Grief Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA
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Eric Berta, LPC, NCC, CCH
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CCH
Verified
Verified
"Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by a-holes." (William Gibson) We take on a lot of stress from those around us - at work, at home, from strangers, from spouses & kids. From rage & stress, to
grief
, through life-stagnation & confusion to betrayal and divorce, my clients tend to be articulate & very smart, and prefer a counselor who is a realist, not someone who re-hashes old techniques or spouts trendy remedies.

Barbara Lynn Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, CAADC, CCDPD, LPC
Verified
Verified
Areas of focus include: anxiety, depression, life transition issues, conflict resolution, stress management,
loss
&
bereavement
issues, self-esteem issues, codependency issues, emotional regulation issues, and communication issues.
Barbara is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in Mental Health Counseling. Barbara received her Master's Degree from Slippery Rock University in Psychology. Her counseling approach is eclectic in nature and adjusted to meet the existing needs of the client in relationship to their own individual developmental needs.

Douglas Puchko
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSCP
Verified
Verified
I have specialized in working with individuals experiencing
grief
and
loss
, people coping with stress, anxiety, and trauma, as well as individuals with chronic illness, physical disabilities and intellectual disabilities.
I believe in using a holistic and collaborative approach to create a welcoming environment for you to feel safe in sharing your thoughts and goals, which we can work toward together. I specialize in psychoeducation, person-centered therapy, humanistic psychology, positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy. Throughout my career I have specialized in working with individuals experiencing
grief
and
loss
, people coping with stress, anxiety, and trauma, as well as individuals with chronic illness, physical disabilities and intellectual disabilities. I am excited to work with you in helping you through life’s challenges.

Bonnie Lou Ricard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, NCC, LPC
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Bonnie Ricard is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and certified by the National Board of Counseling. Her undergraduate work was completed at Kent State University and she received her Masters in Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. She has more than two decades of experience in the counseling profession with a focus on relational issues, life transitions, emotional distress,
grief
, crises and trauma. She has also done significant work in the field of substance use and its far reaching implications on individuals and families.
Waitlist for new clients

Mara Krotec Baginski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am experienced in the treatment of
grief
/
loss
, complicated
grief
/prolonged
grief
disorder, depression, anxiety, substance use, and pain management using a holistic approach in practice.
Note: I currently am scheduling new patients for the new year (2023). Reaching out for help to work through life’s challenges can certainly be scary. I am here to help you feel more comfortable while facing these challenges. I have been a therapist for over a decade and bring many years of clinical and personal life experience to my practice. I personally have been affected by
grief
/
loss
and the challenges of caregiving which led me to help others.

Kimberly Kiesling
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW
Verified
Verified
My areas of specialization include: Trauma/PTSD, addiction recovery and related issues, dissociative disorders, anxiety,
grief
, depression, life transitions, and relationship conflict.
It is not easy to take the first step to ask for help! My approach begins by listening and learning about you, because I believe that you are the expert on your own journey. I believe all people have the inherent strength to make positive life changes. Sometimes you just need to be empowered through compassionate support. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and respectful space for your therapeutic process.
Not accepting new clients

Abby Middleton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I see psychotherapy as an opportunity to explore the stories of our lives with the hope of finding healing in our ability to connect more deeply with ourselves and one another other, gain insight, flexibility, compassion, and freedom. I specialize in working with individuals who are looking to heal from trauma, past or ongoing traumatic stress, sexual and gender-based violence, spiritual abuse, and
grief
.

Jan Sciulli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Are you grieving the
loss
of a loved one? Devastated by a traumatic event in your life? I am dedicated to helping you through your journey of
bereavement
and healing. I have worked with individuals and families who have experienced traumatic sudden
loss
resulting from incidences such as gun violence; suicide; divorce; job
loss
; vision
loss
; physical changes; progressive and terminal illness.

Wisdom Within Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, NCC, LPC
Verified
Verified
I have years of experience working with clients struggling with
grief
, trauma, and depression. I am a member of ASERVIC, with many years of experience and extensive graduate study in religion and spirituality and can integrate values connected with a client's preferred religions and spiritual emphases into all therapeutic approaches. Clients facing life-transitions have greatly benefited from this focussed approach to wellness at every stage of life. I work well with adults of all ages. Older adults have often especially appreciated my counseling orientation. I am also fluent in Spanish and Italian.

Jennifer Leah Pizzuto
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, LPC
Verified
Verified
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.

Martine Saul (Sheherhers)
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, LPC
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Martine Saul is a licensed professional counselor with a B.A. in Psychology from Point Park University and a M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. Her graduate field placements all took place within hospice and palliative care facilities, and she therefore, has experience and interest working with hospice patients as well doing
bereavement
,
grief
and
loss
counseling with those patients and their loved ones. Martine currently works full-time as a therapist in Private Practice. She has earned her certificate in Gerontology from the University of Pittsburgh.

Paige Beckwith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR-BC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Change is an inevitable part of life that can sometimes be scary, anxiety inducing, and difficult to cope with. Because change is often fraught with unknowns, I believe a strong therapeutic relationship – one that is built on trust, empathy, compassion, and non-judgement – is essential to the healing process. My focuses include working with adults of all ages to address a variety of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, and
grief
and
loss
. I also have experience working with individuals diagnosed with chronic or terminal illnesses, as well as their family members and caregivers.

Adrienne Bernardina
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified
Verified
I have experience working with individual adults, adolescents and children, couples and families.
I provide a safe and comfortable environment in which you can explore your feelings and develop self-awareness of your perspectives and insight into your motives and fears.
I help you with feelings of depression and anxiety due to relationship issues-between individuals or within a family, life changes or
loss
.
Together we can uncover unresolved issues from past experiences or trauma which often impact present behaviors and feelings.

Courtney Titus
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC
Verified
Verified
As a member of the group practice, Allegheny Mental Health Associates, with experience working with child, adolescent, young adult, and adult clients, my clinical interests include anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, substance use and addiction disorders, ODD and conduct disorders, anger management, trauma, adjustment disorders, attachment, and
grief
.
Whether it be specific symptoms, or internal or external stressors, you may recognize change is necessary, but be unsure of the steps to take. I look forward to helping you acknowledge inner strengths and resources to meet your personal goals and develop new goals along the way. This work will be done collaboratively with an emphasis on building a strong therapeutic relationship to promote comfort and openness during the process of self-exploration and growth.
Not accepting new clients

Debra M Whittam
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MSEd, CCDPD, CAADC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My ideal clients have issues with anxiety, depression, addiction and
grief
. Those who have little to no family support or friend network to rely on during difficult times. I work with people who struggle with alcoholism and drug abuse and repeated relapse. Many of my clients need help making life decisions especially between the ages of 16-26. Also those who are in transition either from divorce, from college to the workplace and single parents. Most everyone needs to know if they are going to be okay and if they are, how will they be okay.

Lisa Renee Fleissner
Licensed Professional Counselor, NBCC, LPC
Verified
Verified
My areas of specialty include anxiety, depression,
grief
, trauma,spirituality and teen therapy as well as marriage and family therapy.
Would you like a therapist who is enthusiastic about helping and has 11 years of experience understanding life struggles such as job stress, relationships and self-esteem issues?Do think you would fit well in a smaller setting where you are known personally? I have a independent practice that allows me the freedom to devote more time and attention to each case and would like to help you manage your personal struggles that throw your life off balance. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and work well with people wanting to gain confidence in themselves. Call 412-977-2036.

Haley Faragher
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am queer identifying and have a love for working with the LBGTQIA+ community, eating disorders, and
grief
.
You may have come across my bio as you are considering therapy. It can feel scary and out of our comfort zones to ask for help, but I commend you for doing so. I strive to make therapy a safe space where you feel supported to learn about yourself and grow/heal in any way you find necessary. I like to approach the counseling relationship from a warm, empathetic, non-judgmental, and understanding viewpoint. I understand that trauma impacts us all differently, thus I strive to keep things relaxed and I am mindful to operate through a trauma-informed lens as we all come from different walks of life with various life experiences.

Christina M. Riga, PhD
Counselor, PhD, LPC, ACS, NCC
Verified
Verified
In more than 25 years in the profession, I've specialized in working with adolescents, young adults, and families who struggle with trauma, substance abuse,
grief
and
loss
, lack of self-esteem, self-assertiveness, and anxiety/depression.
Disappointment, stress, and trauma can make us forget who we really are: inherently good beings, capable of giving and receiving love in a balanced, healthy way. I can help you to remember, by providing a safe, warm, and welcoming space where you can share your experiences. We'll explore your story together and, along the way, take a look at your strengths, your potential, and what stands between you and strong, healthy connections with yourself and others. I have a deep understanding of how essential - and fragile - trust can be.

Karen J Stickel, LCSW, BCD
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, FAPA
Verified
Verified
Issues of concern include mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, marital difficulties, communication problems, child/adolescent behavior,
bereavement
and emotional trauma, among others.
We all deal with changes. Change is inevitable in our lives and you can either manage change and shape it to your advantage, or let those changes manage and shape you. We have the abilities to cope with the changes in our lives. Sometimes we don't realize that we can and feel overwhelmed in dealing with stress. At other times we find ourselves in unexpected or extreme situations for which our normal coping skills are inadequate. Whatever the sources of your stress, the result could be anxious or depressed moods, panic attacks and more.

Michelle Landau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSA, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My therapeutic areas of interest include living with chronic physical illnesses,
grief
and
loss
issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, moving beyond fear in one's life, and providing support during and after pregnancy.
I help clients learn to listen to and hear themselves; my interest is in helping you to develop the confidence to recognize and honor your own wisdom and thereby make more effective choices in your life. My clinical experiences have afforded me the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients, including but not limited to those with major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bi-polar disorder, and
grief
. If you are interested in gaining insight into your problems and concerns in order to make changes in your life, then our work together will be rewarding for you.
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Grief Therapists
How long does therapy take for grief?
There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.
When should you seek therapy for grief?
Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.
Can grief be managed without therapy?
Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.
What happens if grief is left untreated?
Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.