Experiential Therapy in Pittsburgh, PA

Photo of Alex Buffone, MS, LAPC
Alex Buffone
Associate Professional Counselor, MS, LAPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
I use person-centered therapy, CBT, DBT, family systems theory, and experiential therapy to help you achieve your goals.
If you are experiencing stress with everyday life, struggling with identity development, interested in parenting support, or simply need someone to be a sounding board, I would be a great fit. I strive to create a warm, relaxed, environment where clients can share whatever is on their minds, and we can address each concern one by one. Initially I will get to know you and what brings you to therapy. We will then begin exploring any issues that are interfering with your daily life. It is my hope that through our counseling sessions, you will feel safe to grow, develop new skills, and be a more authentic you.
I use person-centered therapy, CBT, DBT, family systems theory, and experiential therapy to help you achieve your goals.
If you are experiencing stress with everyday life, struggling with identity development, interested in parenting support, or simply need someone to be a sounding board, I would be a great fit. I strive to create a warm, relaxed, environment where clients can share whatever is on their minds, and we can address each concern one by one. Initially I will get to know you and what brings you to therapy. We will then begin exploring any issues that are interfering with your daily life. It is my hope that through our counseling sessions, you will feel safe to grow, develop new skills, and be a more authentic you.
(412) 444-7588 View (412) 444-7588
Photo of Jieun Gu, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jieun Gu
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15220  (Online Only)
To achieve deeper benefits, if you are open to trying experiential therapy, please reach out to me.
Have you found yourself not getting much better from Talk Therapy sessions? Despite all of your efforts and work in progress, are you still struggling with rumination, confusion, exhaustion, numbness, sleeping and eating issues, avoidance, addiction, body image issues, guilt, shame, anger, irritability, sadness, feeling empty or void, loss of interest, self-limiting beliefs (I’m not good enough), and so forth? In over 8 years of clinical experience, I have observed profound healing in my clients by addressing the underlying causes of their distress.
To achieve deeper benefits, if you are open to trying experiential therapy, please reach out to me.
Have you found yourself not getting much better from Talk Therapy sessions? Despite all of your efforts and work in progress, are you still struggling with rumination, confusion, exhaustion, numbness, sleeping and eating issues, avoidance, addiction, body image issues, guilt, shame, anger, irritability, sadness, feeling empty or void, loss of interest, self-limiting beliefs (I’m not good enough), and so forth? In over 8 years of clinical experience, I have observed profound healing in my clients by addressing the underlying causes of their distress.
(484) 729-7903 View (484) 729-7903
Photo of Alex Bieger, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alex Bieger
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15204  (Online Only)
Hello! I am a licensed therapist (LPC) based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with life experiences across cultures and around the world.
Hello! I am a licensed therapist (LPC) based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with life experiences across cultures and around the world.
(412) 423-8939 View (412) 423-8939
Photo of Veronica Dance - Purpose Builders LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Purpose Builders LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Why am I here? Why does everything seem so hard and complex? If you find yourself asking questions like these than Purpose Builders can help you find the answers. So often there is a disconnect between a person's aspirations and their realities of life. Purpose Builders LLC provides behavioral health services to individuals, couples, and groups (children, teenagers, and adults) who desire change and progress in their lives. Purpose Builders invest in people, not programs through counseling, coaching and mentoring. Purpose Builders believe a person's wellbeing should include physical, mental and spiritual wellness.
Why am I here? Why does everything seem so hard and complex? If you find yourself asking questions like these than Purpose Builders can help you find the answers. So often there is a disconnect between a person's aspirations and their realities of life. Purpose Builders LLC provides behavioral health services to individuals, couples, and groups (children, teenagers, and adults) who desire change and progress in their lives. Purpose Builders invest in people, not programs through counseling, coaching and mentoring. Purpose Builders believe a person's wellbeing should include physical, mental and spiritual wellness.
(878) 206-1949 View (878) 206-1949
Photo of DeMarquis Clarke, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
DeMarquis Clarke
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am a capable, compassionate, experienced clinician that provides individual, couple/marital, and family therapy for a wide range of issues, including but not limited to, relational conflict, trauma and abuse recovery, parent-child conflict, anger management, and more. My specialties include: couple/marital therapy; sexual abuse and trauma recovery; as well as working with issues of religion/spirituality, race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am a capable, compassionate, experienced clinician that provides individual, couple/marital, and family therapy for a wide range of issues, including but not limited to, relational conflict, trauma and abuse recovery, parent-child conflict, anger management, and more. My specialties include: couple/marital therapy; sexual abuse and trauma recovery; as well as working with issues of religion/spirituality, race/ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation.
(412) 435-1347 View (412) 435-1347
Photo of Joel Allen Makin, LMHC, LCAC, LPC, LPCC, Counselor
Joel Allen Makin
Counselor, LMHC, LCAC, LPC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15212  (Online Only)
With expertise in psychodynamic therapy, AEDP, and Gestalt therapy, I help individuals, couples and families address the root of their struggles—whether trauma, relationship issues, or emotional challenges. Backed by over 15 years of counseling, leadership, and hands-on experience, I’ve built and led therapy programs, trained clinical teams, and expanded mental health services. My approach is grounded in the most recent Neuro-strategies, offering clients practical tools and personalized care to foster meaningful, long-term transformation.
With expertise in psychodynamic therapy, AEDP, and Gestalt therapy, I help individuals, couples and families address the root of their struggles—whether trauma, relationship issues, or emotional challenges. Backed by over 15 years of counseling, leadership, and hands-on experience, I’ve built and led therapy programs, trained clinical teams, and expanded mental health services. My approach is grounded in the most recent Neuro-strategies, offering clients practical tools and personalized care to foster meaningful, long-term transformation.
(412) 912-1685 View (412) 912-1685
Photo of Michelle B Kassahun, MS, LPC, CCBT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michelle B Kassahun
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CCBT
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15217  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor honored with over 20 years of experience working with individuals with various mood and mental health concerns. I'm trained as a Gestalt and Cognitive Behavior Therapist. Additionally, I hold certifications in both Brainspotting and the Safe and Sound Protocol (Polyvagal theory), which are mindfulness reprocessing tools used to heal trauma and promote emotional regulation. I integrate both evidence-based practice as well as holistic functional care to meet your individual needs and facilitate positive growth. I look forward to hearing from you and supporting you during your healing journey!
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor honored with over 20 years of experience working with individuals with various mood and mental health concerns. I'm trained as a Gestalt and Cognitive Behavior Therapist. Additionally, I hold certifications in both Brainspotting and the Safe and Sound Protocol (Polyvagal theory), which are mindfulness reprocessing tools used to heal trauma and promote emotional regulation. I integrate both evidence-based practice as well as holistic functional care to meet your individual needs and facilitate positive growth. I look forward to hearing from you and supporting you during your healing journey!
(717) 833-6210 View (717) 833-6210
Photo of Alexa Stern, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexa Stern
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
I utilize an embodied and integrated approach to support clients to heal from past wounds and improve current functioning. As a body-oriented therapist, I believe attending to posture, gesture, breath, tensions, voice, and movement can yield powerful insights and changes in how we experience ourselves and the world and facilitate the integration of body, mind and spirit toward fuller authentic living. Often, we need to encounter what we find within us to be deeply unacceptable, painful, and terrifying to be set free and transform. As a compassionate, supportive guide, I am humbled and honored to accompany my clients on this journey.
I utilize an embodied and integrated approach to support clients to heal from past wounds and improve current functioning. As a body-oriented therapist, I believe attending to posture, gesture, breath, tensions, voice, and movement can yield powerful insights and changes in how we experience ourselves and the world and facilitate the integration of body, mind and spirit toward fuller authentic living. Often, we need to encounter what we find within us to be deeply unacceptable, painful, and terrifying to be set free and transform. As a compassionate, supportive guide, I am humbled and honored to accompany my clients on this journey.
(724) 987-6963 View (724) 987-6963
Photo of Michael Craig Clemmens, PhD, Psychologist
Michael Craig Clemmens
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
I have been a psychologist for 35 years and work with clients who are interested in exploring their options in how they live in the world. I see the therapeutic process as a dialogue between two partners in exploration and developing resources. For me choice supports health and that clients sometime come with a lack of awareness of these choices or needing to develop more internal and interpersonal supports. I work in the present moment as well as connecting present patterns to client's history as well as the larger contextual field. My approach is relational and somatic from a Gestalt Therapy base.
I have been a psychologist for 35 years and work with clients who are interested in exploring their options in how they live in the world. I see the therapeutic process as a dialogue between two partners in exploration and developing resources. For me choice supports health and that clients sometime come with a lack of awareness of these choices or needing to develop more internal and interpersonal supports. I work in the present moment as well as connecting present patterns to client's history as well as the larger contextual field. My approach is relational and somatic from a Gestalt Therapy base.
(412) 275-4534 View (412) 275-4534
Photo of Kris Manning, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kris Manning
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Don’t give up. Did you know that you have the right to choose a new therapist as many times as it takes to find one that works for you? Many people feel stuck with an ineffective therapist, and that can feel like therapy doesn’t work. With the help of a trusted therapist you can gain the awareness and skills to cope better, feel better, and do better for yourself. I hope to be that therapist for you. I believe that you are the expert in your own life. In therapy, your part is to be honest with yourself, open to new ideas, and willing to make changes. My only job is to guide and support you on your journey of self-discovery.
Don’t give up. Did you know that you have the right to choose a new therapist as many times as it takes to find one that works for you? Many people feel stuck with an ineffective therapist, and that can feel like therapy doesn’t work. With the help of a trusted therapist you can gain the awareness and skills to cope better, feel better, and do better for yourself. I hope to be that therapist for you. I believe that you are the expert in your own life. In therapy, your part is to be honest with yourself, open to new ideas, and willing to make changes. My only job is to guide and support you on your journey of self-discovery.
(412) 977-3783 View (412) 977-3783
Photo of Kassy Rush, MS, LAPC, CRC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kassy Rush
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, LAPC, CRC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
Hi, I'm Kassy. I am passionate about working with people with disabilities. I strive to help people heal deep-seated attachment and trauma wounds. I believe in the decolonization of relationship therapy.
Hi, I'm Kassy. I am passionate about working with people with disabilities. I strive to help people heal deep-seated attachment and trauma wounds. I believe in the decolonization of relationship therapy.
(412) 634-8913 View (412) 634-8913
Photo of Amy Isaac - Thrive Counseling Center LLC, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Thrive Counseling Center LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Our lives tend to be multi-faceted works of art, made up of many roles, relationships, and responsibilities. Oftentimes, we adapt to changes in these roles and responsibilities with little or no difficulty; however there are times in our lives when change can cause distraction, negative feelings, and overall dissatisfaction with our lives. These times are when we discover our true authentic lives, within ourselves and our relationships, by engaging in therapy. During sessions, we will explore ineffective behavior patterns and perceptions to move forward into a better state of mind and lead a more fulfilling life.
Our lives tend to be multi-faceted works of art, made up of many roles, relationships, and responsibilities. Oftentimes, we adapt to changes in these roles and responsibilities with little or no difficulty; however there are times in our lives when change can cause distraction, negative feelings, and overall dissatisfaction with our lives. These times are when we discover our true authentic lives, within ourselves and our relationships, by engaging in therapy. During sessions, we will explore ineffective behavior patterns and perceptions to move forward into a better state of mind and lead a more fulfilling life.
(412) 301-9949 View (412) 301-9949
Photo of Katie Balcom, M ED, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katie Balcom
Licensed Professional Counselor, M ED, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
“Fall in love with the process of becoming the very best version of yourself” Life can bring beautiful moments but also hardships and difficult experiences, through every experience is the opportunity for growth. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the difficult emotions that life can bring, I would love to help you feel heard. I am trained in an array of different modalities that can be tailored to fit your needs. I believe in providing a neutral safe space that allows comfort and growth through the therapeutic process. I would love to be a part of your journey to a better emotional well-being.
“Fall in love with the process of becoming the very best version of yourself” Life can bring beautiful moments but also hardships and difficult experiences, through every experience is the opportunity for growth. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the difficult emotions that life can bring, I would love to help you feel heard. I am trained in an array of different modalities that can be tailored to fit your needs. I believe in providing a neutral safe space that allows comfort and growth through the therapeutic process. I would love to be a part of your journey to a better emotional well-being.
(412) 990-1662 View (412) 990-1662
Photo of Rachel Buffo, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rachel Buffo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has expertise in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I provide individual therapy to those who want to enjoy life and get to know themselves better in the process. Through my experience, I have learned the value of an interactive and collaborative environment to best support my client’s growth and development.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has expertise in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I provide individual therapy to those who want to enjoy life and get to know themselves better in the process. Through my experience, I have learned the value of an interactive and collaborative environment to best support my client’s growth and development.
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Photo of Rebecca R. Hahn, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca R. Hahn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
Every person is a unique individual with their own stressors, but everyone can use some counseling sometimes. Hurt from the past, worries about the future, and stressors right now can get in the way of living a fulfilling, happy life. Rebecca Hahn, MA, LPC (she/her) of Counseling for Progress, LLC can help you sort through your emotions, experiences, and thoughts to make progress now. As a team, you and Rebecca Hahn can work together to reach your goals so you can enjoy your life.
Every person is a unique individual with their own stressors, but everyone can use some counseling sometimes. Hurt from the past, worries about the future, and stressors right now can get in the way of living a fulfilling, happy life. Rebecca Hahn, MA, LPC (she/her) of Counseling for Progress, LLC can help you sort through your emotions, experiences, and thoughts to make progress now. As a team, you and Rebecca Hahn can work together to reach your goals so you can enjoy your life.
(412) 424-6143 View (412) 424-6143
Photo of Claire Fior, PsyD, Psychologist
Claire Fior
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Waitlist for new clients
I believe how humans experience growth and how they change are the big themes of psychology. We grow and change through our relationships with others, but sometimes we can get stuck in certain relationship patterns that cause distress. Uncovering the dynamics of these patterns, how they affect our self-concept, our feelings, our understanding of others, and our nervous systems can be healing. Practicing new patterns of emotion, thought, and behavior, whether through talk- therapy, mindfulness practices, or a combination of both, can assist growth and change toward more compassion and connection in our lives.
I believe how humans experience growth and how they change are the big themes of psychology. We grow and change through our relationships with others, but sometimes we can get stuck in certain relationship patterns that cause distress. Uncovering the dynamics of these patterns, how they affect our self-concept, our feelings, our understanding of others, and our nervous systems can be healing. Practicing new patterns of emotion, thought, and behavior, whether through talk- therapy, mindfulness practices, or a combination of both, can assist growth and change toward more compassion and connection in our lives.
(412) 871-6296 View (412) 871-6296
Photo of Brittany Hautz, MSEd, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brittany Hautz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
24 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
You are ready to step away from patterns of disconnect and dissociation in your life. You are done feeling triggered, distracted, or just lost. You need to openly address the impact of chronic and systemic trauma on your nervous system, beyond where traditional talk therapy has taken you. For a Queer, "AuDHD" person, this means finding a therapist who gets it, and who can hold an expansive space for fully reprocessing your story. You are looking for a somatic therapist who offers a gentle, yet powerful approach to healing. You need a specialist.
You are ready to step away from patterns of disconnect and dissociation in your life. You are done feeling triggered, distracted, or just lost. You need to openly address the impact of chronic and systemic trauma on your nervous system, beyond where traditional talk therapy has taken you. For a Queer, "AuDHD" person, this means finding a therapist who gets it, and who can hold an expansive space for fully reprocessing your story. You are looking for a somatic therapist who offers a gentle, yet powerful approach to healing. You need a specialist.
(878) 205-0553 View (878) 205-0553
Photo of Chad Losinger, MA, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Chad Losinger
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15239
It can be overwhelming to try and to deal with the stress of everyday life while carrying the weight of unresolved stress. In time, that stress can cause us our perspectives towards others and how we feel about our lives to change. This is typically when people seek treatment to work through that stuck feeling, to pursue more meaningful lives that aren't weighed down by stress or their experiences. I work to create a calm, accepting atmosphere so that clients can more easily speak their experiences into existence and let go of the stress that keeps them stuck.
It can be overwhelming to try and to deal with the stress of everyday life while carrying the weight of unresolved stress. In time, that stress can cause us our perspectives towards others and how we feel about our lives to change. This is typically when people seek treatment to work through that stuck feeling, to pursue more meaningful lives that aren't weighed down by stress or their experiences. I work to create a calm, accepting atmosphere so that clients can more easily speak their experiences into existence and let go of the stress that keeps them stuck.
(412) 547-8612 View (412) 547-8612
Photo of Dolores A Justice, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dolores A Justice
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
I believe everyone has the need to be seen and heard- everyone has a story to tell. I can support you with finding and using your voice. Maybe you are questioning past or present decisions or have “unfinished business.” Feeling overwhelmed with sadness due to a death or loss of a relationship, pet, job, or health and feeling stuck and alone. Feeling anxious because of excessive worry- feeling frozen in fear. Maybe you realize the ways you try to cope no longer serve you. Together we can collaborate, identify ways for you to self-support and develop a plan to mobilize so that you can begin healing and live a more fulfilling life.
I believe everyone has the need to be seen and heard- everyone has a story to tell. I can support you with finding and using your voice. Maybe you are questioning past or present decisions or have “unfinished business.” Feeling overwhelmed with sadness due to a death or loss of a relationship, pet, job, or health and feeling stuck and alone. Feeling anxious because of excessive worry- feeling frozen in fear. Maybe you realize the ways you try to cope no longer serve you. Together we can collaborate, identify ways for you to self-support and develop a plan to mobilize so that you can begin healing and live a more fulfilling life.
(412) 324-6738 View (412) 324-6738
Photo of Leah Spyker, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Leah Spyker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
I specialize in Substance Use, Anxiety, & Grief. Life can feel overwhelming at times, and it's okay to seek support. Whether you're navigating through difficult emotions, facing challenges in relationships, or simply need someone to listen, know that you're not alone. My ideal client is someone who wants to begin their treatment journey. They might be nervous or scared to begin, but they have made their first step to at least try.
I specialize in Substance Use, Anxiety, & Grief. Life can feel overwhelming at times, and it's okay to seek support. Whether you're navigating through difficult emotions, facing challenges in relationships, or simply need someone to listen, know that you're not alone. My ideal client is someone who wants to begin their treatment journey. They might be nervous or scared to begin, but they have made their first step to at least try.
(412) 517-7750 View (412) 517-7750
1
Experiential Therapy

How does experiential therapy work?

Experiential therapy works by allowing an individual to use their creativity to re-imagine themselves and their lives in an effort to process their emotions. Experiential therapy may take many forms, including engaging clients through art, re-enactments, role-playing, music, or forms of physical recreation. By focusing on these activities, experiential therapists help individuals identify the emotions they associate with previous experiences and work together to cope with negative reactions, like fear, anger, or shame.

Is experiential therapy evidence-based?

Experiential therapy incorporates many therapy modalities, some of which have been more closely researched than others. Music therapy, for example, has been shown to help with sleep problems. Some studies find that art therapy can be beneficial for those with eating disorders or personality disorders, while other research suggests that such approaches have little impact.

How long does experiential therapy last?

The duration of experiential therapy will depend on the type of therapy used as well as the severity of the challenges an individual faces. Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Art therapy may comprise 10 to 15 weekly sessions. Music therapy sessions generally last between 30 and 50 minutes and can be scheduled weekly or on an as-needed basis. For each therapy type, clients should periodically discuss their goals with their therapist to make sure the two are aligned on process and progress.

Does experiential therapy help with trauma?

Trauma is one area where experiential therapy may be useful. Traumatic experiences such as combat or childhood abuse can be so painful that articulating them can be too scary or painful; creating visual art allows people to express themselves without words, and tell their story in a different way. Listening to music can be relaxing, while making music as part of a group provides plenty of opportunities to connect with other people. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, or who have been physically or emotionally abused.