First Responders Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA
I have been working with children, families, and individuals in crisis for over 7 years and have specialized knowledge in working with First Responders, Neurodivergent clients, and parents of young children who themselves are healing from generational trauma and stress.
I have a passion for using creative and effective interventions to help individuals and families heal trauma, embrace neurodiversity, and deepen attuned relationships. I am also skilled and passionate about working with First Responder families who are often left unsupported as they manage trauma and occupational stress which affects all members of their families. My clients come to therapy to reflect on their lives and make connections between past experiences and present reactions. If you are seeking an approach that is nervous system informed, neurodiversity affirming, and nonjudgmental, I may be the right fit!
I have been working with children, families, and individuals in crisis for over 7 years and have specialized knowledge in working with First Responders, Neurodivergent clients, and parents of young children who themselves are healing from generational trauma and stress.
I have a passion for using creative and effective interventions to help individuals and families heal trauma, embrace neurodiversity, and deepen attuned relationships. I am also skilled and passionate about working with First Responder families who are often left unsupported as they manage trauma and occupational stress which affects all members of their families. My clients come to therapy to reflect on their lives and make connections between past experiences and present reactions. If you are seeking an approach that is nervous system informed, neurodiversity affirming, and nonjudgmental, I may be the right fit!
I genuinely enjoy working with first responders and hold a deep respect for the unique cultural environment within this population.
Have you ever experienced a sense of stagnation and felt as though life had become oppressive? Are you seeking respite and support in your daily life when it feels overwhelming? Alternatively, may you be ready to confront the core pain and trauma you have been carrying for an extended period? Life is replete with changes and decisions that can feel insurmountable, and the world may seem against you. We often yearn for a sanctuary free from judgment and disregard for our feelings. A sanctuary where we are willing to acknowledge our desire for change and the freedom to determine its path.
I genuinely enjoy working with first responders and hold a deep respect for the unique cultural environment within this population.
Have you ever experienced a sense of stagnation and felt as though life had become oppressive? Are you seeking respite and support in your daily life when it feels overwhelming? Alternatively, may you be ready to confront the core pain and trauma you have been carrying for an extended period? Life is replete with changes and decisions that can feel insurmountable, and the world may seem against you. We often yearn for a sanctuary free from judgment and disregard for our feelings. A sanctuary where we are willing to acknowledge our desire for change and the freedom to determine its path.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of therapy experience. I retired after 26 years in law enforcement. I am also a veteran of the U.S. Army as a Commissioned Officer. I am experienced in working with a
wide array of mental health concerns, drug addict, couples and
family therapy. I believe in client-centered treatment
while using various evidence-based practices that
include EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational
Interviewing and the Gottman Couples Therapy Method.
My passion is working with each client to provide a comfortable,
non-judgmental environment to promote self-care and positive change.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of therapy experience. I retired after 26 years in law enforcement. I am also a veteran of the U.S. Army as a Commissioned Officer. I am experienced in working with a
wide array of mental health concerns, drug addict, couples and
family therapy. I believe in client-centered treatment
while using various evidence-based practices that
include EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational
Interviewing and the Gottman Couples Therapy Method.
My passion is working with each client to provide a comfortable,
non-judgmental environment to promote self-care and positive change.
In addition to my work in the mental health field, I have been a volunteer firefighter for 10 years and an emergency medical technician for 8 years.
I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. I have 4 years of experience working in the mental health field and bring research-informed empirically validated approaches to my sessions. Each session, I use a holistic person-centered approach to create a friendly respectful atmosphere that allows the needs of my clients to come first.
In addition to my work in the mental health field, I have been a volunteer firefighter for 10 years and an emergency medical technician for 8 years.
I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. I have 4 years of experience working in the mental health field and bring research-informed empirically validated approaches to my sessions. Each session, I use a holistic person-centered approach to create a friendly respectful atmosphere that allows the needs of my clients to come first.
I bring several years of experience in emergency services and law enforcement to my work, and I understand firsthand the toll that high-stress roles and unresolved pain can take.
In a world that demands constant composure, it can be hard to find space to feel, reflect, or even just breathe. Maybe you're carrying the weight of other people’s emergencies, or maybe you're finally confronting your own. Whether you’re facing trauma, grief, burnout, or just the quiet ache that something needs to change, you don’t have to go through it alone. I offer a steady, nonjudgmental space where we can work together to make sense of what’s brought you here and help you move forward with clarity and compassion. I believe that humans communicate best face-to-face, so therapy (like most relationships) works best in-person.
I bring several years of experience in emergency services and law enforcement to my work, and I understand firsthand the toll that high-stress roles and unresolved pain can take.
In a world that demands constant composure, it can be hard to find space to feel, reflect, or even just breathe. Maybe you're carrying the weight of other people’s emergencies, or maybe you're finally confronting your own. Whether you’re facing trauma, grief, burnout, or just the quiet ache that something needs to change, you don’t have to go through it alone. I offer a steady, nonjudgmental space where we can work together to make sense of what’s brought you here and help you move forward with clarity and compassion. I believe that humans communicate best face-to-face, so therapy (like most relationships) works best in-person.
Robin offers individual sessions to partners of first responders as well as partners of addictive behavior.
As director of relationship dynamics at The Better Institute, Robin feels passionate about supporting and helping to improve relationships. She does this by offering individual sessions to spouses and/or family members of those suffering from substance abuse and problem gambling. In addition, she has experience supporting the unique concerns of the spouse of a first responder and the complexity of their relationship dynamics. Robin offers couples counseling and Marriage Marathons to help strengthen relationships.
Robin offers individual sessions to partners of first responders as well as partners of addictive behavior.
As director of relationship dynamics at The Better Institute, Robin feels passionate about supporting and helping to improve relationships. She does this by offering individual sessions to spouses and/or family members of those suffering from substance abuse and problem gambling. In addition, she has experience supporting the unique concerns of the spouse of a first responder and the complexity of their relationship dynamics. Robin offers couples counseling and Marriage Marathons to help strengthen relationships.
My ideal client is someone seeking support for challenges like anxiety, depression, life transitions, or a deeper understanding of themselves. They value a compassionate, collaborative approach and want to explore their experiences meaningfully. They seek a therapist who respects their unique journey and aligns with their values using evidence-based techniques like CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. They aim to uncover strengths, build resilience, and move toward a sense of purpose and fulfillment in a safe, inclusive space.
My ideal client is someone seeking support for challenges like anxiety, depression, life transitions, or a deeper understanding of themselves. They value a compassionate, collaborative approach and want to explore their experiences meaningfully. They seek a therapist who respects their unique journey and aligns with their values using evidence-based techniques like CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. They aim to uncover strengths, build resilience, and move toward a sense of purpose and fulfillment in a safe, inclusive space.
Nervous System Healing - Self-Compassion - Returning to Self - Building Positive Self-Concept - Holistic Mind/Body/Emotion/Spirit Care - Social Justice - Collaborative & Conversational - Relational Trauma & Attachment Wounds - Relationship Difficulties (queer, ENM, kink +).
Healing is dependent on one another and nature, so the best and most important place to begin or continue this healing work is inside yourself. Let's explore your experiences compassionately, step away from inherited oppressive generational patterns, and create a personalized plan together that aligns your core needs and values. I see teens, adults, & couples.
Nervous System Healing - Self-Compassion - Returning to Self - Building Positive Self-Concept - Holistic Mind/Body/Emotion/Spirit Care - Social Justice - Collaborative & Conversational - Relational Trauma & Attachment Wounds - Relationship Difficulties (queer, ENM, kink +).
Healing is dependent on one another and nature, so the best and most important place to begin or continue this healing work is inside yourself. Let's explore your experiences compassionately, step away from inherited oppressive generational patterns, and create a personalized plan together that aligns your core needs and values. I see teens, adults, & couples.
Hi, I’m Becca! I’m a therapist and a human, and I do my best to show up as both. I’m a licensed clinical social worker and am working toward full certification as an expressive arts therapist. I work with adolescents (16+) and adults, with a focus on trauma, complex PTSD, and the impact of relational, cultural, and systemic experiences on our lives. Art offers a way to hold what’s tender and to simply be, without pressure to make sense of everything right away.
Hi, I’m Becca! I’m a therapist and a human, and I do my best to show up as both. I’m a licensed clinical social worker and am working toward full certification as an expressive arts therapist. I work with adolescents (16+) and adults, with a focus on trauma, complex PTSD, and the impact of relational, cultural, and systemic experiences on our lives. Art offers a way to hold what’s tender and to simply be, without pressure to make sense of everything right away.
Hi - I'm John, and I'm glad you're here. Maybe you know the heaviness of a loss. The inner critic that won't let up. Or that anxious tightness in your chest that greets you in the morning.
Here’s what I believe:
You’ve already got all the inner equipment you need to move towards healing. Towards your most authentic, hot mess of an eclectic Self.
My goal is to accompany you on a journey - inside. I work with adults and couples seeking healthier ways to relate to themselves and others. I work with people who have been hit by life. Who are looking for a place to feel supported and witnessed when they’re in the thick of it.
Hi - I'm John, and I'm glad you're here. Maybe you know the heaviness of a loss. The inner critic that won't let up. Or that anxious tightness in your chest that greets you in the morning.
Here’s what I believe:
You’ve already got all the inner equipment you need to move towards healing. Towards your most authentic, hot mess of an eclectic Self.
My goal is to accompany you on a journey - inside. I work with adults and couples seeking healthier ways to relate to themselves and others. I work with people who have been hit by life. Who are looking for a place to feel supported and witnessed when they’re in the thick of it.
I enjoy working with people who are experiencing difficulty managing their emotions, and feel a loss of control or direction in their lives. If anxiety, depression, mood swings, anger, or past traumas are making life and your relationships with others problematic, I want to help!
I enjoy working with people who are experiencing difficulty managing their emotions, and feel a loss of control or direction in their lives. If anxiety, depression, mood swings, anger, or past traumas are making life and your relationships with others problematic, I want to help!
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with college students, adults, and couples. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and managing life stressors. As a cognitive-behavioral therapist, I am committed to helping clients create meaningful changes in their lives. Therapy goals may include gaining insight into thoughts and emotions, developing healthy coping strategies, building self-esteem and self-compassion, processing trauma, improving emotional regulation, and strengthening relationships through boundaries and assertive communication.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with college students, adults, and couples. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and managing life stressors. As a cognitive-behavioral therapist, I am committed to helping clients create meaningful changes in their lives. Therapy goals may include gaining insight into thoughts and emotions, developing healthy coping strategies, building self-esteem and self-compassion, processing trauma, improving emotional regulation, and strengthening relationships through boundaries and assertive communication.
Hi - I'm John, and I'm glad you're here. Maybe you know the heaviness of a loss. The inner critic that won't let up. Or that anxious tightness in your chest that greets you in the morning. Here’s what I believe: You’ve already got all the inner equipment you need to move towards healing. Towards your most authentic, hot mess of an eclectic Self. My goal is to accompany you on a journey - inside. I work with adults and couples seeking healthier ways to relate to themselves and others. I work with people who have been hit by life. Who are looking for a place to feel supported and witnessed when they’re in the thick of it.
Hi - I'm John, and I'm glad you're here. Maybe you know the heaviness of a loss. The inner critic that won't let up. Or that anxious tightness in your chest that greets you in the morning. Here’s what I believe: You’ve already got all the inner equipment you need to move towards healing. Towards your most authentic, hot mess of an eclectic Self. My goal is to accompany you on a journey - inside. I work with adults and couples seeking healthier ways to relate to themselves and others. I work with people who have been hit by life. Who are looking for a place to feel supported and witnessed when they’re in the thick of it.
C.S. Lewis said, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” Your story is still being written, and you have the power to choose its direction. As a caring, compassionate therapist, I am here to help support you in your journey, whether you are facing addiction, trauma, or life’s challenges. I create a safe, empathetic space for you to be your authentic self and work toward healing and growth. My approach is collaborative, where we work together to achieve your goals.
C.S. Lewis said, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” Your story is still being written, and you have the power to choose its direction. As a caring, compassionate therapist, I am here to help support you in your journey, whether you are facing addiction, trauma, or life’s challenges. I create a safe, empathetic space for you to be your authentic self and work toward healing and growth. My approach is collaborative, where we work together to achieve your goals.
Now seeing clients during EVENING and WEEKEND hours with some daytime openings. As a licensed psychologist I provide psychotherapy services to adults facing a wide array of difficulties. I have expertise in working with college-aged individuals and older adults alike. While I believe that pain is an inevitable part of life, suffering can be reduced through the psychotherapy process. I integrate cognitive-behavioral strategies with acceptance-based techniques to foster autonomy, empowerment, and growth. I work with clients on their goals/needs and tailor therapy to the individual/couple using compassion, curiosity, and collaboration.
Now seeing clients during EVENING and WEEKEND hours with some daytime openings. As a licensed psychologist I provide psychotherapy services to adults facing a wide array of difficulties. I have expertise in working with college-aged individuals and older adults alike. While I believe that pain is an inevitable part of life, suffering can be reduced through the psychotherapy process. I integrate cognitive-behavioral strategies with acceptance-based techniques to foster autonomy, empowerment, and growth. I work with clients on their goals/needs and tailor therapy to the individual/couple using compassion, curiosity, and collaboration.
I specialize in working with first responders and their families.
I am trained in Trauma Resiliency Protocol and Emotions Management Process, techniques developed by veterans and first responders to heal traumatic stress and negative emotions of anxiety, grief, anger and guilt. As a first responder firefighter/ EMT, I have experience and knowledge of the challenges first responders face both at work and at home.
I specialize in working with first responders and their families.
I am trained in Trauma Resiliency Protocol and Emotions Management Process, techniques developed by veterans and first responders to heal traumatic stress and negative emotions of anxiety, grief, anger and guilt. As a first responder firefighter/ EMT, I have experience and knowledge of the challenges first responders face both at work and at home.
Dana L. Kirkpatrick
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CST, CSTS
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Waitlist for new clients
Contact for Sex Therapy Consultation and Supervision. Those looking to make positive changes or better manage life's complexities will benefit from introspection and insight through therapeutic guidance. My clients tend to be busy professionals, often navigating both internal and/or external challenges. I aim to offer goal-oriented, open minded mental health support for those dealing with complex issues and stresses of all kinds.
Contact for Sex Therapy Consultation and Supervision. Those looking to make positive changes or better manage life's complexities will benefit from introspection and insight through therapeutic guidance. My clients tend to be busy professionals, often navigating both internal and/or external challenges. I aim to offer goal-oriented, open minded mental health support for those dealing with complex issues and stresses of all kinds.
Getting older and slowly realizing that you're struggling, but keeping the ship afloat for everyone else. Talking with your family and dealing with the emotional hangover of realizing how messed up that comment was. Buying yourself into debt and realizing that all this stuff doesn't actually make you happy. Don't go through this alone, because you are not! Life is complicated, and growing up with family who are emotionally immature, suffer from trauma, or severe mental illness can be a lifelong journey of discovering yourself, healing, and learning to thrive.
Getting older and slowly realizing that you're struggling, but keeping the ship afloat for everyone else. Talking with your family and dealing with the emotional hangover of realizing how messed up that comment was. Buying yourself into debt and realizing that all this stuff doesn't actually make you happy. Don't go through this alone, because you are not! Life is complicated, and growing up with family who are emotionally immature, suffer from trauma, or severe mental illness can be a lifelong journey of discovering yourself, healing, and learning to thrive.
I am a licensed professional counselor with 14 years of experience providing mental health services to individuals across the lifespan. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, trauma-related conditions, and substance use disorders. My experience across multiple settings allows me to support individuals with complex and co-occurring mental health needs.
I am a licensed professional counselor with 14 years of experience providing mental health services to individuals across the lifespan. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, trauma-related conditions, and substance use disorders. My experience across multiple settings allows me to support individuals with complex and co-occurring mental health needs.
At My Life Counseling, we believe that every person deserves a safe place to slow down, breathe, and feel truly supported. Life can bring seasons of change, uncertainty, and emotional weight — and you don’t have to face any of it alone.
At My Life Counseling, we believe that every person deserves a safe place to slow down, breathe, and feel truly supported. Life can bring seasons of change, uncertainty, and emotional weight — and you don’t have to face any of it alone.
See more therapy options for Pittsburgh
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for Pittsburgh
- Bethel Park
- Canonsburg
- Carnegie
- Cranberry Township
- Greensburg
- Latrobe
- Monroeville
- Murrysville
- Sewickley
- Wexford
First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.