-natal complications, couples & family therapy (particularly regarding the developmental & behavioral challenges of adolescence), and LGBT related issues.

Stephen Levick, M.D.
Dr. Levick is an Adult Psychiatrist associated with the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. Dr. Levick is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of affective and anxiety disorders.

Ann McCabe, LMFT
Ann is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and clinical member of the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapy. She is the former Program Director of the National Adoption Center. Ann has been in private practice for 20 years, has specialities in adoption and GLBT-related issues, and treats individuals, couples and families.

Referral Network:

Referrals for contextually trained therapists are available for the greater Philadelphia and tri-state area.

Directions:

From the North: Take I-95 South to the VINE STREET EXPRESSWAY. (Follow directions as below).

From New Jersey: Take the Benjamin Franklin Bridge to the VINE STREET EXPRESSWAY. Follow signs to the Airport and I-76 East. Stay in the left lane and take the South Street Exit. Turn left over the bridge, onto South Street to 22nd Street. Turn left on 22nd Street and right onto Pine Street.

From the West: Take I-76 East and follow the signs to the Airport. The first exit past 30th Street Station will be the left-exiting South Street Exit. (Follow directions as above).

By Train: The office is equidistant from both 30th Street and Suburban Stations. It is a 20-minute walk, or SEPTA ride.

By Bus: Many buses converge near the intersection of 22nd and Pine. Please call SEPTA for the one most convenient to you.