Certified RRT Specialist
Dr. Bader has been licensed to practice psychology since 1984. He has been successful in helping many people overcome a wide range of psychological obstacles that have held them back from experiencing greater satisfaction. His clients have valued his ability to compassionately connect with them on a deep level. He gently guides his clients toward new perspectives where real insight is gained, and desired change occurs naturally.
Dr. Bader is committed to participating in ongoing educational trainings so that he is best equipped to apply the latest scientific findings to his work. Since he was a child, he had a strong interest in understanding what makes people tick and how to improve their thoughts, feelings, and actions. When he realized at age 12 that he wasn’t going to get his dream job of playing shortstop for the Phillies, he knew he wanted to work as a psychologist. Dr. Bader considers himself to be privileged and grateful to work very closely with people to help them reach their dreams.
Mission & Approach
Dr. Bader’s mission has been to help people feel better, think more clearly, and to act in ways that are of real benefit to them and those whose lives they effect. He has been especially effective in helping people become free from the negative effects of traumatic events. Throughout his career, he has sought to make the therapeutic experience as effective and gentle as possible.
In 2014, Dr. Bader learned to treat trauma using Rapid Resolution Therapy, (RRT) a short-term, comfortable, and deeply effective approach. RRT was developed by Dr. Jon Connelly. It is based on the most current neurological research about how the brain processes and stores memories. Dr. Bader has spent hundreds of hours training with Dr. Connelly and in 2021 attained the distinguished title of Certified Rapid Resolution Specialist. He is the only RRT Certified Specialist in Pennsylvania and one of only a few dozen in the country.
"Where you stand determines what you see and what you do not see; it determines also the angle you see it from; a change in where you stand changes everything."
~ Steve de Shazer
Professional Background
Experience
Dr. Bader has spent his entire career providing outpatient psychotherapy to children, teens, and adults. He began his career working at PATH, a community mental health center, in Philadelphia. After eight years at PATH, in 1988, Dr. Bader joined a group private practice in Bucks and Montgomery counties, the Growth Opportunity Center, where he continues to practice.
Education and Certifications
Dr. Bader has a doctoral degree in counseling psychology from Lehigh University. He is licensed to practice psychology in Pennsylvania and to provide telehealth services in various other states.
Dr. Bader holds the distinction of membership in the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. He is an active member of the following organizations:
- American Psychological Association
- Pennsylvania Psychological Association
- Philadelphia Society of Clinical Psychologists
- National Register of Health Service Psychologists
- Certified Specialist in Rapid Resolution Therapy
- PSYPACT approved to provide telepsychology in 20+ states
Dr. Bader’s research for his doctoral dissertation was about the emotional connection between fathers and their children. He published two articles on the subject in APA approved journals. He developed and ran therapy groups for father and children and presented talks and workshops on the subject. He organized and participated in a daylong Men’s Mental Health Conference in conjunction with Growth Opportunity Center and Gloria Dei Church.
Dr. Bader furthered his clinical skills by attending many trainings in trauma therapy. He is proficient in implementing EMDR. Currently, Dr. Bader specializes in Rapid Resolution Therapy and has been designated a Certified RRT Specialist.