Trauma therapy for couples and individuals.
Online therapy for your entire relational world. In Philadelphia and serving clients in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, & Connecticut.
Hi, I’m Shira. LPC and NCC in Pennsylvania.
“I'm so glad you’re here! I welcome folks from all walks of life: juggling life transitions, managing pain, healing from traumatic experiences, and repairing relationships. I work relationally and collaboratively, giving space for creativity, attunement, and meaningful connection. I prioritize building an authentic, cozy space where you can explore, learn, feel, and ultimately heal. People have called our sessions warm, affirming, transformative, and with space for laughter along the way.”
Shira is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) and former teaching artist who holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Temple University, and a BFA in Theatre and Visual Arts from the University of the Arts. This educational combination of clinical counseling and Expressive Arts and Drama Therapy fuels her creative, expressive, and deeply compassionate approach to therapy.
Throughout her career, Shira has supported survivors of sexual violence, domestic abuse, and complex trauma across diverse identities and life stages. She received advanced supervision in evidence-based trauma modalities (including CPT, DBT, TF-CBT, and Prolonged Exposure) at the Joseph J. Peters Institute, worked as a counselor with the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, and later at WOAR: The Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, and she is currently on the certification track for EMDR and TF-CBT, with additional training in Flash Technique, IFS, TANT (Trauma Art Narrative Therapy), Pain Reprocessing Therapy, and Liberation-Focused Therapy.
As an openly queer, neurodivergent trauma survivor living with chronic pain, Shira's work includes facilitating LGBTQ+ and women’s trauma groups, offering psychoeducation for caregivers, leading state-mandated counselor trainings, and advocating for inclusive, affirming care for LGBTQ+ and disabled survivors.
Queer Joy After Sexual Violence
Online | Anywhere in PA
January 8, 2026, 12 week group
Free “New Client” Consult
with Shira Required To Join
Life after sexual trauma can feel heavy and lonely. Have you ever felt like no one really gets what it’s like to be queer and a survivor? Like your healing journey is yours alone?
Healing doesn’t have to be lonely. This group is for LGBTQ+ survivors who want to heal in community, learn new tools, and re-connect with joy. You’ll be heard, seen, and supported by people with shared identities.
By joining Queer Joy After Sexual Violence, you’ll experience:
A safe, welcoming space made just for LGBTQ+ survivors
New ways to trust yourself and connect with others
A mix of learning, sharing, creative, and body-based activities
Moments of joy, laughter, and connection (because healing can be fun too!)
Read: Relearning Safety and Pleasure: A Survivor’s Guide to Dating Again
By Shira Adams
Ready to embrace change?
At Relational Realm, we provide the specialized support you need to transform struggles into strength and disconnection into deeper understanding.