Hello! I am a California- and Pennsylvania-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with 25 years of experience counseling children, teens, and adults. I have trained and practiced extensively as a cognitive-behavioral therapist, and I also have a passion for mindfulness, self-compassion, and holistic approaches for greater well-being. I draw from Internal Family Systems and Motivation Interviewing, as well. In counseling, I invite people to cultivate greater self-acceptance; release themselves from the burden of limiting, distressing beliefs; and find meaning and opportunity in challenging experiences. It is very possible to be free from suffering! I offer a compassionate, research-based, and collaborative approach to counseling - as well as Eastern and Western Spiritual perspectives to those who may be interested. I love to listen deeply and to offer questions for self-exploration, also. I have a passion and specialty in assisting teens and adults who are experiencing anxiety, as well as those who wish to be more loving/accepting of themselves. I also have a strong interest in supporting individuals with chronic illnesses or other physical challenges, as well as their loved ones. My other professional roles are as an astrologer and a Reiki (Japanese energy healing) practitioner. I also offer dream interpretation sessions, utilizing a research-based model developed at the University of Maryland. In my free time, I care for several animal friends, study Spanish, meditate, hike, and bake vegan cookies. I lived in Southern California for two decades and now reside in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Thank you for viewing my site. It will be a joy to connect with you!

*NO LIVE SESSION AVAILABILITY AT THIS TIME* *PLEASE NOTE AT THIS TIME I AM AVAILABLE FOR ASYNCHRONOUS MESSAGING ONLY* "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." 1 Corinthians 1:10 Regardless of what you have been through, Jesus loves you deeply and He hurts when you hurt. At this time, your journey may be more difficult than you thought and more lonely than it should be, but trust me when I say, you are NOT alone. Your past doesn’t have to define your future… God gives second chances. Even if and when people turn their back on you, God will never leave you. Your life does have a purpose and you are significant. I would love to have the opportunity to work with you to help you learn more and/or strengthen your relationship with Christ and how living a Christ-centered life can be more fulfilling than you ever imagined! As a Christian based therapist, my goal is to help others live a healthier and more fulfilling God-centered life, in which one can look back on in 20 years and say, “Yes I have had struggles, and yes I have been challenged, but they didn’t define who I became!” I truly believe we are creatures of habit and are all a work in progress. We can limit ourselves by choosing to avoid uncomfortable and unfamiliar emotions that are associated with change. I believe by utilizing a holistic approach in examining all areas of our lives, we can only then be knowledgeable and intentional about taking responsibility for and making necessary changes to truly allow us to be the truest and healthiest version of our self. Together we will explore and improve your emotional, behavioral, and relationship functioning by utilizing skills learned through Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, among other evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Between academia, career, and life experiences in general, I have been blessed to encourage, challenge, and empower many others to live their best life. A life they are in control of and can wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and be proud of who they have become and are still aspiring to be. If you are uncomfortable in the life you’re living, stuck in your own head and patterns, then let’s talk and get to work! I challenge you to seek therapy and to be intentional about not only surviving but thriving in this amazing God given journey called life. Through our sessions, we will be working together to establish where you are in your faith and living a Christ-centered life. We will be exploring goals to help you reach your unlimited potential. I would be honored to be by your side every step of the way! If at any point you feel we’re not making progress or we are not a good fit, we can discuss alternative treatment options, such as making a referral to someone who might be a better fit for your unique situation. “Learn to work harder on yourself than you do on your job. If you work hard on your job you’ll make a living, but if you work hard on yourself you’ll make a fortune” - John Rohn My personal statement of faith is in direct alignment with that of Faithful Counseling's online platform: Statement of Faith "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." 1 Corinthians 1:10 Paul's message for the Corinthian church calls us to a very high standard. When we observe the many denominations and theological rifts within the Christian church today, it can seem a daunting task to be "perfectly united in mind and thought." Despite this, I believe that these differences in thought that exist in the church needn't outweigh the greater truths that bind us together, and it is important that all members of Faithful Counseling--therapists and members alike--make an effort to strive toward being united in Christ under what matters most. I believe this will lead to the most successful therapy sessions, and any further details around theological leanings needn't be pressed. In order to reach common ground on what I believe are the most fundamental truths, and being a member of this platform, have agreed to the following core tenets of faith: 1. I believe that the Bible is the word of God, a collection of divinely-inspired writings that have been preserved for each generation, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the only authoritative and infallible rule of Christian faith and practice. ("All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV) 2. I believe in the Triune nature of God (Trinitarianism), that He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one. ("Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 ESV) 3. I believe the only true basis of Christian fellowship is Christ's (agape) love, which is greater than differences one may possess, and without which we have no right to claim ourselves Christians. ("Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 ESV) 4. I believe salvation is by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again, providing eternal redemption to those who believe. It is not by our works or works of the law. ("For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

Hello! Welcome! I’m excited to get to know you. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can feel understood and supported. I’m Melissa, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. Reaching out for support is a big step, and my goal is to make sure you feel understood, supported, and encouraged as we work together. I help people who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, or the stress of balancing many responsibilities. Together, we’ll explore what’s weighing on you, identify practical strategies, and build on your strengths so you can feel more grounded, resilient, and at peace in your daily life. My style is warm, collaborative, and tailored to you. I draw from evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Trauma-Focused CBT. No matter which tools we use, I always work from a trauma-informed, compassionate perspective where you can share openly without judgment. I’m happy to include Christian-based therapy if that feels supportive to you. If not, that’s completely okay—we can focus on whatever feels most helpful for you. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Edinboro University in 2017 and have been a practicing social worker since 2013, with experience in hospitals, schools, community mental health, residential treatment, and child assistance programs. I also bring personal experience with foster care and adoption, which gives me unique insight into the challenges many individuals and families face. Most importantly, I believe you don’t have to walk this path alone. I’d be honored to support you as you move toward a life that feels more balanced, fulfilling, and aligned with your values. Warmly, Melissa

My passion is to help people heal at their deepest core levels. In my clinical practice I have worked with clients experiencing a wide range of symptoms using mindfulness based modalities including EMDR and IFS to optimize emotional and psychological functioning. EMDR and IFS are empirically based treatment interventions designed to access and transform prior emotional wounds. These trauma wounds are often at the root of present day suffering. Compassion, empathy, genuineness, unconditional acceptance and love of learning are a few of the personal traits that I bring to therapeutic work. My clients have experienced freedoms from Anxiety, PTSD, Panic, Depression, Self Esteem and Religious and Spiritual issues. I hold two Master’s degrees, with broad vocational and life experience. I offer you hope that with therapy your life can be transformed and you can live from a place of peace and freedom as you deepen your awareness of your authentic self.

I am a Pennsylvania Licensed Psychologist. Over the past 25 years, I have provided mental health services and support to children and their families, helping clients gain control over emotional and behavioral dysregulation and learning difficulties. I worked for over a decade on the child and adolescent units of a psychiatric hospital. As the educational consultant, I assessed children carrying a variety of diagnoses including ADD, ODD, Tourettes Disorder, Autism, Intellectual Disability, Anorexia, Depression, OCD and others. Unique IEP's or 504 Plans were developed for students before their return to their home schools. I also worked in the public school sector as a school psychologist for twelve years in Pittsburgh, PA and for five years since moving to the west coast. I have administered and interpreted hundreds of psychoeducational tests over the years and while in person assessments are on hold during the pandemic, families may have questions about their child's school progress. My experience in both the medical and educational systems allowed me to gain a unique understanding of school systems from an educational and legal perspective as well as expertise in the the development and monitoring of a successful IEP. In private practice, my areas of advanced study include PTSD, Anger Management, Depression, and ADHD in both children and adults. The pandemic has affected all if us in ways we may not yet fully understand. And now we are all dealing with inflation and the related financial concerns. If you feel the need for support, this would be a good time to call.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. I have worked in the mental health field for 10 years. I have worked in an RTF, as a crisis intervention specialist, was a paraprofessional for a therapeutic emotional support classroom, a school-based outpatient counselor, and a partial hospitalization therapist. I have worked with a variety of mental health diagnosis, at times with individuals experiencing mental health and substance concerns. I am certified in TARGET and have a Play Therapy Certificate. I have utilized Sand Tray therapy when working with children. I utilize CBT, DBT, Solution-focused and some motivational interviewing when working with clients that are adolescent and older. I strive to be warm and inviting and interacting in sessions that are more like conversations. Each individual is their own individual, meaning not one treatment will work for all. I strive to be the hope for individuals when they struggle to see the hope that things can be better for themselves. Individuals who seek help are brave and courageous, as taking the first step is the hardest. Change takes time and courage, and if you are wanting things to change and be better for yourself, I look forward to meeting with you and working together.

As a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with a deep commitment to addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive perspective to therapy, particularly focused on supporting men, young adults, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. My work emphasizes healing from stress, relationship difficulties, and personal growth challenges. My therapeutic practice draws from evidence-based approaches, creating a supportive environment where clients can explore self-love, communication skills, and personal empowerment. I'm dedicated to helping individuals develop meaningful coping strategies, overcome isolation, and rediscover their sense of purpose. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, processing past experiences, or seeking guidance through significant life changes, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional expertise.

Hello. I am a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania with over 23 years of experience. I have worked in a variety of settings with children, teens, and adults to manage a number of concerns including; depression, anxiety, grief and loss, family and relationship issues, attention and concentration (ADHD) and overcoming traumas. I have been blessed with a very rewarding career that I truly enjoy and continue to grow and educate myself so that I may better help others. Over the years I have learned everyone is capable of change and personal growth if given the support needed to identify their individual strengths and abilities. I also believe that each person is unique and deserves a therapy style/type that best fits their situation and goals. I have experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and The Humanistic Approach though I am very flexible so that I can tailor my approach to meet your specific needs. I am a very compassionate and non-judgmental person and have been told many times that I am very approachable and easy to talk to. I will always welcome your feedback and hope you will be open about what is most comfortable for you. Asking for help truly takes courage and I am so glad you have taken this first step! Change can be scary and I know this isn't an easy process, but I will be there to support and encourage you through your journey of personal growth.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. I have over 6 years experience helping clients with stress / anxiety, coping with addictions and mood disorders, relationship issues, and parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am happy for you for getting started!

I’m a licensed clinical therapist in Pennsylvania with over 13 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges. My areas of expertise include stress and anxiety, relationship and family issues, self-esteem, motivation, and confidence. I have a special passion for working with new mothers as they navigate the emotional complexities of early motherhood. My approach is collaborative and empowering—I believe you are the expert of your own story, and I’m here to help you tap into your strengths to create meaningful change. Seeking support is a brave first step, and I’m honored to walk alongside you on your path toward healing and growth.

As a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients address challenges like depression, grief, life transitions, and self-esteem concerns. I'm particularly passionate about creating compassionate spaces where people can explore personal growth, heal from past experiences, and develop stronger communication and coping skills. My therapeutic approach focuses on understanding each individual's unique journey. I work closely with clients experiencing social anxiety, relationship difficulties, and emotional struggles related to identity, purpose, and personal empowerment. Whether you're dealing with life changes, interpersonal challenges, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. I draw from evidence-based practices to support clients in developing resilience, self-compassion, and meaningful strategies for personal transformation. My goal is to help you build inner strength, reconnect with your authentic self, and create positive pathways forward.

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. Perhaps, adjusting to what now can be your new normal life. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I believe in empowerment and courage. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a licensed mental health counselor, counselor educator, and clinical supervisor with a specialization in women’s and reproductive mental health. In addition, I provide care in areas of trauma, major depression, anxiety, intimacy and relationship issues. My clinical work centers women and birthing people navigating infertility, pregnancy and postpartum transitions, loss, trauma, and identity shifts across the lifespan. I integrate trauma-informed, somatic, cognitive-behavioral, and narrative approaches, with a deep commitment to culturally responsive and liberatory care. My therapeutic approach honors each person's unique journey, focusing on critical areas like self-love, communication, life purpose, and healing from shame and guilt. I understand the profound impact of systemic challenges and provide culturally responsive care that validates individual experiences. I'm committed to creating a compassionate, affirming space where clients can explore their deepest challenges—whether related to workplace stress, relationship transitions, personal growth, or healing from past wounds. My work integrates evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of multicultural experiences and the nuanced impacts of prejudice and discrimination. Through collaborative, strength-based counseling, I support clients in rediscovering their inherent resilience and developing transformative strategies for emotional well-being.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. I have been fortunate enough to help many different types of clients navigate stressors they faced including depression, anxiety, PTSD, Parenting, and Relationship issues. I specialize in treating trauma in adults as well as couples and relationships. I have a passion for working with veterans and first responders as well as their families to strengthen their relationships. I have experience working with high-risk adolescents and individuals with dementia and their families as well. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where individuals can explore their experiences, process challenging emotions, understand the physical manifestations of stress and trauma and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. My therapeutic work is grounded in respect for each person's unique journey and experience, with a deep commitment to helping clients discover their inner strength and create positive, sustainable change in their lives.