Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Pittsburgh, PA

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 6 years of experience, and I specialize in supporting individuals through challenging emotional periods. I work with clients motivated to foster personal growth and improve their overall well-being through the therapeutic process. I create a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and emotions while developing strategies to achieve your goals and experience meaningful change.

I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Messiah College, where I developed a strong foundation in evidence-based practices. I use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, and mindfulness strategies to meet each client’s unique needs and promote personal growth.

As an extrovert and lifelong athlete, I value teamwork, collaboration, and building strong relationships to achieve shared goals. Therapy is a place where you don’t have to carry your burdens alone. I invite you to take the next step and schedule a session where we can work together on your journey toward healing and growth.

Monica Cwynar is a Licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping her patients reach their goals. She is interested in working with adults and children and helping them live fulfilled lives. Monica specializes in depression, end of life, grief, anxiety, relationship challenges, co-parenting, trauma, family, and major life transitions. She completed her Master of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh, where she was the first minority to receive a Hartford Fellowship in the School of Social Work.

Monica utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, gestalt, exploration of patterns and emotions, psych education, role playing, structured problem solving, and cognitive reframing.

Monica is passionate about normalizing mental health treatment and removing the stigma while encouraging access for all. If you're ready to take the first steps in meeting your goals, then Monica is ready to get started.

Heather Richards is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience working with diverse populations, from preschool-aged children to older adults. She has supported individuals facing trauma, grief, and loss, and has worked with clients navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Heather’s background includes work with at-risk youth, family systems, and outpatient and group therapy. She is passionate about helping clients committed to healing and personal growth.

Heather earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She uses a client-centered, integrative approach that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and strength-based techniques. She meets clients where they are while encouraging growth outside their comfort zone.

Heather helps clients feel empowered in their healing journey by fostering connection and trust. She values each client’s input and believes therapy should be tailored to individual needs and never one-size-fits-all. Heather supports clients in developing tools to manage symptoms, build resilience, and improve their quality of life.

Layla Bruzda is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience working in both inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment, as well as outpatient mental health treatment for adolescents and adults. She is helping clients to address substance use problems, trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, ADHD symptoms, grief/loss, relationship problems, communication/conflict resolution, legal involvement, and day-to-day life stressors.

Layla earned a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She uses a person-centered approach to help clients achieve their goals. She utilizes cognitive behavior therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, motivational Interviewing, and other approaches based on individual needs and goals.

Layla believes that everyone deserves to live a peaceful and fulfilling life, despite past mistakes or difficult life experiences. She recognizes that carrying around this emotional weight can be physically and mentally exhausting, or lead to feeling "stuck." Layla's goal is to help clients process these issues to lighten the weight of life's challenges.

Darby Testa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania. In her 10 years of direct care and supervisory experience, she has worked to promote social justice for individuals and care systems. Darby has extensive training and experience working with teens, adults, and seniors who are affected by chronic health conditions, sleep, disorders, mood disorders, dysfunctional relationships, and coping. She is open-minded, non-judgmental, and compassionate.

Darby earned her Master's degree from the University of Michigan. She works to support individuals and couples to enhance or develop skills to manage life stressors, mood disruptions, and communication by building on their existing strengths. With a strong background in both mental health and addiction treatment, Darby competently and comfortably treats behavioral health disorders. Treating the person, not just the problem or its symptoms, is critical to long-term success in therapy. Darby seeks to understand you and your world and help you to adapt to its changing demands.

Darby will help you to identify your goals from session one. She understands that any life change has benefits and drawbacks worth exploring and will meet you where you are with readiness and willingness to change, to help make the most impact. Whatever your motivation, Darby is ready to listen. As a trauma survivor and care provider, she is deeply invested in her client's feelings of comfort, safety, and choice in the therapy process.

Theresa Welsh is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a passion for providing the utmost quality of services to individuals, couples, and families struggling with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, abuse, ADHD, stress, family conflict, life transitions, grief, and more. 

Theresa received her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Geneva College, where she focused her studies on Marriage and Families. Her clinical vision is to ensure a virtual space that is a safe place for clients to experience their vulnerabilities while sharing their stories. Theresa implements both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solutions-focused therapy (SFT), and motivational interviewing interventions in her practice. 

Theresa’s strength-based approach, non-judgmental nature, and focus on strong therapeutic relationships all help her clients grow to accomplish their goals. Reach out to build on your strengths and attain the growth Theresa can help you stay committed to accomplishing.

Anne M. Riddle is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has vast clinical experience working with individuals, children, and families with a vast array of issues such as abuse, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, panic attacks, suicide, major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, alcohol addiction, drug addiction, tobacco addiction, bipolar depression, child neglect, grief, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mrs. Riddle has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the Pennsylvania State University DuBois Campus. She graduated with an honorary membership from the Delta Mu Sigma honor society. She went on to receive a Master’s degree in counseling from St. Bonaventure University with a membership of the Chi Sigma Iota honor society. Mrs. Riddle attended the Hamburg, NY campus of St. Bonaventure University and received her degree in 2008.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania with 4 years of experience. I have worked in community mental health settings supporting clients of diverse backgrounds as they navigate challenges such as managing emotions, developing coping skills, processing grief and trauma, and building a healthier self-image. My approach is rooted in compassion and collaboration, and I am committed to helping clients create meaningful change in their lives.

I have a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. I utilize a strengths-based approach to support my clients in reaching their goals. I draw from dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, somatic-focused therapy, and expressive arts to tailor care to each person’s unique needs.

I look forward to learning more about you and walking alongside you on your journey. Together, we can work toward growth, resilience, and healing.

Evan Csir is a Licensed Practicing Counselor with over 9 years of experience. He is passionate about working with people, especially autistic individuals. He is experienced in helping clients with depression, anxiety, and ADHD issues.

Evan earned his BA in English and Psychology from Thiel College in 2007 and his MA in Counseling in 2013 at Edinboro University. Evan has worked with children his entire professional career as he's worked in BHRS and family-based therapy. He also participated in the intensive family coaching program (parent-child interaction therapy which is done in the home). Evan uses person-centered, behavioral therapy, CBT, and DBT techniques.

Evan is a firm believer that we are all works in progress and never stop growing. He likes to use the metaphor of maintaining a yoga pose: The things in life that challenge us the most are the poses we need to work on the most.

Jordan Stash is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 3 years of experience in the mental health field. He has experience working with all age groups, including children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. He strives to assist his clients in a variety of ways, helping them navigate through difficult times, processing emotions, and more. He specializes in several areas including depression, anxiety, gender identity, sexual orientation, LGBTQIA+ issues, and child therapy.

Jordan holds his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a certificate in Student Affairs from California University-Pennsylvania. He has worked with children on the autism spectrum, assisting them with recognizing behaviors, processing emotions, and more. He is a former behavioral therapist who utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and solutions-focused brief therapy (SFBT).

Everyone has different perspectives and personal experiences. Jordan believes he can offer guidance and support on your new journey to a more productive, insightful sense of well-being. Jordan will help you develop skills and techniques, as well as cultivate a greater understanding of yourself and your experiences. Reach out to schedule with Jordan today.

Danielle (Dani) Lusty is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a decade of experience working with individuals ages 11 and above who struggle with anxiety, depression, time management, life transitions, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health diagnoses. She has treated a variety of populations including the homeless, individuals within the legal system, and those suffering from alcohol and substance misuse disorder.

Dani has a Master’s in Art Therapy with a specialization in Counseling from Seton Hill University. She uses a variety of clinical techniques that focus on reality therapy, solution-focused treatment, and a person-centered approach.

Dani is honored to serve others in their time of need and educate her clients on how their presenting symptoms affect their minds and bodies. She encourages you to book an appointment today!

Melissa Alcorn-Ferry is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She is energized by helping people reach their goals and potential. Melissa specializes in depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, addiction, grief, and life transitions.

Melissa completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Pittsburgh. She has worked in homes, schools, communities, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment programs. This professional experience enables her to provide the support and guidance her clients are seeking. Melissa uses multiple treatment approaches which she matches to her client's needs and preferences. Some examples are brief treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and family therapy.

Your emotional well-being can have an impact on your life. If you’re having a hard time, Melissa is confident she will be able to meet you where you are on your journey and help you accomplish your goals. Whether you have hit a bump in the road or you are ready to address a difficult issue, Melissa can help with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to talk and do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

Angela Illig is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who possesses over 16 years of experience in the mental health field, serving youth and adults with individualized care. Angela is passionate about working with individuals and couples to manage obstacles, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and reach their full potential. She sees herself as a human potential enhancer, assisting clients in recognizing and capitalizing upon unique strengths in the counseling process. Angela specializes in assisting clients with career or life transition, stress, anxiety, depression, coping, family dynamics, sexuality, relationships, confidence, identity, motivation, and codependency. She has aided families and couples with communication and conflict resolution skill-building, advocacy and assertiveness, grief, co-parenting, and building positive family dynamics. 

Angela completed her Master of Science (MS) in Counseling and Higher Education at Syracuse University and her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Administrative and Policy Studies in Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Angela is a counselor and university instructor, with ample experience aiding others in navigating the stressors of life. She is a consistent advocate and promoter of wellness, and works to build rapport with her clients, infusing enthusiasm, transparency, and authenticity into sessions. Angela appreciates the delicate balance of properly supporting and challenging clients while integrating various elements of theories into practice. She employs the practical, goal-oriented treatment of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in helping clients grow and achieve success. Angela also utilizes multiple other approaches in her work, including solution-focused therapy, positive psychology, structural family therapy, and psychoeducation.

Angela believes that we all deserve to be able to live fully, put our best feet forward, and focus on strengths and self-care in restoring our lives to wellness. She is patient-centered and motivated by her clients' success. Angela is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to achieve that potential, gaining new perspective, confidence, and skills. If you are ready to begin, schedule an appointment with her today!