Chronic Illness Therapists in Clarion County, PA

As a Counselor and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (Advanced level), I support and hold space for the healing of all kinds of trauma. I enjoy working with clients who seek support with chronic illness, sexuality, self growth, relationships & attachment, life transitions, family, systemic trauma and multigenerational or cultural matters. I believe we are deeply impacted by the cultural, social and historical contexts to which we originate, exist, and navigate; therefore I strive to attune to and support these facets of your experience in our work.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Aspire Counseling, Megan is a trusted therapist in the Wexford area who specializes in working with parents of children with chronic illness and special medical needs. She provides therapy to mothers who are anxious or who are having difficulty adjusting to their child's diagnosis, providing coping skills in a compassionate environment that allows them to navigate each day more smoothly and with confidence.

I am experienced in helping LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent individuals navigate life transitions, chronic illness management, gender/sexual identity concerns, anxiety, perfectionism, self-esteem, disordered eating, body image and complex trauma. I'm flexible to work with you however you need, whether that's building coping strategies for daily stressors, processing emotions or traumatic memories, or figuring out who you are and what you want. I can work with clients brand new to therapy and those uncertain how therapy can be helpful to them.

I believe in a holistic approach which respects the importance of a healthy mind, body, and spirit. My client base includes individuals with chronic illness and pain, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and stage of life issues.

Choosing a therapist to work with that you trust is very important. Finding someone you can relate to who has been where you are now is a giant first step. Lives can be messy sometimes; we ALL go through difficult times. I can promise you "I get it! " My experiences/hardships have given me deep empathy and understanding and that is what I bring to every client and every session.

Would you like to feel less overwhelmed, anxious, sad, fearful, depressed or unsure of yourself? Are you going through a life transition, dealing with chronic illness, or are unproductive behaviors holding you back? Perhaps you’re unhappy at work/school, experiencing grief/loss, uncertain about your professional goals, or dissatisfied with your relationships. Life issues may seem insurmountable. Once you begin therapy with me, we'll work collaboratively to increase your self-understanding & insight. I'll help you identify & effectuate necessary life changes (step by step), embrace self acceptance, or move toward a little of both.

You miss your old, capable self. Your days are now busy with appointments, interrupted by the side effects of your disease or treatment, and flooded with emotions. Life is sometimes difficult, but chronic illness has made your circumstances even more complicated. You're so tired of feeling lost and waiting for life to return to normal. As others dismiss your concerns with well-meaning statements of hope or offers of vague promises of help, your isolation grows. Hopelessness and fear creep in. You know you need support or guidance, but figuring out who or what will be helpful feels overwhelming. Where do you even begin?

Many find psychotherapy useful as a space to explore stressors and difficulties, learn new ways to cope with hardships, and ultimately make changes to enhance quality of life. I remain focused on providing support to each client and incorporate techniques aimed to alleviate distress, foster resilience, and help one move closer to achieving their goals. I utilize an integrative approach including person-centered, supportive, CBT, and/or psychodynamic techniques, always tailoring my style to meet each client's unique needs.

I want to work with you if you are motivated to better your life. I will assist you to achieve your goal with the least amount of effort. There is a better way and a better place than where you are stuck right now.

I believe, the single most important element of counseling is the relationship between the therapist and client. The first step is for us to work together to balance both a professional and heartfelt relationship. You'll find the office welcoming, comfortable, discreet atmosphere; where you can feel safe to discuss your needs. I serve a variety of client populations, including, youth, adolescent, adult and geriatric clients. Couples, Family, Individual and Group Therapy are a focus. Specializations: Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Anger, Parenting and Loss. Referrals for medication management can also be facilitated through my office, if desired..

Witnessing positive change in my clients has provided not only professional joy, but unflagging belief in the benefit of psychotherapy as a catalyst for personal growth. Investment in self can bring great personal and professional rewards. I am ready to work with clients who are seeking to identify key areas, issues or goals in their lives that will support recovery, relief and new insights into life's many confounding challenges. Optimizing my clients' potential is my primary focus.

Now accepting new clients. Life hands each of us all types of challenges. Therapy can help when we feel the need to 'update' our skills in our own 'toolbox' for coping or to make a changes in our behaviors to reduce any negative impact certain situations can have on our mood and on our lives! I have over 25 years experience working as a therapist with mental health and substance issues, coping with trauma, relationship issues, chronic illness, stress reactions, diabetes, breast cancer, codependency, personality disorders, grief and loss, thought disorders and mood disorders.

I offer experience, compassion and respect to all clients. I have over 35 years experience as a psychotherapist specializing in existentialism, philosophy, Ericksonian hypnosis, the treatment of addiction, trauma and loss. I am a Reiki Master and am trained in other mind/body/energy treatment modalities. I have taught existential/phenomenological philosophy and treatment classes. I specialize in mind/body work and can teach you to manage stress, increase awareness, gain confidence and overcome obstacles in your life. I have a gentle and powerful demeanor that increases energy and motivation. I offer a non-traditional approach.

My goal as a therapist is to engage authentically, share honestly, and think openly. I have been fortunate to work with people in end of life care, chronic illness, grief and loss, incarceration, addiction, autism, depression, anxiety, trauma, and have spent most of my career supporting youth and families through a variety of life stages and challenges. I provide opportunities for people to engage in experiences that will expand their understanding, explore their circumstances, and develop resources for their unique journey.

Mental health, addiction, and chronic illness all have something in common. They can be debilitating and create cyclical habits that are difficult to break. I work with motivated individuals who are willing to make a change in their lives for the better, examine their past and present experiences and feelings, and work to find healthier ways to cope.

I view therapy as a collaborative space to explore, grow, and learn together. I strive to provide support, resources, and psycho-education tailored to your individual needs. Whether you're navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, health related concerns, grief, or other challenges, I am here to join you alongside every layer of your experience.

Have you been feeling lonely, disconnected or not like yourself? Maybe there are issues from the past that you haven't dealt with that you would like to heal without feeling overwhelmed. Possibly you feel swept away by your emotions and don't know how to get them under control. Perhaps you are feeling stuck, frustrated or tired. Oftentimes these issues can lead to anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. My specialty is in helping you identify & address the root issues, develop the skills to deal with those issues, while getting in better relationship with yourself.

I've worked with children and adults having a hard time living authentically or finding joy, questioning their identity, living with overwhelming guilt or shame, unable to find "forgiveness", battling assorted addictions, not performing their sport at expected level, other people's judgment weighing them down, can't concentrate on work or class, lacking motivation, grieving a loss of someone or something, Covid fatigue, chronic illness, heavy secrets, winter blues, frustrating political atmosphere... These are just some examples of what people battled who have found freedom in talk therapy/counseling with me.