
William Dougherty
I have always seemed to be in a helping position. Before graduating high school I started work at a large veterinarian hospital/boarding kennel in Blue Bell, PA as an animal health technician and then the hospital administrator, where I stayed for over 15 years. I decided to return to school to pursue a degree in psychology and have been in the mental health field since 1998, working for such organizations as Special Equestrians as a side aid volunteer assisting people with physical and/or mental health disabilities and Lenape Valley Foundation as both a house advisor and a Partial Hospital Program group therapist for people with severe and persistent mental illness. I also worked for Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for their Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Program where I was a counselor for people addicted to heroin. I recently worked for Catholic Charities in NJ in the roles of therapist for the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program working with kids diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence, as well as a clinical supervisor for the Comprehensive Family Treatment of Addictions Program (CFTA). This led to the position of Program Director for CFTA, the Therapeutic After-School Program (a therapeutic group for kids ages 8-12) and an In-home therapy/case management program, while also carrying a small direct-service caseload at my private practice. Finally, after taking the position of Service Area Director, with responsibility for 13 substance abuse, mental health and social service programs, I realized that I was moving further and further away from my original ambition of providing one to one service to clients. This realization led to my decision to get back into direct service. The ability to provide a safe environment for people to share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences is essential to effective counseling. Studies have shown no one therapeutic modality utilized by therapists is superior to another; rather, clinicians themselves ultimately determine whether treatment will prove effective. It’s not about the model being used; it’s the relationship between the counselor and client. This principle guides my work, in that I strive to provide a client-centered, strength-based counseling setting to individuals, couples and adolescents for issues related to addiction, anxiety, career or relationships. I look to my clients to be the experts of themselves, which encourages them to guide the therapy where it needs to go. What I offer is a space to gain insight in order for that insight to become the catalyst for change. I believe that once a person sees their truth, they have no choice but to accept that truth…though we often do our best not to. Each of us develops psychological schemas that teach us how to interact with people and the world. When we grow accustomed to a certain pattern of behavior, however, we look to repeat it, even after it’s outlived its usefulness. Addiction, for instance, is a maladaptive coping skill that worked at one time but does no longer. With a background in English literature, I bring a decidedly post-modern perspective to my therapeutic approach. One of the concepts I utilize is Narrative Therapy, which encourages and compassionately challenges clients to be mindful of the story they’re telling to better utilize their strengths. This theory acknowledges the power of language, in that not only does the language we use reflect how we feel, it also affects how we feel. Therefore, the words we choose to use can help to manifest the changes we hope to bring about. The idea is to encourage the use of more positive words as opposed to negative words while telling our life story. I have found this approach to be remarkably effective in helping clients confront the challenges of their lives in order to bring about lasting and meaningful change. Other approaches and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, and Systems Theory. I find it satisfying to be part of helping people discover who they can be and realize that perhaps they’re more than who they thought they were. Ultimately, if each of us can achieve balance and make our own little corner of the world a little bit more satisfying and a little safer, we help to create a better reality for all of us. Degrees and Credentials Bachelors Degree in Psychology/English Literature from Arcadia University in Glenside PA Masters Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from La Salle University in Philadelphia PA PA Board Licensed Professional Counselor PA Board Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor PA Board Certified Clinical Supervisor PA Board Certificate of Competency in Problem Gambling NJ Board Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor NJ Board Licensed Professional Counselor NJ Board Certified Clinical Supervisor Member of the Psi Chi, Phi Theta Kappa, and Sigma Tau Delta National Honor Societies. Modalities and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, Mindfulness, and Systems Theory. I have experience in dealing with: Relationship issues Anxiety/stress Chemical addiction Gambling addiction Compulsive behaviors (such as sexual “addiction”) Anger Management Codependency Self Esteem PTSD

Shania Wilkes
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with 10 years of progressive experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I am also experienced as a grief counseling specialist and have had the pleasure of helping people navigate through issues with depression, anxiety, loss, addiction, major life changes, symptom management, relationship conflict and regaining a sense of purpose and personal empowerment. I have a background in education as well, having taught college level courses in general psychology, human growth and development and abnormal psychology. I use an eclectic approach to therapy, incorporating my own life experiences and a variety of relevant therapeutic principles and techniques in a way that is tailored specifically to the needs of each individual client. Though techniques and interventions may vary by client, they are consistently fueled by a person-centered and humanistic therapeutic orientation, as I believe it is my role to provide a safe a secure space for you to grow through whatever barrier you are facing, while tapping into and further developing your own innate strengths and uniqueness. You are the expert, I’m only here to help. I like to call my therapeutic approach and personal style “carefrontational,” where I like to confront problematic issues honestly and straightforward with care and compassion. We are not our problem, but how we manage our problems can certainly shape the way we view ourselves. Overall, I’m here to help you find better ways to manage life’s problems and walk away with a renewed sense of peace, self-acceptance and resolve that allows you to fully embrace and appreciate the value behind being you. We all have a story and while I may not have experienced all of the situations you bring to the table first hand in my own life, I am confident that I have dealt with the range of emotions you may be feeling and have worked hard myself at learning ways to acknowledge, understand, express and validate those feelings. It is my belief that with the right support and a healthy alliance, you can make a change for the better and see the beauty in what life actually has to offer. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Kendra Prescott
I am licensed in Delaware and Pennsylvania and have over 3 years of professional work experience as a therapist. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma. I am client-centered which means I follow you and your needs helping you to discover what is best for you. I specialize in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and draw upon other frameworks when appropriate like CBT and IFS. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion while supporting your self-agency throughout our time together. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. It is a privilege to walk alongside another on their journey and I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Charlotte Cox
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 41 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and Insomnia. Also spent much of my career working with Trauma, including Combat Trauma. I will help you define the problem, learn new ways to coping with the problem, and identify a solution to the problem. 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!

Estela Valera
I am licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with 8 years of professional work experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including relationship issues, parenting problems, depression, anxiety, career and academic challenges, and managing emotions. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse and have experience working with motivation, self esteem, confidence and breaking generational cycles. My therapy style is warm and interactive. 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. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and cognitive-processing therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Stacey Fritzinger
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Ashley (Nikki) Gaussa
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, pregnancy and birth experience, infant mental health, family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Francis Haggerty
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

Joseph Ropelewski
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with depression. 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Dr. Noelani Rodrigues
Aloha & welcome to my page. Do you feel like you have lost your way – that nothing feels quite right – or that the past seems to be repeating itself? My view is that we all begin from a place of wholeness, but we sometimes lose belief in ourselves along the way. I have the depth of professional and life experience to see and work with you as a unique individual. Let me be a support and guide as you navigate the journey to your true potential. My expertise includes a broad range of issues including traumas, anxiety, emotional difficulties, relationships, and divorce related issues. My education includes training in eastern and western philosophies. In my work I use an integrative therapeutic approach and I weave together ancient with modern, east and west for personalized healing of heart-mind-soul. I am licensed in several states; Hawaii, California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado & Utah. I hold a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology and a master's degree in Marriage, Family & Child Counseling. Start today to begin your journey to a better you. * please note my availability varies from week to week. Therefore, what is displayed on the Better Help site calendar is not accurate. I do have much more availability throughout the week than what is displayed. However, since I have varying availability there was not an easy way to indicate that on the Better Help calendar. So, just check with me : )
Find a therapist serving clients in Pennsylvania
What types of therapists are available to clients in Cheswick?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Cheswick that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Cheswick available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Cheswick therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Cheswick therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Cheswick region and in the state of Pennsylvania.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Cheswick can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Cheswick may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Cheswick offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.