Transgender Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA

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.

July 2024: I have a waitlist for individual therapy, but I'm currently accepting clients for my groups! Please see more info about group offerings at the bottom of my profile or on my website. I work with individuals who struggle with OCD, eating disorders, or both. I can empower clients who are looking to change patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that lead to life dissatisfaction. I am interested in working with people who need help breaking the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Additionally, I work well with individuals who are looking to heal their relationship with food, exercise, and their body.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." -Lao Tzu. If your journey could benefit from the most progressive, evidenced-based treatments currently available, Touchstone Clinical Associates can help. Our team has a rare depth of experience treating eating disorders, mood disorders, and trauma that cannot be found anywhere else in the area. With a wealth of empathy, Touchstone Clinical Associates has the knowledge and technical expertise to get your journey started on the right path.

Life can be as challenging as it is rewarding. It is often useful to have a professional source of support when working through those challenges. If you are considering seeking counseling services and believe that a warm, caring, and nonjudgmental environment would be helpful in reaching your goals, I may be the right therapist for you. Whether you are facing a specific issue, such as difficulty in dealing with a traumatic experience, a mental health issue, relationships, divorce, or grief, or if you would like some general guidance in exploring options for personal growth, I am here to help.

As a National Certified and Licensed Professional Counselor I aim to create a safe, inclusive and affirming space for every one of my clients. I prioritize the therapeutic relationships that I build with each client and acknowledge the importance of having a trusting and supportive environment. I have a special interest in diverse LGBTQ+ issues, as well as, experience working with anxiety, various mood disorders, trauma, grief and loss, and addiction.

We all grow up and live in a society which favors conformity. Not "fitting in" or being "different" can result in feelings of depression, low self-esteem, and isolation which can effect all aspects of our lives. This can be especially true for the LGBTQ population. As a psychodynamic therapist, my goal is to assist you in your personal development from unsatisfying or painful patterns of living and to a life that you can celebrate. While we can't change the past, we can work together to change how it continues to impact your life and resolve challenges and issues that have resulted from it.

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.

I work with individuals who are looking to have a new conversation about their life. Together, we will try to put into words what hasn’t been said before, and feel feelings that haven’t been felt. We’ll try to answer questions, and ask new ones; we’ll think aloud, and we’ll think in silence. Hopefully, as our relationship grows, you will feel comfortable sharing with me not only your joys, disappointments, frustrations, and anxieties outside the treatment, but even in it with me. The more you feel safe bringing to our work together, the more healing it will be. My number one priority is creating a space where you can be who you are.

“Don’t ever make decisions based on fear. Make decisions based on hope and possibility” (M. Obama). Using specialized techniques, listening skills, and compassion, I want to help you repair the impact that fear, poverty, abuse, and trauma has had on your life. Whether it is PTSD, ADHD, domestic violence, childhood trauma, substance abuse, or sex worker/sex positive–kink allied therapy that you seek, I can help. I want to assist you in improving the quality of your life so that fear, emotional pain and suffering no longer have to control your life. You can learn to be in control of all these things. Start by giving me a call.

If you are a person who struggles with acceptance or change, I may be the person for you. Change can be difficult to adjust to and sometimes having the opportunity to talk it out helps you understand your situation a little better. You are not alone and there are others who struggle with similar issues. Admitting you need help coping or dealing with trauma or a life altering situations shows your courage to make a difference in your life and others. Life can be difficult to navigate through and if you are seeking someone who can be a source of support for you to help guide you down a path to success: Let’s talk about it

Hi ya’ll, I’m Chris. The state of the world and our own well-being can often feel very fragile, especially after these last few years. Through counseling I am able to provide an outlet for processing your emotions and actions and finding a way to unstick yourself when you don’t like where you are. Therapy can be a frightening step for many, but I hope to make your journey to a healthier mindset as comfortable and rewarding as possible. My clinical experience and education are focused on working with those who struggle with severe depression and anxiety.

Accepting New Clients Summer 2024. Afterschool and Weekend Appointments Available, now taking UPMC and Highmark insurance. These are tough times for children and the parents who love them. One in six American children are struggling with mental health issues. You may feel worried about your child and unsure of what to do to help. Unfortunately, children don’t have the ability to tell us what is wrong. They tell us with their behavior. I specialize exclusively in the treatment of children, and have 40 years of experience learning to understand them and how best to help.

Our skilled doctoral-level therapists offer personalized and comprehensive psychological care. Together, we help with most mood, behavioral, relational, and life transition issues. You will receive an assessment of your psychological health and a personalized plan to fit your unique needs, goals, and life situation. Most importantly, you will develop insights and strategies to take therapy “on the go.”

Many people envision a therapist as a disconnected observer; however, my clinical approach is very relational and collaborative, meaning you and I both work together toward your healing. Once we've established a foundation of trust, my style tends toward creative and playful, as I feel the role of laughter is often undervalued in the therapeutic process. Our struggles are not silly, but we human beings often are. People typically enter treatment expecting tears, and they often come, but joy is equally powerful and cathartic.

Accepting new clients! Your neurodivergence makes you feel "other" and "on the outside" in a world that is set up for neutrotypicals. The consistent pressure to function as if your brain is not different makes day-to-day life so exhausting you could burst. You are starting to come to terms with the fact that your intrusive thoughts and compulsions may actually be OCD, but you have no idea where to start with something that feels so big. You are tired of pretending that your partners aren't your partners when discussing... well, everything. You want to discuss the complexities and nuances of your relationships. ALL of them.

I think that therapy doesn’t have to be complicated. As a client you can expect to highlight your strengths, speak to your individual experience in a non-judgmental environment, receive unconditional support from someone you trust, and learn new ways to lessen your pain. Therapy is a wonderfully transformative venture, where two people collaborate on how to navigate the human experience. My approach is strengths-based, person-first, and multifaceted to meet your specific needs.

I facilitate people finding physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing and connection by building a safe and compassionate therapeutic relationship in which healing grief, trauma and challenges can be resolved. I support individuals becoming their fullest self in life and relationships through therapy, body/mind connection and stress management. I also enjoy providing Clinical Supervision to therapeutic professionals.

Life can leave you feeling stuck or overwhelmed at times. Sometimes one may feel generally dissatisfied with life and wanting more, if any of these are you...you are not alone. Depression, hopelessness, relationship problems, loss, domestic/sexual violence, sexual abuse, and addiction are just a few of the issues that bring people into counseling. Confronting these realities can be a daunting task. Counseling and the therapeutic relationship can help individuals address these adversities, transcend negative emotions and heal. I've learned that a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation to combating negative emotions such as; sadness, guilt, shame, anxiety, hurt, and hopelessness.

Whether you are seeking relief from anxiety, depression, grief, loss, or striving for emotional regulation and self-concept, we can work together to create growth and transformation. I work with folks who live, love, and think outside the box. My clients often face challenges related to identity and belonging. They may feel misunderstood or marginalized due to their queer, creative, or unconventional lifestyles. Many are grappling with anxiety and stress stemming from a chaotic climate future and uncertain political landscape. They might also experience a sense of existential uncertainty, questioning meaning and purpose in life.