Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Pittsburgh, PA

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 40 years of experience supporting adults navigating mood disorders, anxiety, substance use challenges, daily living stressors, and the impacts of childhood or sexual trauma. Throughout my career, I have focused on helping clients heal, regain stability, and build healthier ways of coping. My approach is compassionate, steady, and grounded in creating a safe space where you feel seen, understood, and supported as you work toward meaningful change.

I earned my master’s in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior skills, and psychodynamic principles to help clients strengthen insight, shift unhelpful patterns, and progress toward lasting recovery.

I believe mental health therapy is both a process and a journey, and every step forward matters. My goal is to walk alongside you as you gain confidence, release shame, and move toward emotional clarity and peace. It would be my honor to support you on your path to healing.

Heather Richards is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience working with diverse populations, from preschool-aged children to older adults. She has supported individuals facing trauma, grief, and loss, and has worked with clients navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Heather’s background includes work with at-risk youth, family systems, and outpatient and group therapy. She is passionate about helping clients committed to healing and personal growth.

Heather earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She uses a client-centered, integrative approach that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and strength-based techniques. She meets clients where they are while encouraging growth outside their comfort zone.

Heather helps clients feel empowered in their healing journey by fostering connection and trust. She values each client’s input and believes therapy should be tailored to individual needs and never one-size-fits-all. Heather supports clients in developing tools to manage symptoms, build resilience, and improve their quality of life.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 6 years of experience, and I specialize in supporting individuals through challenging emotional periods. I work with clients motivated to foster personal growth and improve their overall well-being through the therapeutic process. I create a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and emotions while developing strategies to achieve your goals and experience meaningful change.

I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Messiah College, where I developed a strong foundation in evidence-based practices. I use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, and mindfulness strategies to meet each client’s unique needs and promote personal growth.

As an extrovert and lifelong athlete, I value teamwork, collaboration, and building strong relationships to achieve shared goals. Therapy is a place where you don’t have to carry your burdens alone. I invite you to take the next step and schedule a session where we can work together on your journey toward healing and growth.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania with 4 years of experience. I have worked in community mental health settings supporting clients of diverse backgrounds as they navigate challenges such as managing emotions, developing coping skills, processing grief and trauma, and building a healthier self-image. My approach is rooted in compassion and collaboration, and I am committed to helping clients create meaningful change in their lives.

I have a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. I utilize a strengths-based approach to support my clients in reaching their goals. I draw from dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, somatic-focused therapy, and expressive arts to tailor care to each person’s unique needs.

I look forward to learning more about you and walking alongside you on your journey. Together, we can work toward growth, resilience, and healing.

Layla Bruzda is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience working in both inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment, as well as outpatient mental health treatment for adolescents and adults. She is helping clients to address substance use problems, trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, ADHD symptoms, grief/loss, relationship problems, communication/conflict resolution, legal involvement, and day-to-day life stressors.

Layla earned a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She uses a person-centered approach to help clients achieve their goals. She utilizes cognitive behavior therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, motivational Interviewing, and other approaches based on individual needs and goals.

Layla believes that everyone deserves to live a peaceful and fulfilling life, despite past mistakes or difficult life experiences. She recognizes that carrying around this emotional weight can be physically and mentally exhausting, or lead to feeling "stuck." Layla's goal is to help clients process these issues to lighten the weight of life's challenges.

Laura Marsico is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 4 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in working with adolescents and adults dealing with the variety of challenges associated with life changes, as well as those affected by anxiety, chronic illness, depression, family and relational issues, grief and loss, and trauma. Laura has worked in community and residential settings and has experience as a teacher and an artist.

Laura received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Master of Arts in Studio Arts from Western Carolina University. She views clients holistically, and her integrative approach includes cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and expressive arts.

Laura appreciates that while life continually happens, it is easy to lose sight of one’s truth amidst the chaos of today’s world. By offering compassion and empathy, Laura listens with care and aims to help clients learn new ways to communicate, cope, and heal through living in alignment with their core values.

I am a licensed professional counselor with 14 years of experience providing mental health services to individuals across the lifespan. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, trauma-related conditions, and substance use disorders. My experience across multiple settings allows me to support individuals with complex and co-occurring mental health needs.

I hold a master’s degree in clinical counseling from Alliant International University. My approach is evidence-based and collaborative, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and person-centered therapy to support insight, coping skills, and emotional regulation.

Seeking support is a meaningful and courageous step. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel understood and empowered to make meaningful change. When you are ready, I invite you to take the next step and begin this work together.

Evan Csir is a Licensed Practicing Counselor with over 9 years of experience. He is passionate about working with people, especially autistic individuals. He is experienced in helping clients with depression, anxiety, and ADHD issues.

Evan earned his BA in English and Psychology from Thiel College in 2007 and his MA in Counseling in 2013 at Edinboro University. Evan has worked with children his entire professional career as he's worked in BHRS and family-based therapy. He also participated in the intensive family coaching program (parent-child interaction therapy which is done in the home). Evan uses person-centered, behavioral therapy, CBT, and DBT techniques.

Evan is a firm believer that we are all works in progress and never stop growing. He likes to use the metaphor of maintaining a yoga pose: The things in life that challenge us the most are the poses we need to work on the most.

Sean Burns is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 18 years of experience in behavioral health and drug and alcohol treatment settings. Sean specializes in working with teenagers and adults, ages 14 to 100, challenged by anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, work difficulties, marital/relationship conflict, school stress, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, grief/loss experiences, faith/religious beliefs, and behavioral issues. Sean also has experience in dealing with addiction affecting individuals and families. He provides skills, tools, educational information, and suggestions to help clients take the next step.

Sean received his Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. He utilizes approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, compassion-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, faith-based and Christian counseling, and motivational interviewing.

Sean can assist you in improving the relationships that mean the most to you and set appropriate boundaries within more challenging ones. He invites you to partner with him for your health and well-being and encourages you to schedule an appointment today.

Jordan Stash is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 3 years of experience in the mental health field. He has experience working with all age groups, including children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. He strives to assist his clients in a variety of ways, helping them navigate through difficult times, processing emotions, and more. He specializes in several areas including depression, anxiety, gender identity, sexual orientation, LGBTQIA+ issues, and child therapy.

Jordan holds his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a certificate in Student Affairs from California University-Pennsylvania. He has worked with children on the autism spectrum, assisting them with recognizing behaviors, processing emotions, and more. He is a former behavioral therapist who utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and solutions-focused brief therapy (SFBT).

Everyone has different perspectives and personal experiences. Jordan believes he can offer guidance and support on your new journey to a more productive, insightful sense of well-being. Jordan will help you develop skills and techniques, as well as cultivate a greater understanding of yourself and your experiences. Reach out to schedule with Jordan today.

“Thoughts become things...choose the good ones!" (-Mike Dooley/TUT). Kate has 15 years’ experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. She takes a holistic, eclectic, integrative approach to counseling, with the desire to create a "home base" -- a safe, caring, empathic and nonjudgmental environment to explore, heal, and reunite the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of who you are. She incorporates traditional evidence-based modalities; wisdom gleaned from broad life experiences; a deep, spiritual relationship with her own humanness; and good old-fashioned common sense. One of Kate’s greatest realizations is that our thoughts and beliefs are not always reliable sources of information. When faced with stress, sorrow, pain, trauma and tragedy, inaccurate thoughts and beliefs can lead to depression, anxiety, shame, guilt, and unnecessary suffering. This in turn can lead us down distressing paths. Kate commends you for recognizing and accepting that you can't figure it all out by yourself. She desires to help you learn to think clearly and effectively in times of crisis; show courage in the face of trauma; and find humor amid tragedy. She endeavors to help you make sense out of things that just don't seem to make sense.

Angela Illig is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who possesses over 16 years of experience in the mental health field, serving youth and adults with individualized care. Angela is passionate about working with individuals and couples to manage obstacles, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and reach their full potential. She sees herself as a human potential enhancer, assisting clients in recognizing and capitalizing upon unique strengths in the counseling process. Angela specializes in assisting clients with career or life transition, stress, anxiety, depression, coping, family dynamics, sexuality, relationships, confidence, identity, motivation, and codependency. She has aided families and couples with communication and conflict resolution skill-building, advocacy and assertiveness, grief, co-parenting, and building positive family dynamics. 

Angela completed her Master of Science (MS) in Counseling and Higher Education at Syracuse University and her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Administrative and Policy Studies in Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Angela is a counselor and university instructor, with ample experience aiding others in navigating the stressors of life. She is a consistent advocate and promoter of wellness, and works to build rapport with her clients, infusing enthusiasm, transparency, and authenticity into sessions. Angela appreciates the delicate balance of properly supporting and challenging clients while integrating various elements of theories into practice. She employs the practical, goal-oriented treatment of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in helping clients grow and achieve success. Angela also utilizes multiple other approaches in her work, including solution-focused therapy, positive psychology, structural family therapy, and psychoeducation.

Angela believes that we all deserve to be able to live fully, put our best feet forward, and focus on strengths and self-care in restoring our lives to wellness. She is patient-centered and motivated by her clients' success. Angela is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to achieve that potential, gaining new perspective, confidence, and skills. If you are ready to begin, schedule an appointment with her today!

Christina McClarren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 8 years of experience in the mental health field. Christina is passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families grow beyond current challenges. She specializes in depression, anxiety, personality disorders, grief, chronic/serious mental health issues, communication, and managing life stressors.

Christina completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Pittsburgh. She has worked in a variety of settings including corrections systems, school systems, and outpatient settings. Christina utilizes a variety of treatment approaches including expressive art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), family therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, and play therapy.

Christina values the importance of the therapeutic relationship and ensures that the treatment process is a mutual collaboration. She is confident that she will be able to support you on your journey to help you achieve your goals and learn the skills to manage whatever life may throw at you. If you are ready to begin the therapy process, schedule an appointment with Christina today.

Theresa Welsh is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a passion for providing the utmost quality of services to individuals, couples, and families struggling with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, abuse, ADHD, stress, family conflict, life transitions, grief, and more. 

Theresa received her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Geneva College, where she focused her studies on Marriage and Families. Her clinical vision is to ensure a virtual space that is a safe place for clients to experience their vulnerabilities while sharing their stories. Theresa implements both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solutions-focused therapy (SFT), and motivational interviewing interventions in her practice. 

Theresa’s strength-based approach, non-judgmental nature, and focus on strong therapeutic relationships all help her clients grow to accomplish their goals. Reach out to build on your strengths and attain the growth Theresa can help you stay committed to accomplishing.