Therapists in Portage, PA

Hello and welcome to Better Help! My name is Lauren and I am really looking forward to getting to know you and working together. As a licensed professional counselor, I strive to help my clients reach their individual goals in a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment. I view therapy as a collaborative effort between the therapist and client, in which we partner together to focus on inner healing, explore identity, and develop coping skills to manage life’s stressors effectively. I would describe my style as warm, open, and empowering, and I consider establishing rapport and building trust as the foundation for my therapeutic relationships. I have a master's degree from Duquesne University, currently reside in the Pittsburgh area, and am licensed to practice counseling in the state of Pennsylvania. My experience over the last seven years includes working as a therapeutic staff support for autistic children, a school counselor in a wide variety of alternative school settings, and an outpatient therapist at a clinic working with children, adolescents, and adults. I currently work with individuals of all ages to help them navigate a wide variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, grief, daily stress, and difficult life transitions. Using a mind-body integrative approach, I tailor a program that is specific to each client's unique needs, with a focus on exploring the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. I truly consider it a great honor and privilege that my clients trust me to be a part of their journey toward a more balanced and fulfilled life. You are the guide, and it is my role to empower you to reach your goals so that you can not only survive life’s challenges, but learn to thrive as you enter the next phase of your life. I cannot wait to talk with you more as we move forward, and I am happy to answer any of your questions or concerns at any time. Take care and talk to you soon!

To my future clients, wow I'm so glad you've crossed my page. I'm not sure what it took to get to this point, but I am sure glad you did. I could give you the long spill of why I think this process is helpful and enlightening, but I won't. What I will tell you is; you are capable, you are strong, you are resilient and going through the psychotherapy process I hope you discover that too! You deserve to be seen, to feel valued and to be heard. Life has a way of knocking the wind out of you and causing you to question your existence. Resilience is one thing we all share; the capability of getting back up and breathe again. Breathe. I am a licensed therapist that believes through deep inner work; perspectives can be challenged, new patterns emerge and change happens. Life can be fulfilling again. I believe in empowering you through this therapeutic relationship and help you develop the skills that are already within you. I utilize an eclectic approach drawing from structural, solution-focused, emotionally focused and cognitive behavioral therapy. My sole purpose as a therapist is to show up for YOU, come alongside you and help tackle the barriers that are potentially in your way. I want to help you gain deeper understanding and find freedom to become your authentic self.

Hello! I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in Pennsylvania with 13+ years of experience in the field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, stress and anxiety, parenting, motivation and self esteem, career difficulties, and adjusting to life changes. I have extensive experience working with adults 65+ as well as individuals of all ages with substance abuse disorders and addictions. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, internal family systems and solution focused. 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 offer video, phone, and live chat options for sessions and look forward to working with you! *Please note that due to other professional engagements, my current availability is Monday through Friday only and my hours may vary but typically fall between 9 am - 2 pm EST*

I'm a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with 7 years of experience. I specialize in helping women cope with life transitions, depression, and generalized anxiety. I have extensive experience working with women of color and the Sunni Muslim population. Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and behavior activation are modalities I use with a holistic approach believing that the mind, body and soul are connected. Feel free to schedule with me if you want to work towards increasing your optimism, challenge unhelpful thoughts and improve overall well-being.

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 10+ years of professional work experience with children, teens, families, and adults. I have experience in helping clients with stress /anxiety, parenting issues, and family dynamics. I have experience in treating teens, adults and their families with severe mental health diagnosis, as well as phsycial disabilities and D&A issues. I am a caring individual who is supportive and nonjudgemental. 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.

Rachel Ehrhardt, LPC, MSCP I am a Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology (MSCP) from Chatham University in Pittsburgh PA. I have 25 years (since 1999) with experience with a vast range of populations in various clinical settings. I have worked with many populations in a vast range of setting. Prison. Inpatient. Outpatient. Psychiatric Wards. Nursing homes. Schools. With children. 1/2 way house. 3/4 house. Alternative Housing. Deaf & Blind people. Vocational Development. For 10 years I took people in wheelchairs & intellectual disabilities on field trips. Much of my career has been in Prison settings with, frankly, a rough crowd. People anxious to get back to their real life, their families, and out of the spider-web of Addiction and the crime associated with it. They have lost so much - are at their lowest point in their lives - desperate to feel better, live better, break the cycle. To extend my hand to them and help them get back up on their feet is a tremendous honor. Some of methodologies and direct nature are no doubt born of that experience. You will see this in my personality. I consider myself as an "Educator", as well as a therapist. As I teach a lot of skills - the biggest thing I put the most emphasis on is THOUGHTS. It's all about the thoughts. Most of us have thoughts that are in some way inaccurate, flawed, based on assumptions, fears, and distortions. The best technique for this is to ask the person what’s going on with them, and often times we learn that we were way off the mark. That’s a skill: Ask. Asking someone to help you understand. Our brains naturally fill-in-the-blanks when we don't understand something. So I teach people to examine their thoughts - see what parts may be inaccurate (thus making them unhealthy) and essentially go back to the drawing-board with establishing more accurate thinking patterns. And we need to find the facts, look at & for any evidence to dispute the faulty thought, and honor the evidence that supports the thought. I am a Solution Focused Therapist. This modality + my nature is very straight-forward. This is my strength as a clinician. What I am good at and why people choose to specifically work with me. They are done suffering. This is a good approach for people who want to get to the root of the problem rather quickly. Then seek the solution and implement it right away. People are tired of suffering. As the expression goes "If nothing changes, nothing changes". That's no longer an acceptable way to live. Doing it “your way” has kept you in the same holding pattern, repeating the same arguments, same destructive patterns. Therapy and healing is just that - a process. An experience. It takes time, practice and repetition to create new ways of thinking. We have to learn healthy Autopilots to replace those Knee-Jerk reactions that cause harm. We have to unlearn a lot of things, especially the learned behavior we carry with us from our childhood. Must unlearn and relearn. I do put it out there that I am very direct & goal oriented. I am bold and share my honest clinical assessment and feedback on where the disconnects are. What & where improvements need to be made, by whom, and how. Honesty about the situation needs to be said, by someone (which is me)....or nothing will change. To hold back what needs to be said, that is a disservice to you, and not how I operate. I am clear with people about this, call it a disclaimer if you will. I am selective about take cases I take. People open to acknowledging their shortcomings, whom are willing to work hard, crave the truth, want evidence-based resolutions backed by research, and will take my interventions and wisdom seriously. If we are honest, time & money seem to be 2 luxuries no one has anymore. With that said, working with me is very different than laying down on the Proverbial “Freudian Couch” for years on end. Generally - by the time I am invited into someone's life, it's been about 2 years of procrastinating, hoping/praying things get better. By the time someone makes an appointment - they have been suffering for a quite a long time. Desperate for relief and to get back on track. Many people have told me over the course of my career “Making the 1st appointment was the hardest part”. There is truth to back that. There is actually a Phenomenon where people start to feel better knowing they have an appointment on the books. They finally got out of their own way (sadly most people take 2 years). But just knowing that help is on the way, that major hurdle gone. In that sense, there is relief regarding having finally made a decision to do it, as waiting for things to change on their own simply hasn’t proven to be the case. I do a lot of my work in Marriage & Couples Counseling. Many couples have come to a crossroads of trying to decide to either to work it out and stay together…or go their separate ways. Some aren’t sure - but know something’s gotta give, and soon or "like now!". Being stagnate is no longer a viable option. And receiving professional counsel prior to that enormous decision - is smart, respectful of the relationship and their partner. There are new things to try, some grey-areas that are worth exploring. I am a huge proponent of leaving no stone unturned. Especially when children are involved. With couples, almost 100% of the time the issue is around 2 things: 1) Communication 2) Intimacy When communication breaks down, often intimacy goes out the window. It always comes down to one’s needs not being met. And though the other partner may want to, or is trying to meet their needs - they just don’t know "how". Or they have not yet come to understand the "why" a particular need is so important. We have to shift our mindset about our partner - they aren’t being lazy or malicious - they just don’t know, or understand. In spite of telling them repeatedly. They don’t fully grasp it…yet. In other words, they are not intentionally trying to deny us our needs. They don’t get it- yet - but they will. I see to it! One of the beauties & mysteries of why therapy works: often it’s a “I told you this a million times!!!”….type thing which is incredibly frustrating to the partner whose been saying the same thing for years. But somehow miraculously when I say it to them - it's as if they are hearing it for the very first time. It’s brand new information! (to them). It's because it is me, the specific words I use, my explanation of the science of it all. My tone, my delivery, my frankness....it all matters. I am able to harness peoples' attention and get them to actually hear and listen and comprehend. That’s one of the beauties & mysteries of why therapy works. Hearing it from a non-biased mediator (who is not their partner) makes it resonate in a new way, it sinks in, or finally sticks. A manner in which that coveys the importance and clarity that’s different and effective. And it's like a light-bulb turning on. The “aha moment” as they call it. The partner of the one that initiated the therapy often comes to me seemingly oblivious that their marriage is on the line. I wake them up to see the depth, and scope and gravity of the situation. So, once we get the other person to finally listen & hear & comprehend, we can get somewhere finally. We can identify what the “needs” are, why they are so important and can immediately start meeting them. I teach a lot about the gender differences. It is astounding not only how different men & women really are - we are wired VERY differently than each other. Example: Men are naturally inclined to "fix things". When a man can't "fix it" generally he experiences frustration which gets displayed in ways that look like anger. So I teach men how to better understand women. What she needs, why she needs it, and how to go about meeting her need. I strive to eliminate "the middle man" - which are things like confusion, anxiety, and feeling rejected. I teach women about how men are wired in general, what men generally need to feel a sense of accomplishment, what he needs from her, how to really help him understand why she is at her breaking point. How all of this factors into their dynamic, which has become dysfunctional over time in many ways. I help her figure out how to meet his need, why he needs it, etc... The key to all of this - understanding. Understanding leads to insight. Insight leads to Empathy. Once there is Empathy....that's when the good stuff happens. Couples tend to see progress right away.....when & IF they are willing to work hard. Stop doing what doesn't work....which is what brought them to me in the 1st place. When they actually follow my guidance and implement my teachings. And it's often changing little subtle things. What we perceive as those “little things”….have more weight and importance than we had realized. I work with adults whom want 1:1 sessions for themselves, or as a Couple. I do Mediation between estranged family members and couples trying to navigate divorce/custody arrangements. I do not see children or teenagers.....it's not what I excel at, and those populations are better served by clinicians whom specialize in that. I am a mom of 3, so I’m am warm & fuzzy & as call myself “fluffy” and very silly. My children are 14, 9, and 7. Boy -Girl -Boy.By the way, I carried all 3 babies/pregnancies through the Prison. That tells you a lot about my personality. I was unphased by this, never once afraid. Believe it or not - I felt safer there than walking down the street. Surprisingly - Inmates were incredibly protective of me, more so than one would imagine. I am married to my husband of 15 years whom is also a Clinician (Craig Ehrhardt). My favorite color is Yellow, a big fan of Star Wars, favorite activity is going to Thrift-Shops, and simply being in the sun. My favorite food is Tiramisu. Favorite shows to binge watch are The Office, Breaking Bad and “How it’s Made”. Hobbies are keeping up with research on Neuroscience, playing Chess, and really anything that involves Critical and Analytical Thinking - my mind is never at rest. My childhood idol was Mother Teresa- and is still my idol to this day. I try to emulate her values and instill that unconditional-kindness in my children. This Christmas me and my children made pillows to distribute to the Homeless. Our family motto is: “Be grateful, not greedy”. I am a working mom - and I know better than anyone how hard it is to multitask in this day and age. To do it all. Be all to all people. To make sacrifices day in and day out. I also know how critical Self-Care is. You and your well-being needs to be your priority right now, and exploring therapy does count as Self-Care. I clearly take A LOT as I have so much to teach you! As they say "You will never find time, you have to MAKE time". So make the time, make the investment in yourself, and hop on my schedule! Rachel Ehrhardt, LPC, MSCP ******************************************* ALSO: "Live Chat" is a wonderful option for many people. It offers a certain degree of discretion and privacy that can be done anywhere. Sometimes people do not want their partner, children or coworkers to overhear. It can be done at your desk at work, which people enjoy because they “look like” they are working. Lunch breaks seem to be a thing of the past, and we have no time, as I said before - something’s gotta give! Chat is good for if you have to be in a loud place, or have a sleeping baby! Many people whom travel use it when they are at an airport, bus, noisy place etc.. For people whom are highly anxious, it's more relaxing and feels like less pressure. For all of us that have to muilt-task (we have no choice!). And thanks to the surge in people working from home post-pandemic - we have more flexibility during the day. Options like this exist now, and people love the "Live Chat". We can see eachother typing, in real time. It's great!

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 am licensed in Pennsylvania with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, and confidence, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Hi there! My name is Shira Collings (she/they). I am a feminist, neurodiversity affirming, queer and trans affirming, fat affirming, and disability justice aligned therapist. I am passionate about supporting people in living a life that is aligned with their true values, and healing from both external and internalized oppression that may be impacting their well-being. Some of my areas of specialization include eating disorders and disordered eating, body image, neurodiversity, grief and loss, and trauma. My therapeutic approach is primarily based in person-centered and feminist approaches. This means I strive to create a space in which clients can express their full, authentic selves and share their stories without shame or judgment. I also have training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Additionally, I regularly incorporate self-compassion, expressive arts, philosophy and pop culture, and self-advocacy skills into my approach. I would be honored to be part of your journey. I look forward to getting to know you and collaborating on the path toward healing and liberation!

Dr. Cifarelli was originally trained in medicine and seeing the effects of COVID-19 on the nation’s mental health he then went on to complete Master’s degrees in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. Throughout his life Dr. Cifarelli has been around many people faced with traumas and personal handicaps which has increased his desire to help those with medical and mental struggles. He specializes in treating those with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, personality and mood disorders. He treats adolescence, adults, and seniors. Additionally, he offers specialized treatment to members of the LGBTQ and medically disabled communities. Dr. Cifarelli practices dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and mindfulness. He currently, is licensed as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a national certified counselor (NCC). On a personal note Dr. Cifarelli enjoys spending time with his niece Olivia, his Cavachon “Rocky” and going to live concerts. He stresses to his patients the importance of balance between work, family, and friendships.