Treatment for PTSD Therapy | Trauma Recovery | Pittsburgh, PA

While my office is located in Philadelphia, PA, I offer online therapy sessions for people in Pittsburgh. The virtual approach offers more flexibility for your busy schedule and may feel safer if you prefer to do therapy from home.

Yes, trauma therapy can be just as effective when done online. As a licensed therapist, I listen closely and pay attention to your voice and facial expressions so I can attune to your emotions in sessions. Online therapy has the unique advantage of using your space as way to practice coping strategies and nervous system work. If you’re experiencing severe trauma symptoms like suicidal thoughts, you may benefit more from in person sessions. It all depends on how severe your symptoms are and how you’re able to manage them.

I offer gender affirming trauma therapy online in Pittsburgh. I have years of experiencing helping transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive individuals heal identity-based trauma, medical trauma, and complex PTSD. Social justice guides my practice where I pay attention to how systems have harmed you and how they’ve impacted your gender journey.  

Some traditional trauma therapies are not neurodivergent therapy due to reliance on exposure therapy which can overwhelm the nervous system. Trauma therapy can be adapted by going at a slower pace and using non-verbal ways to process trauma. I use Internal Family Systems and Art Therapy, which are neurodivergent affirming at their core because they integrate mind-body work and don’t require you to share memories. Both therapies use creative and experiential approaches that don’t rely on verbal processing.

Identity based trauma is caused by stress and emotional pain inflicted by discrimination, invalidation and microaggressions based on your identity. Identity-based trauma can cause internalized shame, leading people to believe the negative messaging they’ve received from the world.

My approach to identity-based trauma is to help you name the messages you’ve absorbed by society and separate them from your core self. Together we’ll unpack how oppressive systems have harmed you and build confidence to live life on your terms.

It depends on the type of trauma you have and your unique goals. Internal Family Systems (IFS) or parts work is known to be helpful for complex trauma and relational trauma. I use IFS and art therapy to help people heal from trauma.

Trauma therapy sessions will initially focus on ways to help you cope with strong emotions and sooth your nervous system. This is to ensure you feel safe and grounded enough to navigate the deeper work.

I use an Internal Family Systems approach by helping you see your thoughts, feelings, and memories as parts. The goal is to heal the emotional wounds of your past and help you reconnect with your core self.

Therapy tends to be longer term but it all depends on your needs. I recommend trying to meet on a weekly basis for it to be the most benefical.

I frequently check in on how therapy is going, which helps us stay focused on what your top priorities are in sessions.

Sometimes goals/needs change in therapy, or you might realize that something is missing in sessions. I always center your needs in treatment and encourage feedback on what’s working for you and what’s not working.

It can be a big leap to make that first appointment! There are no guarantees, but here are some things to look for.

• You’ve been in therapy before and are looking to do deeper work.

• You want an approach to therapy that is more relational.

• You’re interested in a different approach than talk therapy.

• You’re open to longer term therapy.

• You feel stuck in old patterns that you’re hoping to change.

• You’re not sure if you have trauma but nothing has seemed to work and you can’t feel better.

You can schedule a consultation by booking online. I’ll reply to your email within 1-2 business days (not on weekends). From there, we’ll pick a day and time that works for both of us.

After the phone call, if it’s a good fit, we can schedule that first appointment. You will receive an email to set up your client portal and complete the intake paperwork online. Once all of the forms are completed, your appointment will be confirmed.

You might benefit from trauma therapy if you find yourself feeling constantly on edge, struggling with sleep, experiencing intrusive memories, or noticing that past experiences are affecting your relationships, work, or sense of self. Trauma does not always stem from one large event. It can also develop from ongoing experiences of invalidation, rejection, or feeling unsafe over time.

I work with a wide range of trauma experiences, including childhood trauma, relational trauma, identity-based trauma, and experiences related to coming out or navigating life as an LGBTQ+ or transgender person. I also support clients processing grief, medical trauma, and difficult family dynamics.

Trauma therapy is more focused on understanding how past experiences are affecting your present life and helping your nervous system find safety again. While general therapy might address current stressors or relationships, trauma therapy goes deeper into the roots of patterns that developed as ways to protect yourself.

Yes. As a queer identified therapist, I specialize in providing affirming care for LGBTQ+ and transgender individuals. I understand that trauma often intersects with experiences of discrimination, rejection, or the challenges of living authentically in a world that is not always accepting. You will not have to explain or justify your identity in our work together.

That is completely okay. Trauma therapy does not mean diving into painful memories before you are ready. A significant part of our work together involves building safety, trust, and coping skills first. I follow your lead and we will never push into territory that feels overwhelming without the tools to support you.

Yes. Anxiety, hypervigilance, and sleep difficulties are common ways that trauma shows up in daily life. Trauma therapy addresses the root causes of these symptoms rather than just managing them on the surface. Many clients notice improvements in sleep, mood, and overall sense of calm as they progress in their healing.

Traditional eating disorder treatment often assumes a cisgender, heteronormative experience that doesn't fit many LGBTQ+ individuals' realities.

For trans and non-binary individuals, body image work involves additional considerations. Food restriction might simultaneously manage gender dysphoria, attempt to achieve an affirming body shape, and cope with chronic trauma from discrimination. My trauma therapy approach recognizes these nuances rather than applying generic recovery models.

If you're navigating medical transition while addressing disordered eating and PTSD symptoms, we'll work together to distinguish between healthy body changes and harmful behaviors. This requires nuanced understanding that many practitioners lack—expertise I bring to every session.

Trauma can impact your sense of self and force your nervous system to act in survival-mode. Traumatic experiences can leave you with feelings of shame, guilt and worthlessness that can negatively affect your relationships and career. Daily stressors may seem more threatening because your brain is stuck in flight or fight mode.