Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA

I enjoy working with clients who want to get to the root of their struggles. These clients would like to gain insight into their symptoms, something difficult that has happened to them or to explore cycles and patterns that aren’t serving them. The clients I see often have attended therapy in the past. The clients I see also often present with attachment-based traumas, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and difficulties in their personal and work relationships.

As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, I am uniquely suited to provide holistic care. A psychoanalytic therapy approach offers a highly effective form of treatment through a comprehensive and nuanced framework for working with and addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, identity struggles, low self-esteem, a lostness around a sense of self, struggles in your connections to other people, and feelings of meaninglessness. If advisable, I can also provide careful expert medication management. Together, we will embark on a collaborative exploration, delving into your unique background and personal influences as we work towards healing.

When people feel weighed down by the heaviness that seems to consume them, providing a sense of space and reconstruction that allows a shift to occur is vital. In that shift, I hope to provide a supportive environment where they will feel that weight move and become the foundation on which they can rebuild their life. This heaviness is a unilateral condition experienced by all human beings. The secret is to create a skillset that permits the transition from weight being carried to weight being conquered. In my opinion, there is no ideal client, however, there is a blueprint of individual success for everyone.

I specialize in working with clients who have experienced trauma including PTSD, C-PTSD and dissociative disorders. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, identity-affirming space where we can explore what may be causing difficulty in your life. I help my clients develop self-compassion and acceptance while addressing and healing the root causes of their trauma, anger, anxiety, depression, and grief. I view psychotherapy as a collaborative experience between therapist and client. Together we will envision where you want to be and I will support and challenge you to grow and heal.

I work with a great variety of individuals from all walks of life. I hope to help you build the confidence and skills you need to manage the stressors in your world. Together we can work on reinforcing your strengths, and I can help you to learn new skills to be able to manage your troubles. Areas of clinical focus include (but are not limited to) Trauma, Anxiety, Panic, Adjustment to College or Work, Depression, ADHD, Anger Management, LGBTQIA+ concerns, Codependency, and Phase of Life issues. I work primarily with adults and also have specific training in trauma treatment (CCTP certification).

I am a licensed clinical social worker with my master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. I have several years of experience working with teens and adults in both private practice and community settings addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, addiction, and relationship issues. I use an eclectic approach with a blend of techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment therapy. I am also an EMDR-trained provider.

Hi there, I'm Sara! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in providing trauma-informed therapy to adults and teens who reside in Pennsylvania. Most of my clients come to me because they're feeling stuck in the past or feel like they can't "get over" something terrible that happened to them. It seems like no matter what they do, they can't move on. They can see how their trauma is affecting their mood, self-esteem, anxiety, and even their relationships, but feel helpless to change it. If this sounds familiar, I might be able to help!

The Counseling Center at Family Resources provides compassionate and professional outpatient counseling to anyone seeking support for life's many challenges. Our team of licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and psychiatrists are ready to help you work through issues such as trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, family/partner conflict, anger, and grief. We serve clients of nearly all ages and backgrounds.

I aim for a counseling style that is warm and collaborative, providing a non-judgmental space for you to develop greater insight about yourself and your life with a trusted ally. I have a background in working with college students and particularly enjoy working with young adults and LGBTQIA+ individuals of all ages who are navigating life transitions, relationship concerns, anxiety and trauma.

Have you been feeling overwhelmed, like you are drowning and not able to catch your breath? Are you having trouble managing your thoughts and feelings? Are you having difficulty dealing with the loss of a loved one? Are you sad and unsure why or what to do about it? Do you ever find yourself talking and no matter how loudly you talk it seems like nobody is listening? Do you feel irritated and angry or are having trouble controlling your temper and it’s causing you difficulties at home or work?

I believe that the connection between therapist and client is vital to the effectiveness of therapy. I strive to provide a non-judgmental and empathetic environment in which a client can express herself or himself freely. My role is to be present in the relationship, listen mindfully, and facilitate changes that a client wants in his or her life. My engagement in the therapeutic process is committed to helping my clients enrich the quality of their relationships and their life.

I believe each of us has a gift of Self to unwrap and embrace along life's journey, especially when we've lived through a life threatening event or a series of chronic traumas. I know first hand how impossible connecting to ourselves can seem afterward. We grieve the loss of a sense of safety and often believe that our identity has changed to what has happened to us. We fear life will always be tarnished and feel set apart by our shame. Through my own life journey and my experiences as a Trauma therapist I have witnessed the reclaiming of Self that arises from the ashes of violence when healing begins to happen!

You are why I enjoy my work so much. Your journey of emotional growth through our sessions inspire me to continue this work. I base our sessions off of what you want to talk about each session and work off of your comfort level. In the end, my goal for you is that you feel more comfortable with yourself and that your mental health symptoms have improved.

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.

If you have been feeling overwhelmed, preoccupied, that you would benefit from talking to someone who is a neutral listener, it may be time to look into counseling. Many people experience trauma throughout life, anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms. Many people also deal with situational stressors that occur at different times throughout life causing periods of disruption. Seeing a therapist can help with short term, solution focused concerns, or long-term treatment.

I work from strengths-based, trauma-informed, person-centered, and Feminist perspectives. I'm LGBTQIA+, sex, and body positive and neurodivergent affirming. I have experience working with people who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, emotional abuse and neglect. I use DBT, CBT, MI, and EMDR. I believe that, since every client is different, they each require a different approach. Nothing cookie cookie cutter here! My approach uses a lot of laughter, really connecting with the client on a personal level, using lots of validation, and comes from a place that each client is the expert on themselves.

For over 20 years, I have worked in the field of mental health and addiction. I have extensive experience working with all disorders from mild to severe and specialize in working with the dual diagnosed (mental health and addiction) population; especially those suffering with mood disorders, anxiety and trauma related issues. I am able to offer support to not only the client who is suffering but their family and support system as well. I believe that all people are capable of improving their life with hard work, openness and a desire for change.

Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or struggling with your self-worth as a Black woman? Wondering how to break free from always being "the strong friend" or heal some of those generational curses? If these challenges resonate with you, it might be time to seek support from a therapist who truly understands. Together, we can work on a plan to help you find relief and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Keep reading to find out how connecting with me today can be a transformative step in your life.

I enjoy working with people who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and problems with self-esteem. I believe we each have the ability to understand and overcome our past traumas and current life stressors. I believe a supportive and safe space is necessary for people to overcome barriers and feel comfortable processing feelings, thoughts, and experiences.