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8 therapists available in Pittsburgh
As someone who has struggled with my own mental health, my approach is always to meet everyone exactly where they are to serve as ...
About
As someone who has struggled with my own mental health, my approach is always to meet everyone exactly where they are to serve as their GPS to help guide them along on their own personal journey.
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 7 years of experience supporting individuals through personal, emotional, and life-transition challenges. I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum concerns, and adjustment to life-altering medical diagnoses or transplants. My background includes work in enhanced outpatient settings and individual therapy, treating a wide range of diagnoses and clinical presentations. I believe therapy is a collaborative journey, and I strive to create a supportive space where clients feel understood, empowered, and guided toward meaningful change.
I earned my master’s in clinical mental health counseling from California University of Pennsylvania. My approach is client-centered and tailored to each individual’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.
Taking the first step toward therapy and inviting someone into your personal thoughts and experiences can feel overwhelming. I understand how important it is to find a therapist who feels like the right fit. If you are seeking compassionate guidance and a collaborative therapeutic relationship, I would be honored to support you on your journey forward.
Education and training
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Dzana Saynes is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with over 25 years of experience helping adult clients who are coping with...
Dzana Saynes is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with over 25 years of experience helping adult clients who are coping with ADHD/trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, difficult life transitions, anger management, and more.
Dzana earned her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She is from Lithuania originally and immigrated to the US in 2004 with her son. She always had a dream to meet her family in the U.S. As a therapist, she loves to provide a non-judgmental and safe environment to talk about family issues. Dzana utilizes a multicultural counseling approach that is integrated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solutions-focused, person-centered, motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment, and existential therapy approaches.
Dzana's belief is that a unique approach to life changes and personal difficulties can be accomplished through cooperative engagements toward improving or making powerful changes in your unique life situations. She specializes in helping clients to improve interpersonal skills, reduce symptoms of mental health conditions, develop better cognitive and emotional skills, and improve self-esteem.
As a therapist, I understand that it can be hard to open up to someone, but I want therapy to feel like getting a cup of coffee wi...
As a therapist, I understand that it can be hard to open up to someone, but I want therapy to feel like getting a cup of coffee with a friend.
Rachel Hill is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor, who is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults to help them become the best version of themselves. She has experience working with a wide range of mental health issues and daily life stressors. These experiences include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anger, and ADHD. Rachel specializes in depression, anxiety, life transitions, ADHD, anger, grief, and stress.
Rachel completed her Master of Counseling at Geneva College. Rachel utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy. She also uses a client-centered approach and views the person as a whole rather than just many parts.
Rachel understands that life is stressful and brings a lot of complicated feelings. She is confident that therapy can help an individual cope with these stressors. Rachel knows that therapy can be a stressful event, but it doesn’t always have to feel like that. If you’re ready to be a better version of yourself, schedule an appointment with her today!
As a queer-identified therapist, with years of experience helping people achieve their goals and find their identities with pride,...
As a queer-identified therapist, with years of experience helping people achieve their goals and find their identities with pride, I am looking forward to the opportunity to help you find a connection with yourself and help you achieve your goals!
Abi Watterson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience. Abi is an advocate and passionate about helping people reach their goals, connect with themselves and identify and work towards the lives they want to be living. Abi specializes in LGBTQIQA+ issues, gender development and expression, helping clients maintain recovery from substances while working through mental health trauma and coping strategies, and has experience in treating depression, anxiety and diagnosis with psychosis.
Abi completed their Master's degree in Counseling at Slippery Rock University. Abi is passionate about identity and equality for all. They utilize multiple treatment approaches to ensure a warm and inviting personality and capable treatment for a variety of concerns.
Abi knows the journey can be tough, but is confident that there is a path forward and a healthy way through the struggles you are facing, and is ready to face those challenges with you together. They can't wait to hear about the exciting changes you want to make. Schedule your session today.
It can be hard to find a safe place to open up and share your life. As one that has experience with a lot of different experiences...
It can be hard to find a safe place to open up and share your life. As one that has experience with a lot of different experiences in the counseling field, I will provide a safe, comfortable place for you to share.
Heather Hodges is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 6 years of experience working with kids as young as 4, elderly clients, and everyone in between. She is driven and passionate about helping kids, adolescents, and adults overcome the hardships that life brings. Heather has a vast amount of experience working with addiction, depression, anxiety, life adjustments, and much more. She will strive to help you reach your potential and wants to meet you where you are. Heather has a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Slippery Rock University.
Heather utilizes a solution-focused approach, focusing on creating and reaching goals in therapy to promote growth in areas the client would like to focus on. She also uses a reality approach along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and an eclectic approach, pending on the needs of her clients.
Heather wants to meet you where you are. She is ready and able to support your needs and help you begin the therapy process. If you are ready to start, schedule an appointment with her today.
Kelley Marron is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in mental health for 18 years. Kelley has a wide range of ...
Kelley Marron is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in mental health for 18 years. Kelley has a wide range of experience working in clinical, educational, and community-based settings. She believes in a person-centered, non-judgmental approach to treatment that focuses on acceptance. Kelley specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, stress management, and women’s issues. Kelley earned her Master of Social Work Degree and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.
Kelley uses evidence-based approaches that are tailored to meet the individual needs of the client. She has an extensive background in utilizing dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Kelley is trained in trauma therapy and is mindful of providing trauma-informed care in her sessions.
Kelley strives to make each client feel like they are heard and encourages them to feel like their story matters. Kelley recognizes the importance of creating a safe, nurturing environment to encourage clients to feel supported and seen as they work on their therapeutic goals.
As a Licensed Social Worker, I understand how systems within our society impact our lives and how to assistance changing them....
As a Licensed Social Worker, I understand how systems within our society impact our lives and how to assistance changing them.
Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Certified Social Worker (LCCSW) in Maryland and Pennsylvania. She is passionate about educating people about domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Michelle works with adults with anxiety, depression, along with those with trauma.
Michelle received her Bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg University and Master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana University. Michelle uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) approach in treatment along with other therapeutic interventions.
We all go through challenges in life. Michelle is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives that allow you to cope with life struggles. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.
Holly Blass is Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who works with her clients by meeting them at their pace and need level to ac...
Holly Blass is Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who works with her clients by meeting them at their pace and need level to achieve their personal goals, decrease negative symptoms, improve interpersonal relationships, and increase quality of life. Holly has 7 years of experience in the mental health field.
Holly completed her Master of Arts (MA) in Couples, Marriage and Family Therapy at Kutztown University. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma focused CBT, ecosystemic structural family therapy, and techniques developed by the Gottman Institute. Holly incorporates a trauma informed approach to help facilitate a feeling of safety, trust, and build a strong therapeutic alliance with each of her clients.
Holly works to help her clients feel empowered, even in their vulnerability, and help them regain control over their own narrative to make lasting positive change. She acknowledges the possible hesitation behind initiating and maintaining change, and works to understand her clients and meet them with flexibility.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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My go-to approach for helping people in family therapy is to start where they are, meaning with what prompted them to come to therapy and what is weighing on them the most. My style is eclectic, so I prefer to adapt my methods to meet their needs, and this changes as therapy progresses. In family therapy, I find the best benefit when everyone involved feels heard because this allows for positive progress for all involved.
These are some of the tools or coping skills that I teach in family therapy:
I know clients are making meaningful progress in family therapy when they report using skills that they learned in therapy successfully. Anytime someone reports that therapy is helping them feel better, that is progress. When someone is able to incorporate new coping skills into daily life and see the progress, that is meaningful. Even small positive changes to your perspective and behaviors will have a significant and meaningful impact in your life.
Clients can supplement their time in family therapy by practicing their listening and other skills between sessions. They can read articles or books to increase their knowledge and understanding. I often make suggestions or send links to articles that are specific to their needs or concerns. If you find information on your own, it is always a good idea to ask your therapist to confirm that the information is accurate, especially for information found on social media or online videos.
To prepare for their first family therapy session, an individual can make a list of questions and/or concerns. Bring a list of any medications that you are taking, prescription, OTC, and supplements. Have a list of prior mental health treatments with dates and names if possible. But most of all be kind to yourself and allow yourself to be open to the idea of exploring your thoughts and emotions.
Family therapy helps families resolve conflicts and strengthen their relationships. It is led by qualified mental health professionals like psychologists, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) who have extensive training in family dynamics and group communication.
Thriveworks family therapists in Pittsburgh, PA usually begin by asking what everyone’s goals are for family counseling. Family members may need help with very specific issues or with general relationship functioning. But there are three main purposes in family counseling: to educate, to counsel, and to strengthen. Thriveworks also offers online family therapy and in-person services, so you may all meet in an office together or join a video call from your home depending on everyone’s location and availability.
The most effective form of Family therapy will often depend on the family itself, as there are many types of family therapy for therapists to use as they see fit in order to best meet the needs of their clients. However, one of the most commonly used types of family therapy is structural family therapy (SFT). SFT focuses specifically on family dynamics and interactions, looking at how they shape the relationships and structure present in the family. It can be effectively used to treat a variety of concerns.
This answer often looks different to each family that starts family therapy. However, some signs that your family might need to consider family counseling include frequent fights or misunderstandings, constant tension, experiencing loss, behavioral issues, marital issues, divorce, and blended family issues, among others.
In family therapy, therapists will often start by asking questions and assessing individual and family dynamics. From there, they may employ therapeutic techniques such as structured family therapy, CBT, strategic family therapy, and more depending on the present concerns and conflicts. From there, a therapist will work to open lines of communication between family members and facilitate emotional healing and growth.
Family therapy can be incredibly successful, with some studies reporting a success rate of almost 90% for improving participants’ emotional and mental health, and around 66% for improving their physical health.
Thriveworks therapists in Pittsburgh, PA offer both online family therapy and in-person family therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
Family therapy is usually short term and solution-focused, with most families accomplishing their goals in 12 sessions or fewer. However, it can also last for longer if the probles at hand are more complex — and that’s okay, too.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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