Family Systems Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA

Do you want help processing your thoughts and feelings? Need help problem-solving what life throws at you? Are you motivated to change to help you better adapt to new life situations? Then you have come to the right place. I can help you find your motivation to change, better handle life challenges and work stressors, and assist you with building better relationships.

My approach to therapy is an integrative one that focuses on a person-centered approach. I view the therapeutic relationship as a significant element of change and will collaborate with you in a respectful, nonjudgmental, empathetic, and supportive manner. I believe that our past and current experiences effect our lives in impactful ways and influence our relationship with ourselves and those around us. I aim to empower you by uncovering your strengths and resilience on which we will build a more confident and vivid individual. I am here to help you find your place, feel connected, and reclaim control of your mind and body.

I am dedicated and hard working with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field serving children, young adults, and families. I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, and depression and have an extensive background in helping children with behavioral issues and their families. By developing a strong therapeutic alliance, I am able to offer skill development and confidence building to support clients in processing events and decision making. Ideal clients will be open and honest in a supportive, non-judgmental setting to learn skills and increase happiness and hopefulness.

I am a mother, creative, historian, writer, and identity navigation specialist working in the clinical mental health space. I am passionate about our pasts, our brains, anti-racism, justice, relationships, and identity. I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health and Applied Psychology from Antioch New England. I like to take big-picture societal and systemic issues and ground them down to our everyday experiences. I believe that building strong, equitable, and informed relationships, with ourselves first, can begin to shift toxic societal narratives that have created cycles of trauma and suffering for far too long.

It has been said that, “change is the only constant in life” (Heraclitus). This statement may ring true for you, and it may even have led you here. Change can be exciting, AND it can also be daunting, anxiety-inducing and downright paralyzing at times. We experience many moments of transition and new stages in life, and I’m here to help you navigate these waters. I specialize in working with teens, especially those with perfectionism, young professionals, and new parents. My areas of expertise include childhood and adult trauma, perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, grief, and supporting parents of anxious children.

I have been practicing in the mental health profession since 1973 using recognized best practices for the assessment & treatment of behavioral health issues. I have been accepted in state & federal courts as a clinical & forensic mental health expert in both criminal & civil court proceedings for both defense & prosecution. The focus of our practice is upon providing client focused behavioral health care services which are results driven to a wide range client base. I am a nationally & internationally recognized published author & provide training services on a frequent basis. NBSC employs a net work of mental health experts providing specialty mental health services to our clients.

I believe each person has the power to expand their agency and live in more authenticity and alignment with their values. I work with individuals, couples, and families to build upon strengths and lean into growing edges, to deepen our connection to meaning, body, and relationships and see new paths forward. Many of my clients are care workers, poly/ENM couples, and trans folks navigating gender identity and family relationships.

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. I also specialize in Adult Children of Alcoholism or Dysfunctional Homes. 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.

Self-exploration can be challenging yet liberating. Learning who we are and who we are meant to become is rewarding for ourselves and others. Mental health needs to be a priority. I will help you begin self-examination by creating a safe space and strong therapeutic relationship. I can help you access feelings and thoughts so you can rediscover the joy and learn the benefits of healthy communication and boundaries. You will know your rhythm and feel more confident applying the developed tools.

Do you keep finding yourself in the same painful loops in your life, emotions, & relationships? It’s my goal to help you understand where the patterns & behaviors that cause you pain and suffering originate from. I will guide you to acceptance & non judgement for the parts of yourself that seem unlovable. Together, we will explore how your early life experiences shaped the way you see yourself & the world now. Compassionately, through somatic work, shadow work & inner child work, we will heal & rewire thought & behavioral patterns from the root of where they stem so that you can find empowerment, authenticity, fulfillment, and joy.

Death is a part of being human, yet the chaos of grief can bring the strongest to their knees and the heartbreak of loss can make us feel that we've lost our way. I have more than 10 years specialized experience in helping people cope with chronic/terminal illness, death, dying, grief and loss. Grief is a lived experience to move through, not a simple problem to fix. I specialize in helping others find their way through the chaos and darkness to (re)find themselves and the joy and beauty of the world around them.

At Summit Psychological Services, we are commited to providing a postive experience while you start or continue your journey to a more healthy, happy you. Whether you are looking for assistance with an immidiate problem or to gain a greater understanding of yourself, we would like to help you on your journey.

Let's work together to help you live your best life: Whatever that means and looks like for you. I believe in the therapeutic process of discovery, understanding, healing and ultimately creating meaning in one's life and circumstances. As your therapist, my goal is to create a comfortable space to work towards your goals. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor experienced working with adults, teens, couples and families struggling with a variety of concerns including: stress/anxiety, depression, life transitions, career changes, emotion management, self-esteem, relationships, women's issues and so on.

Do you struggle with self-esteem issues and want to be more confident? Are you dealing with a major depressive disorder and have poor sleep & hygiene? Do you want a better life so you can keep your job and have a thriving life? I can help you identify where negative thoughts about yourself and your identity stem from. We will work on identifying negative thoughts and stress triggers. We will review what interventions have worked and have not worked for your mental health. I provide psychoeducation & may give some mini exercises, such as using positive affirmations, coming up with a nighttime routine, & relaxation techniques.

I am here to help people on their journey, wherever they are in life. I believe in empowering people to make good choices for themselves. I work well with clients suffering from depression and/or anxiety and want solid positive coping skills to help deal with stressors. I use CBT and trauma-informed care, as well as an Adlerian perspective to understand the importance of early childhood experiences on personality and belief structure. I believe mindfulness matters. Taking care of you is important!

For over 20 years, I have worked in the field of mental health and addiction. I have extensive experience working with all disorders from mild to severe and specialize in working with the dual diagnosed (mental health and addiction) population; especially those suffering with mood disorders, anxiety and trauma related issues. I am able to offer support to not only the client who is suffering but their family and support system as well. I believe that all people are capable of improving their life with hard work, openness and a desire for change.

Melissa Alcorn-Ferry is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She is energized by helping people reach their goals and potential. Melissa specializes in depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, addiction, grief, and life transitions. Melissa completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Pittsburgh. She has worked in homes, schools, communities, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment programs.

I work with folks anywhere in PA and have 15+ years of experience in treating OCD, trauma, and stressors around pregnancy, birth, and parenting, especially birth trauma and postpartum intrusive thoughts. I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach that emphasizes compassion, connection, and flexibility and harnesses what matters most to us to guide our goals and actions amidst the hard stuff of life. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Behavior Analyst, I also support parents supporting their children across development, OCD, anxiety, neurodivergence, and other needs.

Debra Blaacker is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in treating life transitions, anger, self-esteem, parenting issues, and stress in all ages. Debra has 5 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked with a variety of people with different types of trauma, and all have had the same needs: Everyone needs support and drive when they want to make positive changes, and Debra wants to support and push her clients as needed to help them improve their quality of life.