Aetna Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA

Our mental wellness defines how we experience life and is crucial to over all well being. Through therapeutic support you can gain new perspectives, skills, and opportunities towards improving your mental wellness so you can experience a healthy, balanced life.

Accepting new clients! You feel "other" everywhere and anywhere you go. Managing day-to-day life is becoming more and more of a challenge. And just "managing" is no longer cutting it for you. You want to really SHOW UP. You want to arrive authentically. You want to THRIVE, instead of merely surviving. But you have no idea how to actually do that, and the idea of doing that has terrified you to the point of paralysis. Sometimes, you're not even sure who your "authentic self" is because you've never had a safe, nonjudgmental space to figure that out. A space where someone FINALLY doesn't tell you what to feel or how to live.

My experience is helping individuals and families overcome emotional, mental and spiritual challenges. I will help you identify unhealthy patterns that get in the way of you having a healthy and enjoyable life. We will learn and use positive coping skills and self-awareness skills to help you have satisfaction, fulfillment, growth and to experience new ways of being. My specialties include family problems, depression, mood and anxiety disorders, problems with self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief and loss issues, trauma/sexual abuse, work issues, life transition issues, parenting, women's issues and anger management.

"I'm not going to tell you to get over it, I'm going to help you get through it." For over 20+ years I have guided individuals on their path towards healing, higher self-awareness, and overall wellness. Many of us struggle with feeling alone, left out, unheard, tired, unconnected, anxious, sad, or fearful. Therapy is a way to change those negative feelings and to address all of the "stuff" we have pushed so far down that we don't know where to start. And you don't have to do it alone.

Are you looking for a safe welcoming place where you can just be? Be heard, be valued, be accepted exactly where you are? I Invite you into my space to experience these thoughts and emotions. As a therapist, I incorporate different approaches which address a variety of mental health issues. I empower you to move forward in life in a way that is dynamic and nurturing. I have an unwavering belief that you can experience change based on your needs and goals. We can walk through challenge and fear together to help you create a fulfilling life.

My goal as a therapist is to encourage, teach, and empower you throughout your journey to healing, growth, and personal well being. My approach to treatment is focusing on the interconnectedness of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while engaging in creative, collaborative, and strengths-based therapy. I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. I also have experience working with youth and families in the foster care system, substance use, and family counseling.

I truly believe that people have the capacity to change, grow, and achieve their full potential within the context of a supportive environment. This belief fuels my work as a therapist. I completed my undergraduate work at the University of Pittsburgh and received my Masters in Social Work from New York University. I have experience working with an array of identified problem areas including, but not limited to, anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse, eating/body image, postpartum depression, self esteem and life/developmental transitions. I specialize in treating adults, yet also work with adolescents, couples and families.

My ideal client wants something better, has no idea what "better" is or looks like, and has no idea where to start. They are still determining if they are ready to start or commit to that change. What they need is a person and a space to figure it out. Deep down, they know where they are right now can be better, whether in relationships, emotions, daily habits, major life goals, or anything in-between. But, most importantly, they want a space where they can process and grow from that place and build a sustainable life.

It's not whats wrong with you, it's whats happened to you. I believe that our past plays a significant role in our present. Genetics, environments we grew up in, and life experiences all have ways of creating patterns of thoughts and behaviors. When people have a safe, nonjudgemental space to explore their thoughts and feelings, they can begin to process the experiences, gain understanding of themselves, and start healing. I pull from CBT, DBT, client centered therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness practices, and psychoeducation to help clients gain awareness, understanding, and tools to move forward from the past.

I believe in using a holistic, strength based approach that builds on your current assets to help you achieve your goals. I work collaboratively with you to focus on individual whole health, which includes identifying your aspirations and emphasizing empowerment and self care. I have experience creating a safe and warm environment in which to incorporate evidenced based interventions and coping strategies to help improve focus and manage anxiety, grief, and depression. I also utilize expressive arts to help identify unique, creative approaches to help you improve the quality of your life.

As a Therapist, I focus on achieving wellness through supported exploration of mind and body. Wellness promotes healthy and informed decision-making, leading to more satisfying results. As a trained therapist, I support adolescents and adults adjust to change. Through motivational interviewing and other behavioral models, I assist clients clarify and pursue their goals. I am here to support your growth.

With the many professionals available, why work with me? First, you will find unconditional acceptance. I do not have preconceived notions of who you should, or who I need you to be. Instead, I will support you on your journey to discover who you want and deserve to be. I have experience working in both addiction recovery (chemical and food) and mental/spiritual health (trauma, depression, anxiety) so treat you as a whole person, not a diagnosis. Finally, I chose to leave another career and pursue psychotherapy so that I could do what I believe I was meant to do.

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.

My goal as a therapist is to provide an understanding, supportive and trusting environment while guiding an individual to achieve the goals that they have set for themselves

***NOW PROVIDING TELE-THERAPY***, as we navigate our mental health and keep ourselves, our families, and our communities healthy. Tele-therapy is simple and easy to use, and I will guide you through it. As a parent and therapist, I understand the challenges facing women today as they navigate the many obligations and demands in their lives. My practice focuses on women's issues including depression, anxiety, pregnancy/postpartum issues, poor prenatal diagnosis, balancing work and family life, role identity, trauma, and family and partner conflict.