Therapists in Mercer County, PA

I enjoy working with clients who want to get to the root of their struggles. These clients would like to gain insight into their symptoms, something difficult that has happened to them or to explore cycles and patterns that aren’t serving them. The clients I see often have attended therapy in the past. The clients I see also often present with attachment-based traumas, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and difficulties in their personal and work relationships.

I enjoy working with clients who want to get to the root of their struggles. These clients would like to gain insight into their symptoms, something difficult that has happened to them or to explore cycles and patterns that aren’t serving them. The clients I see often have attended therapy in the past. The clients I see also often present with attachment-based traumas, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and difficulties in their personal and work relationships.

You're busy. You're pulled in a million different directions and you have a million more responsibilities. Sometimes you have someone to share this with, and sometimes not. Sometimes you feel lost under all of the pressure to "be better." I'm here to help. Let's peel away the layers of stress, grief, trauma, and pressure to reveal the very best version of you. Let's take journey of self-discovery together. I'm here to listen, support, and help.

Melissa received her Master’s Degree in Infant Mental Health Counseling from Chatham University. She is a licensed professional counselor. She primarily works with children and adolescents. Melissa uses child-led therapy practices to build rapport and trust in sessions. Melissa has experience with engaging clients in play therapy and attachment based therapy. She has worked with children experiencing issues with depression, anxiety, ADHD, anger, and other behavioral/emotions concerns. She enjoys working with children and families to improve the overall wellbeing of the child.

Awareness in itself is healing. -Fritz Perls. Imagine having the world's most incredible tool for healing, acceptance, and fulfilling experiences at your disposal. Now, what if I told you that YOU are actually this tool. Our mind and body connect in incredible ways. Sometimes, we need help learning how to listen more closely to ourselves and get to know the person we know we can be; and maybe, always were. It’s my hope that you find wholeness and peace through this process.

Maria has been practicing therapy for 8 years, specializing in family therapy, trauma, and attachment. She has experience in a variety of settings and uses techniques including but not limited to, EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment-Based Therapy. She also has extensive training on adoption/trauma issues, and how developmental trauma plays a role in maladaptive behaviors.

In the words of Mr. Rogers, “Play is really the work of childhood." I see kids who have prenatal, preverbal, or early childhood trauma; attachment and behavioral issues; or struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and anger. I will work with you to create a flexible treatment plan tailored to your child's individual needs, using techniques like prescriptive play therapy, filial therapy, expressive arts, sandtray, geek therapy, and attachment-based activities to directly address and heal the impact of stress on the body and brain. I help identify the reasons for children’s behavior and healthier ways to meet those needs.

I believe you know yourself better than anyone else. I also believe humans are built for connection, and when you find a therapist that is the right fit for your needs, therapy can be healing. I encourage safety and empowerment during sessions while compassionately challenging you to work toward your individual goals and embrace your intuitive sense of self.

I exclusively treat trauma, PTSD, and CPTSD. Topics of expertise include divorce, sexual assault/abuse, and healing from childhood trauma and abusive relationships. Through the use of EMDR we will reduce the impact of trauma in your life. You will learn to understand your nervous system and how to calm anxiety and triggers. What you can expect from me is that I will be warm, candid, authentic, and invested. Queer and neurodivergent therapist.

Christy ​graduated from Allegheny College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then went on to complete her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Gannon University. Before moving to Pittsburgh, Christy previously worked in the highest level of care in the state for adolescents through the Enhanced Residential Units at Perseus House, in Erie, PA. While here, she has previously worked in school-based outpatient services in Pittsburgh Public School District and West Mifflin Area School District​, through Wesley Family Services and Family Behavioral Resources, respectively.

I have current openings! We often get advice like “Suck it up”, “Get over it already”, “It’s not that bad”. But, remember, you don’t have to suffer in silence or go it alone. Everyone experiences difficulties. But, sometimes life can feel overwhelming. We can be really hard on ourselves when we just can't get to feeling better, and I would love to help!

I have been most helpful with clients who have clear goals or specific issues they want to address. I can work with you in a brief, specific and time-limited ways to help faciliate problem-solving and behavioral changes as needed. I can also work with you long-term to address chronic or longer standing issues of past trauma, family conflict, or issues with self and identity. Most importantly, I work collaboratively to help you meet your own needs by matching the treatment modality and plan with your stated needs and learning/attachment style. I am direct and honest, but always with permission and gentleness. I respect and value all.

You're tired of feeling like your experiences are minimized and being told you're "using it as an excuse." You're mentally and physically exhausted from always feeling "other". You want to FINALLY be able to open up and talk about ALL of the pieces of your life because you can't continue carrying all of this shit around, but you're terrified of being judged. You know you engage in unhealthy patterns of behavior and self-talk, but you just can't seem to stop. You have "checked off the box" that you're "in therapy" in the past, but you need to do something different this time.

Therapy is something that we can all benefit from at some point in our lives, yet the prospect of it can be overwhelming. I strive to provide a therapeutic environment that is non-judgmental, safe, supportive, and healing. I am person-centered, which means that you will drive the goals of treatment and we will work together to help you reach those goals. Whether your concerns are related to anxiety, depression, grief/loss, family or other life stressors, I welcome the opportunity to help you navigate them and take the steps to bring about change.

At WPA Counseling, We Understand the Ins and Outs of Mental Healthcare The path to a better and healthier mental health space can be long, intimidating, and scary. Here at WPA Counseling, we understand the obstacles and stigmas that come with mental health. Depression, anxiety, and even the fear of retaliation are all valid feelings to have when considering mental health counseling. The journey, however, begins with you.