Our Team
Philadelphia Institute for Individual Relational & Sex Therapy is a practice of highly trained and specialized therapists dedicated to helping people gain greater insight and create greater joy in their lives. We provide services for individuals, families and all types of relationships.
Philadelphia, PA Office
Founder and Director of PhIIRST, Chris Fariello, PhD, MA, CST, LMFT has over 25 years of experience as an educator, trainer, public speaker, writer, and therapist. Dr. Fariello specializes in working with individuals and couples on issues such as communication, anger, affairs, sexuality, separation and divorce.
Dr. Lief is a licensed psychologist who treats people struggling with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma/PTSD, loss of a loved one, sexual difficulties, and relationship distress.
Through a systemic lens and eclectic approach, Erin collaborates with clients to build a therapeutic alliance and develop an individualized plan tailored to each client’s needs. Erin is a graduate of the Mental Health Counseling program at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Post Graduate Certificate Program in Sex Therapy at Council for Relationships.
Sara Kasey Mairs is a licensed social worker with a master’s in social work from University of Pittsburgh. They also have a MEd from Widener University CHSS with a concentration in sex therapy.
Seneka is a licensed marriage and family therapist, holding degrees from Widener University and Chestnut Hill College. Being a direct and authentic clinician, she believes that relationships thrive on shared intimacy and open, honest communication.
Hello! My name is Erica Hochanadel (she/her/hers). I am a queer identified human sexuality professional providing therapeutic services to individuals, couples, families, and folks in non-dyadic relationship structures. I received a dual master’s degree in Social Work and Education in Human Sexuality from Widener University.
Natasha earned a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from La Salle University in 2014 and has furthered her education as part of Council for Relationships’ Post-Graduate Marriage and Family Therapy and Sex Therapy programs.
Sziga is a perceptive and nuanced therapist with a refreshingly frank style. For over 25 years, they have been working with individuals, couples, and families to foster personal growth and satisfying relationships.
CJ is an eclectic systemic therapist and pulls from many therapy models to create a client-centered, tailored experience that values emotional honesty, self-care, mindfulness, and humor.
Meredith is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson University’s couples and family therapy program, with a specialization in sex therapy.
I am a therapist who completed a dual degree program and achieved a Master of Social Work and a Master of Education in Human Sexuality Studies from Widener University. During that program, I also earned a Specialization Certificate in Social Work and Trauma Practice, which allows me to use a trauma-focused lens in working with clients.
Nicole Williams, MFT (she/her) is a Sex and Relationship Therapist. Nicole works with individuals and couples that seek to strengthen the quality of their relationships. She uses an intentional anti-oppression lens to offer culturally competent, trauma-informed treatment. Nicole specializes in body image, self-esteem, racial identity, life transitions, LGBTQ+ experiences, and more.
Naomi (she/her) is a lively, open-minded, culturally humble sex therapist who holds a Master’s in Social Work as well as a Master of Education in Sex Therapy from Widener University. She is passionate about creating a collaborative, client-centered and systemic approach to the therapeutic process. Naomi specializes in work with individuals, partnerships, LGBTQIA+ persons and various sexuality related difficulties.
Hello! My name is Aliyyah Johnson, MFT (she/her). I am a Sex and Relationship Therapist. I work with individuals and couples to help them reach a greater sense of peace, fulfillment, intimacy, and pleasure. You are the expert on your own life; therefore, I value your autonomy in co-creating a safe, healing space to make lasting change.
Kileen (she/her) is a graduate student currently finishing her Masters’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at La Salle University. She has a collaborative, integrative, and systemic approach to therapy.
Evan (she/her) is a compassionate, non-judgmental, and LGBTQ+ affirming therapist who creates a safe space to explore your relationships; both with others and with yourself.
Marianna received her Marriage and Family Therapy degree from Thomas Jefferson University, with a specialty track in Sex Therapy.
Michella (she/her) is a graduate student currently finishing her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University. Michella wishes to create a collaborative therapy experience, in a safe, non- judgmental environment, for clients to strengthen the quality of their relationships and to be able to live healthy sexuality in their lives.