Therapists in Monessen, PA

Hello there! My name is Kristen Patryna and I have been doing outpatient therapy for 3 years but have been in the field for 13. I have experience working with teens and adults both in an individual and a group setting. I enjoy building a strong therapeutic relationship with my folks and emphasize the equality in the relationship. I find it most beneficial for clients to have a good blend of validation, problem solving and developing skills that can be used outside of session; I want my folks to feel heard and also want to help them produce change. I have experience in using a Person Centered approach, CBT and DBT which includes teaching emotion regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness, all which can be helpful for a variety of concerns and used across many different settings. I particularly enjoy treating anxiety and related symptoms. I am very excited to get started and most importantly, I commend you for reaching out for support! I am looking forward to working together and learning more about 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)

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with certifications in Addictions and Co-occurring disorders in PA. I have been counseling in this field for over twenty years and believe the first and most importance piece of therapy is building a strong therapeutic alliance with my client. To that end, I am open, a good listener, willing to work with you on your terms with no judgment. Depending on your present issue, my approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness practices, Client Centered Therapy , Problem Solving Therapies, tapering our efforts to your lifestyle. Family conflicts, anxiety, depression, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Co-dependency issues are all related to addictions, and are part of my history in this field. I will bring my experience, education, credentials and open mindedness to our meetings, and you will bring your honest self. I know how difficult it is to reach out and ask for help, and do hope that you will do this for yourself and for those you love. You do not have to do this alone nor suffer any longer! I look forward to hearing from and working with you!

The helping profession which is often referred to as therapy or counseling has been my life-long goal. My desire has made me a patient, attentive, and non-judgmental listener and has shaped my approach to understanding clients’ needs better. I am also supportive and seek positivity in every situation presented. I thrive to make clients feel safe including even reluctant clients to find their own way during treatment but also help clients to learn how to take personal responsibility to take charge of their behavior. I facilitate, encourage, empower, and help the client discover their potential to overcome barriers to treatment and find solutions and subsequently heal. I utilize approaches that are tailored to the client dependent on the issues, goals, and outcomes. Clients must be willing to participate to reach enlightenment to help them understand themselves in a new way and break from their own poor mindset and maladaptive behaviors. I hold a master’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in mental health counseling and am a licensed professional counselor in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey with 10 years of experience helping children, adolescents, adults, and families. I am a multicultural counselor who believes that endogenous factors can control individual behavior. Hence, when clients realize and acknowledge the inside factor, it eventually can bring about healing. That is, I am not there to prove my client wrong but help them find their own way out of their self-entanglement or damaging belief. No one approach fits all clients. The therapeutic alliance that is the client-therapist relationship will become the greatest change agent-Trust, genuineness, and participation.

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I’m a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania with 8 years of experience, and I’ve helped clients navigate stress and anxiety, relationship challenges, depression, addiction, and major life changes. My approach is rooted in respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I’m committed to customizing our conversations and your treatment plan to suit your unique needs. Taking the first step to seek therapy takes courage, and I’m proud of you for making that choice!

The counseling process is a collaborative experience. A main goal is to improve overall functioning and quality of life. I'll work with you to regain that positive outlook and make life changing strides. I have extensive experience working with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, and depression. I look forward to assisting you on this journey.

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression ,stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting issues. I also formerly lead groups in anger management. 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, at times, having professional support can help "re-find" oneself. I would like to help guide you along your journey to self discovery as your emotional GPS system, with the ultimate destination determined by you, and I along the journey with you, helping you overcome obstacles. 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. If you feel I may be a good fit for you as your therapist, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to meeting you.