Therapists for college students near Pittsburgh, PA

Welcome to Empirical Embrace Counseling! I became a therapist because I understand what it feels like to be in the throes of mental illness while also navigating the ups and downs of life - and how isolating that can be. I want all of my clients to feel safe when they are in the therapy room with me. I want them to know that they have me in their corner to support, guide, and advocate for them. My clients inspire me every. single. day. and I am truly passionate about my work. I am extensively trained in a variety of evidence-based treatments for OCD, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma. Some of these treatment modalities include Exposure/Response Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Enhanced for ED's, Prolonged Exposure for PTSD, and general Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety and depression. The most important thing to me in the therapy room is my relationship with my client. I approach this with compassion and empathy and most importantly, meeting my clients where they are. Holding the space for my clients to experience life's ups and downs is one of my greatest strengths.

In therapy, I strive to create space where clients may explore their inner landscapes and make sense of themselves in their relationships and larger social contexts. I believe that most people have parts of themselves that are affirmed and other parts that have gone underground — perhaps as a result of relational injury, lack of environmental mirroring, or trauma. I seek to develop a supportive relationship where clients can begin to see the unseen and speak the unspeakable and, with self compassion and courage, work to integrate those parts and reduce suffering and experience deeper connection and meaning. That describes, in part, the process of exploratory therapy but what is a session actually like? We talk. People share their stories— maybe the latest relationship entanglement, feeling burdened with perfectionism, dissecting a racial microaggression that happened in class, or a painful memory from elementary school. I’m curious about nuance and felt experience and I reflect and ask questions to help deepen understanding. I work through psychodynamic, intersectional, and multicultural lenses. I have worked extensively with undergraduate and graduate students in both domestic and international settings. And, I have experience working with a range of presenting concerns including anxiety, stress, complex identity, immigration, and loss. I’ve been described as kind, patient, inquisitive, and discerning. Prior to moving to Princeton in 2015, I lived in China for five years during which I worked as a therapist at Community Center Shanghai and NYU Shanghai. I am originally from Taiwan and immigrated to the US as a child. My biracial and bicultural heritage along with my immigrant and expatriate experiences have created a particular interest in working with international students, immigrants, people who identify as mixed race, and students either preparing for or returning from studying abroad. My private practice is conveniently located walking distance from Princeton University campus on 344 Nassau Street. I work extensively with graduate and undergraduate students and accept PU student health insurance (students are responsible for their $10 copay).

Feeling lost and overwhelmed? Unsure how to get unstuck and move forward? Join me for a session so we could have an open conversation to help you unload your stress, process your distress, explore the unconscious mind, increase your self-awareness, and make life-changing decisions together, as a team. While I mostly utilize person-centered and psychodynamic interventions, I also implement use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy,mindfulness-based interventions, Motivational Interviewing, and solution-focused interventions. In addition, I have received training in both psychoanalysis and Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. During 9+ years of training and working as a therapist, I have developed a way of working that is both empathic and supportive. If you are eager to seek ways to change your life, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or call me to schedule for a visit.

Something doesn't feel quite right anymore. Or maybe it never has. You've been feeling anxious, depressed, or had trouble expressing yourself. Maybe you've found yourself having big reactions that don't match the size of the situation. Or maybe you're just not sure what's next in life. I’m here to create a space for you to come exactly as you are now while exploring and moving towards the change you want to see in your life. Together we can help you develop confidence in your unique strengths and values, discover the most effective methods for achieving your goals, and find ways to nurture fulfilling relationships and experiences. I believe that therapy is both an art and a science, best done with a mix of empathy, humor, insight, and resourcefulness. I have experience in a variety of evidence-based practices that can be used to build a customized therapeutic path that works best for you. Together we can work on finding your why and building the skills to establish your how. Whether you're an individual looking for space to process or a couple wanting to enrich your relationship, I'm so glad you found me. I'm honored to hear and be a part of your story. My hope for you is that by reaching out you take a courageous step forward towards cultivating a life that feels truly worth living.

Tommy Schoffler, MFA is a graduate intern in his final semester of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program at WV Wesleyan College, where he also serves as a tenured Professor of Theatre. A professional actor for nearly 30 years, Tommy brings not only creativity and empathy but also a finely tuned ability to help clients express themselves authentically and confidently.

Opening up is no small thing, but it's also the fundamental thing that gives folks relief. To this end, I try to make therapy a natural process and most of my clients say that I feel like "talking to a real person." I developed my style by working with university students on a number of campuses who taught me to drop the artificial formalities, ask deeper questions, be upfront with my care, and say what I mean. In general, I start from the standpoint that anyone seeking therapy has come by their pain honestly and that much of what folx find distressing in themselves is a reasonable response to what has happened to them. Thus, I am unlikely to give rote advice and more likely to partner with you in unpacking your past, exploring your feelings, reaching creative solutions, and lifting what's blocking you from moving toward your version of the good life. In terms of specialties, I help students work through the kinds of relationship troubles (family, romantic, friendships etc) that leave people feeling lonely, anxious, inadequate, seeking approval, depressed, misunderstood, self-critical, or slow to let others in. Queer folx, Student Veterans, adult children of alcoholics, overachievers, burnt out students, undergrad, law, medical, and grad students, young professionals, and folks in creative fields have found me helpful. Importantly, for therapy to be a liberating space, people need the freedom to talk about how their lives are shaped by their sociocultural identities as well as corresponding experiences of prejudice, marginalization, and erasure. Conversations about politics, class, race, religion, gender, sexuality and all the "isms" are fair game and also integral to figuring out how to live with more ease in these difficult times.

Hi there, I've been working with individuals with different stress in life as a counselor since I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2014. I have been seeing students who are struggling with academic stress, graduation anxiety, life transitions, interpersonal conflicts, acculturation, identity issues, and some mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, etc.

It’s nice to meet you! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I graduated from West Chester University with my bachelor’s degree in social work in 2016 and my master’s degree in social work in 2019. I’ve provided care in behavioral health as a mobile therapist helping individuals, families, children, and adolescents to treat Autism, ADHD, ODD, depression, and anxiety. Currently, I work full-time in intensive autistic support and transition age (18-21) classrooms supporting case management, crisis intervention, post-21 planning, and counseling. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life; to learn where you’ve been, where you currently are, and where you want to go. I uniquely and compassionately use cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and behavioral therapy to help you make the changes you want in your life. Together we’ll use a solution-focused approach in a safe, non-judgmental space to create your goals and to support you in accomplishing them!

Therapist specializing in art therapy & EMDR. In-person in Philadelphia or virtual in PA.

I have been in practice for over 25 years, helping young adults navigate the challenging and exciting college years. I help young adults with anxiety, body image, stress management, peer conflicts, depression and academic success. I identify unhelpful thinking patterns, teach effective ways to regulate difficult emotions, and encourage healthy behaviors.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in New York and Pennsylvania. I have a dual degree in Social Work and Music and use my knowledge of art and human behavior to shape my practice. I have a holistic, laid-back, and compassionate approach to building relationships. I use talk therapy in combination with mindfulness, body awareness, and creative expression to understand where you are coming from. I hope to foster a non-judgmental space for you to process and understand your inner thoughts and feelings. I believe in collaborative, client-centered, and strengths-based approaches to understanding the needs of each individual. I work primarily with adolescents and young adults who are interested in growing their own knowledge and tools to balance life’s stressors. I work best with individuals who are willing to employ insight to enhance their daily lives and achieve their goals. It’s never too late.

In addition to working as an outpatient psychotherapist, Jennifer has experience as a clinical supervisor and a graduate school instructor. Jennifer's therapeutic approaches encourages clients to discover how healing can come from improving relationships with themselves and with those around them. Jennifer provides counseling and treatment services in the Psychodynamic tradition to youth, adults, and couples. She utilizes various therapeutic approaches including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Attachment Focused Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She assists clients with identifying, setting, and achieving long term therapeutic goals. Jennifer works with clients to improve & utilize pro-social coping skills and increase coping capacity. She assists clients with gaining insight into the associations between their past experiences and present symptoms to improve their future interpersonal interactions and reduce distressing symptoms. She assists clients with developing greater awareness of their connection to themselves & to those around them by using the therapeutic relationship as a model and tool.

Hi there! I am a psychologist in PA specializing in working with college students and young adults. I previously worked in 3 different college counseling centers and have expertise in life transitions, sexual trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and relationship concerns. I also offer animal-assisted therapy with my therapy dog, Lily. We might be a good fit if you enjoy humor, creativity, and authenticity. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

My core values are faith, family, social and economic justice. My worldview is quite simple. You see, I believe that everyone has a right to be in a good place mentally physically and spiritually. I find that I have evolved into a change agent - which is a natural profession for a social worker. The same steps that I have taken to secure my life, mentally physically and emotionally, are the very same steps I am willing to assist my patients/clients in taking. My specialties lie in my abilities to move a person or a family from a place of dysfunction to functionality. I strive to improve the quality of life those whom I counsel. My theoretical framework a solution focused, interwoven with resiliency theory, using a strength-based approach. I am just a chat away if you need me – 'how may I help you?"

Whether you need space to process trauma, a current break up, college life stressors, chronic illness/pain or you think you are struggling with substance use, we can begin the process of healing. I am a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor as well as an LICSW. I have specialized experience working with service members, veterans, and their families. I am trained in several approaches such as: solution-focus, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic. I focus on working with my clients to understand what is meaningful to them, and providing counseling to help guide them towards their goals. I think of therapy as a collaboration between client and therapist. I use a laid-back, compassionate approach to therapy and focus on building a strong connection. Reaching out for help can be a huge undertaking. Together, we will develop a plan to help you achieve your goals and live your life to the fullest. The best way to set up an appointment is to send an email.

In my practice, I specialize in working with young adults struggling to find their footing in the new world of adulthood. Clients usually see me for relationship issues, stress and anxiety, childhood trauma, and depression.

Our clinicians are trained in a variety of modalities. This allows us to tailor our approach to the needs of our clients. We all believe that the therapeutic relationship is paramount to the therapy experience and strive to provide a supportive environment to explore past experiences and address issues in the present.

Anxiety, depression, and unresolved trauma have held you back too long. You want to thrive, to feel like life is moving in a positive direction, that you have a purpose and that you’re no longer cycling through patterns that have only caused you more pain. You’re tired of feeling like you are going around in circles, feeling “stuck” but you're not exactly sure why. Maybe you can’t remember the last time you weren’t feeling anxious, exhausted, or doubting yourself. You’re curious about what a life full of intention, joy, and peace could be like but aren’t sure how to get there. I hear you; it’s time for a change. Clients come to me for compassionate, nonjudgmental support. With a gentle, trauma-informed approach, we’ll uncover your strengths and shift your life/relationships in ways that feel more authentic. You can feel safe to explore the areas in your life that could be better, and I’ll help you develop the mindfulness, awareness and skills you need to get there. As a therapist specializing in trauma modalities such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), I’ll help you feel secure enough to explore the root of any suffering, and capable enough to find the freedom that awaits you on the other side.

Stressed? Relationship Problems? Seeking Guidance? Sometimes things can seem to get out-of-control. Help take charge of your life and your goals. Consider seeking professional counseling services. Let us help you close the distance to your goals one session at a time!