Therapists in Bellevue, PA

Hi, I'm Patrick, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania with over 25 years of experience helping people in various settings. I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Widener University with a focus on behavioral medicine and health psychology, learning the amazing ways in which we can improve or regain health and wellness using the power of the mind. Then, while working on an inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit, I witnessed the damaging effects of trauma, abuse and neglect and so I returned to school at Temple University and earned a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology to be better equipped to help others deal with life's many challenges. I have worked in clinical, educational and correctional facilities providing individual counseling, conducting workshops and seminars on stress management, making healthy choices and other topics, as well as running psycho-educational group programs for violence prevention, drug abuse prevention, relapse prevention and anger management. I have continued to provide outpatient therapy addressing a number of issues - anxiety, depression, substance abuse, grief and loss, work and career problems, relationship issues, life transitions and more. No matter what type of challenges you are facing, I believe we all have the capacity to improve ourselves and live more authentic, healthy and fulfilling lives. Success in any endeavor is a process of developing awareness, gaining acceptance and taking effective action. My style is supportive and empowering, using elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and positive psychology to educate and inspire others to master these skills. I take a holistic approach to counseling, looking at every aspect of a person's life to identify strengths, build resiliency and encourage growth. I am also sensitive to the needs and challenges of individuals from different groups, including racial, cultural, LGBT, differently abled or other. I respect the values and experiences of my clients and I aspire to see the world from their perspective as we work towards the life they want to live.

Utilizing multiple theoretical structures, as well as a holistic approach, my goal is to offer each individual validation as well as guidance toward a shift in either perspective or behavior. This process involves identifying perceptual, emotional, and spiritual barriers and nurturing inner resources. I see the counseling process as the exploration of both our past and current reality as well as what is needed to help us grow into a whole, healthy individual. I have extensive knowledge of family and relationship dynamics, treating adult survivors of abuse, depression and anxiety, goal-setting, and the addictions field. My professional experience includes various mental health settings as well as working for educational institutions. I provide family and individual sessions. Exploring all that makes us the person we are today can be intimidating and takes time to navigate through. This exploration gives us the ability to look at things from a different perspective, creates the space for limitless possibilities, gives us a sense of wonder and awe about ourselves, and connects us to our soul.

(Please note: for the present, I am not providing therapy services via the video option on BetterHelp. Due to both ongoing technical problems that interfere with and mitigate the effectiveness of sessions and some mixed feelings about the value of this type of session, I am temporarily restricting the modality options to phone, chat and messaging communications. My apologies to anyone inconvenienced or discouraged from working with me due to this condition; I may resume video sessions in the future.) I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania and a registered, board-certified art therapist (AT-R, B.C.) Since receiving an M.A. from Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions in 2004, I have practiced in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatry, community residential services and private practice, including my own, which I established in 2010. Over the course of my career, I have worked in residential and inpatient settings, as well as in private practice, with clients dealing with a wide range of often overlapping challenges , including severe mood disorders, substance abuse issues, personality disorders and debilitating thought disorders such as schizophrenia . In private practice, I have been able to focus on work with clients – including adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum – struggling with problems in living ranging from depression, anxiety and addictive behaviors, as well as family, relationship and career conflicts. Therapy is hard work, for both client and practitioner, and one of my primary sources of inspiration and re-fueling is my immense gratitude and respect for my clients – for their willingness to confront what is difficult, embrace change and do the work necessary to foster growth and self-determination for themselves and therefore also for the benefit of those they work, live, connect with – and love. I believe, based on my experience, that most clients seeking therapy already know a good deal about both the nature of their problems and conflicts and the possible routes to change. But change is difficult, and can be scary and when something is difficult and scary, there is nothing wrong – and a great deal right -about seeking help and a collaborative relationship, rather than trying to achieve some of the most difficult tasks in isolation. . I often visualize the therapist as, ideally, a trustworthy guide walking alongside the client, carrying a lantern and helping to cast light into and illuminating the shadows, with the goal of locating the best and clearest path forward towards a more effective and self-determined life. In attempting this guidance and collaboration, I always try to maintain an attitude of warmth, respect, and compassion. Honesty and trust on the part of both partners is essential, of course. Humor and lightheartedness can, at times, be a significant healing factor as well! My approach is basically a humanistic one, which addresses problems and conflicts through careful and reflective listening and communication, with an underlying focus on the kinds of common concerns -the need and desire for connection, understanding, insight, growth and personally driven change - that most often propel a client towards therapy. As the client, you set our goals, and as part of the therapeutic process, we may make use of techniques and methods derived from established clinical practices, including Cognitive-Behavioral, narrative and expressive therapy techniques. This can be helpful in allowing the therapist to better know the whole person he is working with, rather than just as a collection of “problems” needing to be solved. Creativity, especially in the forms of writing or art, can be tremendously helpful in this regard. I have extensive experience in working with art as a aid to therapy (which can be done, with some limitations, even in a remote context, and requires no "skill" or talent whatsoever) and the exploration of this dynamic route to insight and growth is always available and might be encouraged at times. However, whether these or other techniques or approaches are used is always the result of discussion and agreement between therapist and client. If what I have outlined sounds appealing or promising to you as you explore therapeutic possibilities, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you – please do not hesitate to contact me, and thank you for your time.

Welcome to my profile page! I have been working as a therapist for 36 years in the state of Pennsylvania. I have extensive experience with a variety of populations and their challenges. I am a client centered therapist which means that I will work with you collaboratively to conquer the obstacles that are preventing you from leading your best life. If you think we might be a good fit to work together, you can expect that I will listen, provide observations without judgment, and ask questions to help you focus on what is most important to you. In life there is "the problem" and there is "how you think about the problem"; the latter makes all the difference! Collaboratively we will explore your world view, identify, and most importantly, reconstruct views that are flawed or simply not true. To borrow a couple of quotes from Winnie the Pooh, "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think" and "Stop worrying. Stop letting others hold you back. Work hard, take chances and keep the faith. You will never know if you never try." Know that you are entering a safe space regardless of your identity, your past, the body you are in, what you believe, who you love, or obstacles you have faced or are facing now. You and I will work as a team to develop a plan to meet your individual needs and goals so you can get back to being you.

I have embraced a lifelong commitment to serving my community by providing emotional and behavioral health support. In a world that’s constantly changing I have forged lasting therapeutic relationships through a level of consistency, dependability, and accountability.I have provided individual, small group, and family counseling to consumers based on their identified needs. The primary goal is to enhance the individual’s mental health, so they are able to reach their highest potential mentally, physically, and spiritually. As a metaphor to life experiences I am an advocate of planting seeds that will cultivate growth in a variety of terrains. In other words, my work provides you with the tools to cope and thrive in different circumstances.

If there is one thing you and I both know, it's that life can be really hard sometimes. Navigating those times alone can make it so much worse. For the past 15 years, I have been bringing my compassion, kindness, and curiosity to people going through some of the worst that life has to offer to help make life not only bearable, but also meaningful. My clients usually describe me as genuine, caring, and relatable. Though I use a variety of modalities, I tend to work from a trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy stance and utilize a combination of therapeutic intervention, education, and coaching based on the particular need at the time - in regular English, that just means I work to see you as a whole person with changing needs over time and that I am flexible enough to adjust to those changing needs. I have worked with people experiencing a wide range of problems, but especially enjoy working with people with ADHD, depression, and anxiety, as well as with people who are generally doing ok but could just use someone to bounce things off of, help with setting goals, and someone to be accountable to. No matter the circumstance, things can be better. I would love to be there to support you in your growth! As for my personal background, I am a liberal and feminist woman with a wife and 2 young kids. I am a late-diagnosis ADHDer myself and know personally the difficulty that comes with both the condition and the lack of diagnosis. In addition to being busy with family and a therapy business, I also have a tiny farm and an unreasonable number of creative interests because the world is far too inspiring to be any other way!

I am licensed social worker in Pennsylvania with 10 years of licensed professional work experience, but 25 years overall. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia & depression.I believe in treating everyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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 proud of you for getting started! I am looking forward to getting to know you and working together with you,

Hello! I am a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania. I graduated with my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from California University of PA (now PennWest California) in 2014. I have 8+ years experience in working with clients affected by mental health issues, traumatic experiences, and other life stressors. I specialize in dealing with PTSD and trauma. I also have experience working with people facing depression, anxiety, ADHD, struggling with peer issues, issues with school/extracurricular activities/life balance, relationship issues, low self-esteem, identity issues, and other mental health struggles. I am a gender affirming therapist that also addresses issues related to LGBTQIA+. I use different approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and person-centered strategies to assist clients in working towards their goals and managing their issues. I believe clients are the authors of their own stories, masters of their own destinies. I am here to help guide, challenge and change narratives, and support what my client is working towards. It takes courage to ask for help. It takes bravery to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to offer support, guidance, corrective feedback, and support.

I am licensed in Pennsylvania and Virginia with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Monica Gutierrez is an Arizona-native who earned a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. Monica is passionate about supporting young people in becoming the best versions of themselves and has been lucky enough to work with them in different settings including outpatient, inpatient, and now as a part of the Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP) team. She believes strongly in supporting clients and families with the use of a strengths-based, client-centered, humanistic and family systems approach, in order to empower the individual within the family, and the family as a unit. Monica has utilized her training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, as well as in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to support teens and young adults through their personal growth journey while in our program. She understands the importance of therapeutic alliance as it relates to optimizing progress in treatment and does her best to really get to know each and every client to make their treatment experience as unique and individual as possible. It is an honor to be part of each treatment team and she is inspired by each client’s journey and growth. When Monica is not at work, you will find her spending her free time with friends, crafting, spending quality time with family, or going on long walks with her dog!