Addiction, Teens and Pornography: An Interview with Rick Synderman

Rick Snyderman, M.Ed., LPC, CADC, CSAT, NCC

Rick is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT), and National Certified Counselor (NCC).  In 2014, Rick was awarded the Betty J. McDonough Treatment Award by the Council on Chemical Abuse in Berks County, Pennsylvania.  This honor recognized Rick’s compassion and commitment in helping individuals who suffer from the disease of addiction.  

Rick has over 22 years of experience providing both mental health and addiction treatment.  His philosophic outlook consists of believing everyone is capable of transforming themselves.  He is passionate about being a seed in that process of change that helps people become the best version of themselves that they can be.

 Rick specializes in counseling individuals, young adults, seniors, and couples dealing with issues related to anxiety, anger, panic disorder, grief, issues specific to LGBTQ concerns, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), men’s issues, sexual addiction, codependency, and substance-related recoveries.  Rick utilizes many different therapeutic approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic methods, and experiential techniques designed to help individuals and couples move in the direction that they feel is right for them.  With his laid back, yet structured approach, Rick’s main mission is to work with each client he sees in a collaborative way to help them move from “where they are” to “where they want to be.”  

 In his work with both heterosexual and same-sex couples, Rick is very good at maintaining an objective stance so that both sides feel heard and validated.  He utilizes many different therapeutic interventions to help couples move in the direction that they feel is right for them.  He is also good at facilitating effective communication between each person while also maintaining emotional safety.  

 Rick prides himself in helping clients do the work they want or need “in the office” so they can apply the tools of new insights and behaviors in their life between sessions and after their counseling is over.   

 Rick has also implemented and currently facilitates the Sexual Addiction Support Group for men which has been meeting weekly.  He has a strong background in organizing, administering, and facilitating group therapy throughout his many years of counseling experience.  As the new Director of Group Therapy, Rick will assist clinical staff in running support and therapy groups at The Center for Growth.

 Aside from direct clinical work, Rick has taught graduate-level courses at universities, written several published articles, as well as implemented community and professional workshops.  He is a competent, compassionate, and well-rounded clinician that is dedicated to the well-being of each of his clients.