Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Shadyside, PA

My focus includes trauma-informed therapy with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent individuals. I primarily work with adolescents and young adults. I utilize evidence-based, affirming practices to support my clients in processing trauma, regulating mood instability, improving relationships, coping with life transitions, and building confidence in themselves.

Recovering from an eating disorder and/or severe trauma can frequently be difficult. My broad training and extensive experience enables me to work with patients in a variety of ways including traditional therapeutic approaches, the incorporation of art therapy as a component of treatment, and the use of EMDR. I work with each individual patient to determine the type of approach that best matches her personality and therapeutic needs. I have been one of the first psychotherapists to make use of expressive arts and EMDR in the treatment of eating disorders.

Many of us wrestle to find hope in our lives, move forward, or just make it through the day. Depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and loss can take away motivation, causing struggle and suffering. This can change. Perhaps you're determining which life path to take or are dealing with past trauma, abuse, or painful memories. You don't have to carry this weight alone. I provide an unbiased, nonjudgmental space for adults to explore what is hindering them and overcome obstacles in healthy, ways.

I believe meaningful change occurs when people are given the space and support to consider new ways of relating to themselves and their experiences. As a licensed clinical psychologist, my goal is to offer that space and support so that the process of psychotherapy can be as useful to you as possible.

Do you feel like you are going through life’s struggles alone, unsupported and with no direction? Balancing the demands of life, work or school in today's fast paced and changing world can leave us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, depressed, lonely or even angry. As children we sometimes develop behavioral strategies to face life's challenges or trauma's that as adults, simply no longer fit with how we imagine or intend ourselves to be. Understanding the nature and origin of destructive patterns and their consequences, addressing current challenges and long standing issues, gaining insight and learning the skills necessary for change is what successful therapy is about.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and provide psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults. My approach integrates a variety of evidence-based practices including psychodynamic, CBT & DBT. I have been effective at utilizing these treatment modalities to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, and other clinical concerns. Clients also come to my practice to improve relationships and navigate stressful life changes. I have in person and Telehealth availability for children and adults in Shadyside, PA.

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.

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.

I am taking new clients as of July 2024. I have partnered with a colleague, Frank Bienkowski to create a new practice, True to You Counseling and Coaching. Over my 20+ years in the field of mental health I’ve come to believe most people are seeking to understand their place and purpose in this challenging world. Navigating things like relationships, finances, careers, family, and trying to make the right choices all while having many unexpected events thrown in can be destabilizing. When you feel lost and have more questions than answers, I am here to help you sort through the overwhelm.

Offering help for depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma, stress and burnout. Working with adults, college & grad students and professionals, including people in sensitive and high-profile roles for whom discretion & privacy are paramount. Here you will get a therapist that has a deep and unique understanding of suffering, a therapist that is skillful, knowledgeable, real, transparent and compassionate. A therapist that gets it and has expertise in diagnosis and treatment based on advanced knowledge of human development, psychotherapeutic treatment and advanced knowledge of research in psychology.

Ready to shift in a positive way? It's one thing to talk about your problems and another to resolve them. I specialize in holistic approaches that focus on healing the root cause. As unresolved issues fester inside of you, they leave you feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, anxious or depressed. Over time these unresolved issues build up and form patterns of negative thinking and behaving that drain you and your joy for life. I believe we are hard-wired for joy at our core. My compassionate and nonjudgmental approach helps release the negativity that is blocking your joy and fulfillment.

I am most drawn to supporting individuals interested in empathically instilling acceptance for themselves and the way they have learned to survive within their environment. I work best with teens and young adults who tend to over-think and want to lean to befriend their feelings. If you find yourself struggling with transitions, managing emotions or trusting yourself and others, I would be honored to support you in discovering ways to reduce tension and increase understanding around what your “symptoms” are trying to tell you.

I help clients learn to listen to and hear themselves; my interest is in helping you to develop the confidence to recognize and honor your own wisdom and thereby make more effective choices in your life. My clinical experiences have afforded me the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients, including but not limited to those with major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bi-polar disorder, and grief. If you are interested in gaining insight into your problems and concerns in order to make changes in your life, then our work together will be rewarding for you.

Therapists at Alliance Therapy Center have immediate openings for clients, now including children ages 3 and up! Click our website link to request an appointment. We look forward to working with you!

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.

Barbara is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in Mental Health Counseling. Barbara received her Master's Degree from Slippery Rock University in Psychology. Her counseling approach is eclectic in nature and adjusted to meet the existing needs of the client in relationship to their own individual developmental needs.

I believe that therapy should feel like a conversation between two people, without a power imbalance or fears of being judged. I am a licensed professional counselor, but first and foremost, I’m a human being like you. If you choose to work together, I promise to be genuine, compassionate, and real. I specialize in treating adolescents through young adults, and I have extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, suicidality and self-injury, and Borderline Personality Disorder.

Whatever you're seeking, be it treatment for depression or anxiety, or be it deeper insight into yourself, my goal as a therapist is to help you through that process and guide you along the way, as a trusted companion would.

Disappointment, stress, and trauma can make us forget who we really are: inherently good beings, capable of giving and receiving love in a balanced, healthy way. I can help you to remember, by providing a safe, warm, and welcoming space where you can share your experiences. We'll explore your story together and, along the way, take a look at your strengths, your potential, and what stands between you and strong, healthy connections with yourself and others. I have a deep understanding of how essential - and fragile - trust can be.