Marriage Counseling Therapists in Allegheny County, PA

When you find yourself in a time of crisis and need extra support and guidance, an understanding and compassionate therapist is the best place to start. Are you struggling with sadness or anxiety, family conflicts, unsatisfying relationships, grief or loss, or in the midst of a major life transition? By focusing on strengths and helping people problem-solve or seek change through supportive therapy, many of life's overwhelming stressors become manageable. Call me to discuss how I may assist you or a family member. Free initial phone consultation.

I am fully vaccinated against COVID-19. I have no vaccine or mask requirements for my clients. You're already taking the first step toward growth - congratulations! It can be hard to seek help, but I will help you decide on specialized goals and a plan to meet your needs. You'll be in charge of your treatment, and I focus on practical, scientifically-verified treatments to provide lasting change and relief. We'll work together to help you solve problems on your own, so you won't be in therapy for years! If you're ready to take control of your life, check out my profile and email or call for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Number 1: Nothing is wrong with you. Sometimes you feel like something is off, but you're unsure what it is. Your head is clouded with too many thoughts to make clear decisions about your career, relationships, or health. You ask for advice from others, but their insight doesn't help. You research different ideas, but the internet is saturated. You feel stuck, unsure, or overwhelmed. You hope and pray that the answers will just come to you. When we become so self-aware that we wholeheartedly trust our intuition, those answers CAN come to you instantly: no doubt, no fear, no guilt. You just need a mirror to reflect your power!

Each person's therapy needs are unique, and I will try my best to meet your specific needs, whether you're looking for a space to explore and process your thoughts and feelings or something more goal driven and solution focused. And if you're not sure what you're looking for, we'll work together to figure that out. Regardless of how we proceed, using an integrative model of therapy, I'll offer you an inclusive space that is kind, free of judgment, and focused on your personal strengths. I've worked with numerous individuals experiencing mood and anxiety concerns, addiction, trauma, and severe a debilitating mental health issues.

In my individual, couples, and family work, values of collaboration, mutuality, and connection guide my practice. I partner with clients to identify their own unique strengths that can be used as resources to foster growth and change. I am attentive to the role of early family experiences, cultural values, oppression, and stigma in shaping client's experiences. Particularly when addressing painful or traumatic areas, I attend to clients' emotional safety using mindfulness and body awareness. I believe that healing happens in the context of honest relationships and invite my clients to engage in open dialog about our work together.

Many people experience points in their lives where they feel stuck, challenged, inadequate, and/or like they are unsure how they can continue on with living. One thing that people have in common is that we desire to be able to live our best lives and up to our fullest potential. When conditions and circumstances in life make this difficult, such as: depression, anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, LGBTQ+ challenges, and trauma, it can feel like there is no clear path to living up to our fullest potential.

I was brought up in the helping tradition of the community where I was taught to give back to others. I have twenty years of experience in the mental health and drug and alcohol field. I have worked with individuals from all walks of life: socially, culturally, racially, economically, gender wise, and different sexual orientations and religions. I have conducted assessments, evaluations, individual therapy, family therapy and couple's therapy. I have treated individuals with a variety of conditions such as trauma, stress, depression including bipolar, anxiety, anger management problems, psychosis and addiction.

Seeking help requires courage and strength, and I applaud you for the steps you have already taken in your journey. The demands of life are vast, but I believe they can feel a little lighter with a supportive, affirming presence by your side. I am committed to providing a compassionate, accepting, collaborative, and empowering space for you. I firmly believe each person possess an incredible capacity for enhancing their well-being, and I am honored to accompany you on your journey of healing and personal growth.

There are times when we become aware that our mental health isn't where it needs to be. Life happens to us, and it becomes hard to feel that we have what it takes to manage or deal with it all. Unmanaged symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and ADHD are just a few that can make you feel as though you are stuck in an unwanted place in your life. Some people feel too strong to ask for help, while others can't help but to hide and isolate in efforts to escape. No matter where you are in your journey, it's important to know that you have options to get from where you are to where you want to be.

Have you been struggling with symptoms of anxiety or depression? Are you trying to "keep it all together"? Do you or someone you care about have Autism? Do you feel overwhelmed by the demands of your day-to-day life? You don't have to do it alone! I have a strong interest in working with individuals struggling in these areas. I would be honored for the opportunity to work with you!

So- time to find a therapist! It's a powerful, maybe scary time. As a relationship and intimacy therapist, for individuals and relationships (monogamous and not), I invite you to get curious and courageous for yourself and those you care about. And for the life you really want.

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.

Choosing to start therapy takes courage. It's not easy to look within one's self and challenge yourself to change. In our work together, I will support you in your journey towards personal growth, discovery and change. As an Art Therapist, I believe that engaging in the art process has a powerful way of touching the deepest aspects of one's soul. Through creative approaches in therapy, you can connect authentically with yourself and thrive. Regardless of what brings you to therapy, I can help each person use the process to grow.

I believe therapy is a leap of faith taken to explore ourselves, where we’ve been, where we are, and where we hope to go. This step into the unknown can be scary, but I feel that through open communication and exploration, these steps can become powerful, moving, and exciting. Through my practice, I strive to create a safe and accepting space for all clients. Whether through trauma work, EMDR, life transitions, or art therapy, my goal is to support clients through their unique journeys with kindness, humor, and understanding. Therapy looks different for everyone, and I work to create a space that honors each person's experience.

"Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'."--Victor Frankl I offer a private and confidential space for individuals to join me in removing walls that separate themselves from others. I treat a wide range of issues, including grief, trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, spiritual crises, infidelity, sexual compulsivity behavior and betrayed partner trauma. I provide an atmosphere with no hidden agendas or unspoken intentions. I embrace a non-judgmental approach which facilitates the healing process.

We live such hectic and often overwhelming lives that counseling provides us the opportunity to check out, even if only for a moment. Granting individuals a listening ear and a compassionate empathetic response is my specialty. My ultimate goal is to build healthy individuals and families by developing the therapeutic tool box filled with practices that bring calm to chaos. We must look to our foundation and past experiences in order to create a plan for healing and future success. With that, much of our work will involve delving deep into Family of Origin issues in order to create healthy new norms and patterns.

The funny thing about life's hurts, they generally do not just get better on their own. Running from a problem is a race we will never win. My goal is to create a warm safe and relaxed place for you to explore, to discuss, to learn and maybe laugh. The outcome is for you to feel empowered in your life and to have HOPE. Changing or healing often require learning new skills so my approach is as much about coaching as it is about counseling. My primary counseling modes are Cognitive Dissonance and Reframing and REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy). Together we create the tools for HOPE that are custom made for you.

My ideal client struggles with Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and/or related conditions. They are motivated for change or at least open to the possibility of change. They are open to feedback and willing to lean into the therapeutic process. They do not need to have clear goals for the therapeutic process right away but are willing to work to identify these goals in the treatment process. They would want to improve their life in some way, or even just their relationship with themselves.

Buckle up! I am here to take a ride with you on your journey to discovering and embracing your authentic self. On this journey, you can gain insight into your healthy patterns that motivate you to live a meaningful life. You can also become more aware of any unhealthy patterns that cause periods of distress and suffering. Throughout this journey, you can explore how your patterns developed over time to better understand yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.