Therapists in Saegertown, PA

We are all human beings going through the experience of life together, although in the current age, it seems as though there is a movement of separateness, judgment, and shame. Presently, this trend is causing an epidemic of underlying unhappiness. Ask yourself: Am I having problems with the following?: **Getting up and facing the day? **Dealing with "difficult" people in my life? **Being vulnerable and sharing your feelings? ** Navigating romance and intimacy? **Wondering "Who am I?" and " Why am I here?" **Shutting off negative thinking?** Letting go of the need to be right or what "should" be? **Living in the present moment?**

My main passion is helping others. I use my own life experiences, education, and training to deliver eclectic treatments and interventions tailored to meet individual needs. I believe my clients are the experts on themselves and developing a therapeutic alliance with a skilled clinician is the key to self-discovery and healing.

Life is too short to be unhappy. If you find that you are struggling don't wait to ask for help. Seeking counseling is a sign of strength and courage. The benefits of counseling are significant and often help you gain personal empowerment, hope, overcome social stigmas, increased acceptance, personal insight, life skills, improved wellness, and prevention of future mental health distress. I am currently accepting new patients and would love to be that person to help you navigate through a difficult stage of life.

Warm, compassionate, empathetic, non-judgmental, truly caring and kind. These are words that past clients have used to describe my personality and approach. I believe every person deserves to live their life the way they choose, and I will help you to achieve that! I truly care about people. My approach is eclectic and flexible to meet your needs. I work with Cumberland Valley Counseling Associates, however I live and work in Erie County PA. I offer telehealth counseling to any Pennsylvania resident and some limited in-person availability in downtown Erie.

Life would be much easier if we understood why we feel the way we do. I get it. Life can be hard sometimes, making you question several areas of your life. While it may seem daunting, hope is never out of reach. I offer counseling for couples and individuals who are seeking not only to find solutions to life's struggles but also to make deeper changes through self-understanding, shifting ongoing patterns, and gaining new perspectives. My approach is suited for those who are committed to work through and adapt a healthier lifestyle.

Stressed? Overwhelmed? Is miscommunication a concern in your important relationships? Are you high achieving but feel like a fraud? Do you feel like something is missing even though it looks like you have it all together? We can help! Our goal is to help you on your journey toward optimal wellness through an individualized approach, recognizing that no two people are the same. We aim to fully understand your needs by listening to you, and work with you to determine the best treatment approach. Clients include children & adolescents (Katie only), adults, couples and families experiencing a wide range of concerns.

I have a great admiration and respect for my clients who've chosen to do the difficult task of examining themselves and taking risks to improve their lives. I work with adolescent and adult individuals and couples in a sincere and supportive capacity to address issues of grief, trauma, career difficulties, infertility and parenting, sexuality, life choices, relationships, depression, anxiety, and more. I invite your inquiries and can be reached by phone or email.

I have a specialization in adult counseling although I provides mental health therapy to teens, young adults, older adults, couples, and families. I incorporate a variety of methods and techniques derived from Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, Person-Centered, Art and Music, and Mindful and Holistic therapies. I makes use of an eclectic therapy approach that draws on multiple theoretical orientations and techniques to address individual client needs.

Congratulations on taking the first step towards self-care. I have great respect for those looking to better their lives and I am here to hold space for people to grow and learn more about themselves. My approach is client-centered and strength-based, working primarily with adults in many areas of concerns. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, addiction, marital issues, grief, or just overwhelmed with life, I am here to help.

We have all seen portrayals of the stereotypical therapist dispassionately responding to a desperate plea by the client for guidance, opinion or feedback with the question: "How do YOU feel about that?" If you find this approach to therapy irritating, I'm right there with you. During my many years as a therapist, I have found that I usually do not know "the answer", but I almost always have a carefully considered and well explained point of view intended to help you generate thoughtful reflection about yourself, wise decision making, and a useful strategy for coping and/or problem solving.

Trauma that is unresolved can have many lasting effects on our mind and body. Unresolved trauma can create a separation from our sense of self as well as feelings of disconnection from others. I often see client's that are struggling with the effects of trauma who are having symptoms of anxiety, depression, and panic. My approach is person-centered and tailored to each unique person I am working with. I also work at your pace and am skilled in meeting you "where you are at" in your healing journey. If you are seeking something more than traditional talk-therapy, you have found the right place to evolve in your journey.

Dr. Larry Joe Pugel, Ph.D. is a Licensed Professional Counselor with board certification in: clinical hypnosis. He received his B.S. Degree from Colorado State University in 1969, sociology-anthropology, M.S. Pepperdine University, 1977 in special education-psychology, Ph.D. clinical counseling and psychotherapy, Union Institute and University 1993. Dr. Pugel specializes in the treatment of mental, emotional and adjustment disorders in adults, children, adolescents and couples. He provides individual, couples, family and marital counseling.

At Journey to a Trauma Informed Life, we are committed to providing a welcoming environment for every client we work with. As a group, we specialize in working with LGBTQ+, HIV+, BIPOC, and those living with a disability. Whether you work with me directly or one of our member therapists, we are skilled in helping people resolve past traumatic events which are interfering with your ability to function from day to day. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and trained in Trauma-Focused CBT. Head to our website (www.atraumainformedlife.com) to learn more

Are you tired of the cycle? Stuck in the same conversation with yourself or others wishing it was different? Still waiting for your mind & body to get on the same page? Is your body stuck in FEAR? When we carry negative beliefs about ourselves, many times in our healing process what we think and what we feel just don’t match. Somewhere along the line, events occurred that created a negative belief in your core that you have carried into other areas of life that don’t serve you and can even make life feel harder. We all know life has 'ups' and 'downs,' but when the scale tips more into the 'downs,' ease & relief can feel foreign.

Accepting new clients! You feel like you have had your power and your voice taken away for your entire life. You are exhausted from not being seen as a human first. You are about to explode from so many years of hiding who you are, who you love, and what is pissing you off. You are ready to step into your power, but you have no idea how to start. Or maybe you do, but you need someone supporting you as you navigate all of the complex, heavy sh!t that is about to unfold. I want you to know that I see beyond your struggles and past choices. I want to empower you to embrace your entire self (yes, your ENTIRE self). You can do that here.

It takes strength & courage to acknowledge personal shortcomings, painful experiences, & life stressors. I commend you for seeking professional help & I would be honored to be part of your journey of healing & self-improvement. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist, lesbian, & woman of color. I believe that, in addition to my professional training, these multiple identities & life experiences have enabled me to understand & help a variety of therapy clients. My therapeutic style is collaborative, egalitarian, & non-judgmental. The most significant aspect of treatment is our relationship.

While my training in clinical psychology focused on making the right diagnosis and finding the right treatment, I also believe that, in most cases, the most essential and supportive element of psychotherapy is the therapeutic relationship itself, the success of which can depend on intangible qualities like warmth, trust, credibility, openness, rapport, alliance, and authenticity. I believe the process of building a successful therapeutic relationship requires the science of psychotherapy to give way to the art of being human, and so my approach to this process is unique to every individual, couple, and family I work with.

The most important relationship we have is the one with ourselves. Therapy provides space to reflect on the ways we think, feel, and act, empowering us to know ourselves more deeply, heal more fully, and become the person that we want to be. I believe that healing and growth must welcome and incorporate all facets of ourselves–even the parts with which we have a complicated relationship–and that self-compassion and curiosity are some of the most powerful tools of self-discovery. I welcome people to show up authentically, offering an environment that is supportive, nonjudgemental, and safe.

Let’s talk about sex, relationships, and life! Whatever you are facing, let’s face it together. My clinical style is free of judgement, I ask what has happened to you as opposed to what is wrong with you & will help you recapture a life worth living. I contend the most important piece of your journey, regardless of what your facing, will be the therapeutic bond we develop. I hope you will find me to be a support that uplifts, empowers, & validates. I’m confident that together we can create a positive and safe place for you to not only face your challenges, but also move forward and thrive.