Our counselors provide therapy in Pittsburgh, PA

Abigail: I am an avid believer in solution-focused and self-affirming therapy practices. These post-modern theories help people orient to their true intention and motivation and work towards inner growth acceptance in meaningful and manageable ways.

Molly Maureen: My go-to approach for helping people in individual therapy is to start where they are, meaning 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. This allows for continued progress as the client's needs change.

Abigail: I use self-esteem and confidence, motivation and self-management, emotional understanding and safe expression, and healthy self-care and coping strategies for stress and fatigue.

Molly Maureen: These are some of the tools or coping skills that I teach in individual therapy:

• Problem-solving: Looking at your situation to identify what you CAN do for yourself instead of only seeing the problem
• Mindfulness: Techniques that increase your awareness and help you focus on being present in the moment and connecting you with your thoughts and feelings
• Grounding exercises: Part of mindfulness often used to cope with feeling anxious or overwhelmed
• Communication skills: Learning to express your thoughts and emotions appropriately to yourself and others; this includes listening skills
• Relaxation techniques: Used to reduce stress, anxiety, and other symptoms as well as for self-care
• Stress management techniques including self-care

Abigail: My clients are usually able to discuss some symptom improvement within 2-4 weeks of attendance.

Molly Maureen: I know a client is making meaningful progress 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 their own progress that is meaningful. Even small positive changes to your perspective and behaviors will have a significant and meaningful impact in your life.

Abigail: Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy by following their therapy interventions and self-care plans they design with me. Schedule an appointment for recommended resources that fit your therapy situation.

Molly Maureen: Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy by reading 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.

Abigail: To prepare for your first session, you can realize you are not alone, and I am here to help and make sure you feel safe and confident in the therapy work we do.

Molly Maureen: To prepare for your first individual therapy session, you can make a list of questions and/or concerns, bring a list of any medications that you are taking (prescription, OTC, and supplements), and 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.