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.
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 Masters in Social Work from University of Pittsburgh. They also have a MEd from Widener University CHSS with a concentration in sex therapy.
With over 10 years experience, 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 clinical social work and sex therapist who works with clients experiencing a wide variety of mental health and sexuality challenges. She is client-centered, trauma-informed, and collaborates readily with clients to help them achieve their goals, find sexual freedom, feel empowered by their choices, and develop deep insights.
As a therapist, I am curious, honest, and casual in my communication. Exploring new angles and challenging thought processes allows for establishing a foundation to support healthier relationships with ourselves and others. Through a collaborative approach, I will work with you to create a space to explore yourself further. I come to this space authentically and honestly.
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. Using a systemic lens, Marianna works with individuals, couples, and families to overcome challenging transitions, foster intra/interpersonal understanding, and achieve overall fulfillment.
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.
