Secular and Non-Religious Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA
For me, therapy works best when the clinician shows up as a real person, not just a role or a title, and certainly not like the old cartoons of a stiff practitioner with a clipboard sitting next to someone lying on a couch. Trust and communication are the foundation of meaningful growth, and without them, progress is hard to sustain. My style is conversational, direct, and collaborative. I love metaphors and using humor when applicable in sessions. I aim to meet you where you are and work alongside you, not as someone who “fixes” you, but as someone who helps you recognize and strengthen the tools you already have.
For me, therapy works best when the clinician shows up as a real person, not just a role or a title, and certainly not like the old cartoons of a stiff practitioner with a clipboard sitting next to someone lying on a couch. Trust and communication are the foundation of meaningful growth, and without them, progress is hard to sustain. My style is conversational, direct, and collaborative. I love metaphors and using humor when applicable in sessions. I aim to meet you where you are and work alongside you, not as someone who “fixes” you, but as someone who helps you recognize and strengthen the tools you already have.
You’ve spent years being the strong one—the caretaker, the problem-solver, the one holding it all together. But the weight of it all is catching up with you. Maybe you’re tired of feeling anxious or struggling with persistent stress and burnout that’s affecting your health, relationships, and daily life. You might also feel overwhelmed by the pressure to “do it all” perfectly, even when it comes at the expense of your own well-being. You may be navigating major life transitions—empty nest, divorce, career change, perimenopause or menopause, or adjusting to life as a new parent—and feeling completely exhausted.
You’ve spent years being the strong one—the caretaker, the problem-solver, the one holding it all together. But the weight of it all is catching up with you. Maybe you’re tired of feeling anxious or struggling with persistent stress and burnout that’s affecting your health, relationships, and daily life. You might also feel overwhelmed by the pressure to “do it all” perfectly, even when it comes at the expense of your own well-being. You may be navigating major life transitions—empty nest, divorce, career change, perimenopause or menopause, or adjusting to life as a new parent—and feeling completely exhausted.
Are you struggling and don’t know why? I provide psychotherapy to individuals who feel lost, burned out, and want something better. I work with engineers, industry leaders, and high-achieving professionals who find that their excellence is not leaving them satisfied. I offer evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, and stress-related problems.
Are you struggling and don’t know why? I provide psychotherapy to individuals who feel lost, burned out, and want something better. I work with engineers, industry leaders, and high-achieving professionals who find that their excellence is not leaving them satisfied. I offer evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, and stress-related problems.
My ideal client is someone navigating identity, life transitions, or systemic stress—often LGBT+, immigrant, BIPOC, or a parent feeling stretched thin. They may struggle with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, shame, or self-doubt. They want relief from emotional overwhelm, clarity about who they are, and tools to live more authentically. Their goal is not just symptom reduction, but self-trust, empowerment, and the freedom to build a life aligned with their values.
My ideal client is someone navigating identity, life transitions, or systemic stress—often LGBT+, immigrant, BIPOC, or a parent feeling stretched thin. They may struggle with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, shame, or self-doubt. They want relief from emotional overwhelm, clarity about who they are, and tools to live more authentically. Their goal is not just symptom reduction, but self-trust, empowerment, and the freedom to build a life aligned with their values.
It’s unsettling to be in the world as it is, especially for queer folks. It’s time to rise up, face our fears, and heal and nurture ourselves. I work exclusively with those in this beautiful, sparkly, rainbow-hued community to help with transitions and troubles, navigate life's journey, and thrive. I give feedback and use my life experiences to connect, to view situations in new ways, clarify ideas, and invite them to try new things.
It’s unsettling to be in the world as it is, especially for queer folks. It’s time to rise up, face our fears, and heal and nurture ourselves. I work exclusively with those in this beautiful, sparkly, rainbow-hued community to help with transitions and troubles, navigate life's journey, and thrive. I give feedback and use my life experiences to connect, to view situations in new ways, clarify ideas, and invite them to try new things.
I am taking new clients as of November 2025. I have partnered with a colleague, Frank Bienkowski to create a new practice, True to You Counseling and Coaching. Over my 20+ years in the field of mental health I’ve come to believe most people are seeking to understand their place and purpose in this challenging world. Navigating things like relationships, finances, careers, family, and trying to make the right choices all while having many unexpected events thrown in can be destabilizing. When you feel lost and have more questions than answers, I am here to help you sort through the overwhelm.
I am taking new clients as of November 2025. I have partnered with a colleague, Frank Bienkowski to create a new practice, True to You Counseling and Coaching. Over my 20+ years in the field of mental health I’ve come to believe most people are seeking to understand their place and purpose in this challenging world. Navigating things like relationships, finances, careers, family, and trying to make the right choices all while having many unexpected events thrown in can be destabilizing. When you feel lost and have more questions than answers, I am here to help you sort through the overwhelm.
There are two major factors with making therapy beneficial - one is the you, the client, and by looking for a therapist, you're taking a big step! The second is the therapeutic relationship, which is strengthened over time. By allowing me to sit with you, help you process what's happening in your life, and trying different coping strategies, we're strengthening that therapeutic relationship, which makes therapy effective. I'm open to feedback and new ideas to find something that's effective for you.
There are two major factors with making therapy beneficial - one is the you, the client, and by looking for a therapist, you're taking a big step! The second is the therapeutic relationship, which is strengthened over time. By allowing me to sit with you, help you process what's happening in your life, and trying different coping strategies, we're strengthening that therapeutic relationship, which makes therapy effective. I'm open to feedback and new ideas to find something that's effective for you.
I am a licensed clinical social worker and licensure supervisor who enjoys working with folks in early (or late!) adulthood who are figuring out who they are and what they want. Every phase of life comes with its own transitions, big decisions, and pressure to have things figured out, which can feel impossible to navigate alone. I support LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent folks in navigating systems not built for them, whether they're exploring identity, unmasking, healing from breakups, setting boundaries, or recovering from burnout.
I am a licensed clinical social worker and licensure supervisor who enjoys working with folks in early (or late!) adulthood who are figuring out who they are and what they want. Every phase of life comes with its own transitions, big decisions, and pressure to have things figured out, which can feel impossible to navigate alone. I support LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent folks in navigating systems not built for them, whether they're exploring identity, unmasking, healing from breakups, setting boundaries, or recovering from burnout.
As a Queer, neurodivergent person, I know what it means to feel like you don't naturally fit into the world. I love working with people who are trying to figure out life, whether that's diving into identity exploration, empowering neurodiversity, or learning how to fit into the world.
My hope is that as a therapist, I can help others connect with their intrinsic value, embrace their unique identities, and cultivate the feeling that they belong. I am passionate about guiding people through the processes of navigating identity, strengthening relationships with others and self, and healing their inner voice.
As a Queer, neurodivergent person, I know what it means to feel like you don't naturally fit into the world. I love working with people who are trying to figure out life, whether that's diving into identity exploration, empowering neurodiversity, or learning how to fit into the world.
My hope is that as a therapist, I can help others connect with their intrinsic value, embrace their unique identities, and cultivate the feeling that they belong. I am passionate about guiding people through the processes of navigating identity, strengthening relationships with others and self, and healing their inner voice.
Fai Knudson | Adoptees, Queer, Neurodivergent, PoC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Waitlist for new clients
It's hard to navigate a world that was built against your needs. My experiences as a queer, nonbinary, neurodivergent adoptee of color have informed my abolitionist practice in solidarity with those affected by interlocking systems of oppression: queer- and transphobia, ableism, racism, White supremacy, fatphobia, xenophobia, capitalism, classism, adoption, etc. I aim to help members of my community deconstruct the complex trauma inherent to such oppression, and explore what constitutes wellbeing amidst difficult material conditions.
It's hard to navigate a world that was built against your needs. My experiences as a queer, nonbinary, neurodivergent adoptee of color have informed my abolitionist practice in solidarity with those affected by interlocking systems of oppression: queer- and transphobia, ableism, racism, White supremacy, fatphobia, xenophobia, capitalism, classism, adoption, etc. I aim to help members of my community deconstruct the complex trauma inherent to such oppression, and explore what constitutes wellbeing amidst difficult material conditions.
Hi, I'm Kalem. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania and see clients virtually throughout the state. I work with clients with a variety of concerns.
I love helping people with anxiety face their fears and discover strengths they didn’t know they had. I’m passionate about teaching practical, research-backed skills to climb out of depression, one day at a time. And I’m excited to be part of your journey to reinterpret the past and create an authentic, sustainable future if you’re someone late-diagnosed or neurodivergent. You can expect a few things from me as your therapist.
Hi, I'm Kalem. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania and see clients virtually throughout the state. I work with clients with a variety of concerns.
I love helping people with anxiety face their fears and discover strengths they didn’t know they had. I’m passionate about teaching practical, research-backed skills to climb out of depression, one day at a time. And I’m excited to be part of your journey to reinterpret the past and create an authentic, sustainable future if you’re someone late-diagnosed or neurodivergent. You can expect a few things from me as your therapist.
I have specialized in evaluating, testing, and treating children, adolescents and young adults with behavior problems, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety and Depression for more than 30 years in community mental health, in-home and private practice settings. I also work with adults with similar concerns up to age 60. I have been a Preferred Prescriber and completed BHRS/Wraparound/ IBHS evaluations for more than 20 years. I also work with adults who are having transition issues such as anxiety and depression regarding changes in their lives, as well as Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD.
I have specialized in evaluating, testing, and treating children, adolescents and young adults with behavior problems, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety and Depression for more than 30 years in community mental health, in-home and private practice settings. I also work with adults with similar concerns up to age 60. I have been a Preferred Prescriber and completed BHRS/Wraparound/ IBHS evaluations for more than 20 years. I also work with adults who are having transition issues such as anxiety and depression regarding changes in their lives, as well as Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD.
Life can feel overwhelming—whether it’s anxiety, depression, self-doubt, or the weight of past experiences. I believe that your feelings are valid. You may be longing for balance, clarity, or simply a space where you can be yourself without judgment. I provide a warm, supportive environment for adults and teens to heal, grow, and move forward. Drawing from CBT, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and solution-focused approaches, I tailor therapy to your unique needs so you can find relief, resilience, and a greater sense of peace.
Life can feel overwhelming—whether it’s anxiety, depression, self-doubt, or the weight of past experiences. I believe that your feelings are valid. You may be longing for balance, clarity, or simply a space where you can be yourself without judgment. I provide a warm, supportive environment for adults and teens to heal, grow, and move forward. Drawing from CBT, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and solution-focused approaches, I tailor therapy to your unique needs so you can find relief, resilience, and a greater sense of peace.
Hello! I am a queer and trans non-binary person who is half-Taiwanese and half-White, neurodiverse and chronically ill. I have the most experience working with clients who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically trans and gender-nonconforming people. I’m here to support you no matter what intersections of identity you may hold. I really enjoy working with clients who are seeking more fulfillment and authenticity in their lives - however that may mean to you - as your own autonomy is deeply important to me.
Hello! I am a queer and trans non-binary person who is half-Taiwanese and half-White, neurodiverse and chronically ill. I have the most experience working with clients who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically trans and gender-nonconforming people. I’m here to support you no matter what intersections of identity you may hold. I really enjoy working with clients who are seeking more fulfillment and authenticity in their lives - however that may mean to you - as your own autonomy is deeply important to me.
I'm Grace! I may be a good fit for you if:
You struggle with aspects of your identity (gender, sexuality, life stage, ways of defining worth, etc.)
You often feel as if you are “not enough” & don’t measure up to those around you
You have trouble expressing, processing, or regulating emotion, perhaps due to past contexts in which you didn’t feel safe to do so
You can sometimes be really mean to yourself
You find yourself pushing away the “hard stuff”
You want to build self-awareness to understand your inner world on a deeper level
I'm Grace! I may be a good fit for you if:
You struggle with aspects of your identity (gender, sexuality, life stage, ways of defining worth, etc.)
You often feel as if you are “not enough” & don’t measure up to those around you
You have trouble expressing, processing, or regulating emotion, perhaps due to past contexts in which you didn’t feel safe to do so
You can sometimes be really mean to yourself
You find yourself pushing away the “hard stuff”
You want to build self-awareness to understand your inner world on a deeper level
I love working with adults who want to get curious about the ways their past affects their present. From our first moments of life, we learn to adapt to our circumstances and adjust our behaviors to maintain safety and security with others. Many of us have found along the way that our emotions, needs, or wants were "too much" for the people we turned to for connection and protection. As a result we may have come to believe that we had to hide parts of ourselves in order to be loved or cared for. Over time, this hiding can lead to feelings of distress, anxiety, depression, shame, relationship challenges, and even chronic pain.
I love working with adults who want to get curious about the ways their past affects their present. From our first moments of life, we learn to adapt to our circumstances and adjust our behaviors to maintain safety and security with others. Many of us have found along the way that our emotions, needs, or wants were "too much" for the people we turned to for connection and protection. As a result we may have come to believe that we had to hide parts of ourselves in order to be loved or cared for. Over time, this hiding can lead to feelings of distress, anxiety, depression, shame, relationship challenges, and even chronic pain.
Hi there! I'm a passionate, dedicated clinician who firmly believes in authenticity and connection. I am strengths-based and solution-focused, meeting you wherever you are in your journey and helping plan your path forward. My approach to therapy is eclectic, drawing from evidence-based practices such as mindfulness, coping mechanism training, narrative therapy, and CBT. I tailor my techniques to my clients' needs, working to tackle issues together with the tools that work best for them. I am trained as a generalist, meaning I can address a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and identity issues.
Hi there! I'm a passionate, dedicated clinician who firmly believes in authenticity and connection. I am strengths-based and solution-focused, meeting you wherever you are in your journey and helping plan your path forward. My approach to therapy is eclectic, drawing from evidence-based practices such as mindfulness, coping mechanism training, narrative therapy, and CBT. I tailor my techniques to my clients' needs, working to tackle issues together with the tools that work best for them. I am trained as a generalist, meaning I can address a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and identity issues.
Are you feeling overwhelmed or depressed recently? Do you need someone who actually listens to your problems? I am a therapist who specializes in working with young adults who are feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or just want someone to process their thoughts with. I believe therapy is for everyone! I pride myself on being an empathetic and responsive listener in session. If you chose me as your therapist you can expect the vibes to be casual and for you to be the main focus. I help clients feel heard, respected, and valued. I work collaboratively with clients to help them achieve their goals.
Are you feeling overwhelmed or depressed recently? Do you need someone who actually listens to your problems? I am a therapist who specializes in working with young adults who are feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or just want someone to process their thoughts with. I believe therapy is for everyone! I pride myself on being an empathetic and responsive listener in session. If you chose me as your therapist you can expect the vibes to be casual and for you to be the main focus. I help clients feel heard, respected, and valued. I work collaboratively with clients to help them achieve their goals.
Welcome- I’m glad you are here! If you are looking for a therapist who strives to create a warm, relaxed environment where you can share anything without judgement, I may be the right fit for you. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is transformative, empowering, and creating a safe space is essential to healing.
Welcome- I’m glad you are here! If you are looking for a therapist who strives to create a warm, relaxed environment where you can share anything without judgement, I may be the right fit for you. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is transformative, empowering, and creating a safe space is essential to healing.
I believe everyone deserves to live a life of authenticity, joy, and personal fulfillment. I am LGBTQ+-affirming, sex-positive, and strengths-focused. My therapeutic style is eclectic, and heavily influenced by attachment theory and contemporary psychodynamic theories, including narrative therapy and parts work. Together, we will explore how your identity, your relationships, the stories you tell yourself, and the stories you have been told about yourself interact with social and historical context to create the life you are living.
I believe everyone deserves to live a life of authenticity, joy, and personal fulfillment. I am LGBTQ+-affirming, sex-positive, and strengths-focused. My therapeutic style is eclectic, and heavily influenced by attachment theory and contemporary psychodynamic theories, including narrative therapy and parts work. Together, we will explore how your identity, your relationships, the stories you tell yourself, and the stories you have been told about yourself interact with social and historical context to create the life you are living.
See more therapy options for Pittsburgh
Nearby Secular and Non-Religious Therapists Searches for Pittsburgh
- Allison Park
- Canonsburg
- Carnegie
- Cranberry Township
- East Liberty
- McMurray
- Monroeville
- Mount Lebanon
- Murrysville
- Shadyside
- Squirrel Hill
- Wexford
Secular and Non-Religious Therapists
What is a secular and non religious approach in therapy?
Secular or non-religious therapy is a theoretical orientation used by many therapists and describes a therapeutic approach that does not rely on any specific religious or faith-based beliefs in the therapeutic process. Secular counselors will often approach therapy with an emphasis on evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients, instead of relying on religious practices, such as prayer or belief in God.
Is secular therapy primarily for non-religious people?
Both religious and non-religious individuals can benefit from secular therapy. People exploring their religious or spiritual beliefs may find it especially useful to work with a secular therapist who is unbiased toward any specific religion. While religious individuals might value the connection and familiarity of seeing a counselor who shares their beliefs, secular counseling can offer them the chance to develop coping skills independent of their religious practice, which can be beneficial in various aspects of their lives.
Can a secular approach to therapy help with religious trauma?
One major reason clients may seek a secular therapist is to process previous religious experiences, including religious trauma. Secular therapists can help clients manage symptoms of the trauma through practices such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). They can also encourage clients through talk therapy or psychodynamic approaches to explore the roots of their religious trauma. Since secular therapists do not have any predetermined religious beliefs, they can be particularly helpful for clients looking to explore their own religious beliefs following a history of religious trauma.
What does non religious marriage and premarital counseling involve?
Marriage and premarital counseling typically involves a couple meeting with a therapist to discuss topics such as planning for marriage, navigating a new marriage, addressing relationship challenges, and developing better communication and conflict resolution skills. Non-religious therapists assist couples in achieving these goals without adhering to specific religious beliefs or frameworks, often emphasizing inclusivity and non-judgment, especially for "nontraditional" couples. However, seeking couples therapy from a non-religious counselor does not mean religious topics are off-limits. In fact, non-religious couples from different religious backgrounds may benefit from a secular therapist who remains neutral toward the beliefs of each partner.