Find a Therapist in Mars, PA

Dr. Elaine Malec is a dedicated psychologist with a PhD and extensive credentials, including a Certificate from the American Academy of Healthcare Professionals in Grief Counseling. With a focus on adults, Dr. Malec provides compassionate and insightful therapy, specializing in grief, codependency, and anxiety. She employs a holistic approach, utilizing a diverse range of therapy types including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), among others. Through her use of eclectic and tailored methods, Dr. Malec works closely with individuals to navigate the complexities of their experiences and emotional well-being, fostering a supportive environment for growth and healing.

Dr. Robert Bartek, a profound psychologist with a PhD, believes that family is paramount; when one member experiences turmoil, the entire family feels the impact. He recognizes the significance of marriages, the well-being of children, and the dynamics of family life, emphasizing that every individual truly matters. With a career in psychology that spans over 40 years, Dr. Bartek specializes in marital, child, and adolescent therapies, particularly addressing issues related to depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. His diverse expertise encompasses behavioral, cognitive, and psychodynamic modalities, which are effectively tailored to meet the needs of couples, individuals, and families. Understanding that thought patterns influence behavior, Dr. Bartek advocates for awareness of automatic thoughts as a tool for change. He is dedicated to providing children and adolescents with the accountability and guidance they need, alongside essential parenting and family interventions. Central to his approach is the understanding of personality traits, as it can significantly alleviate conflict between partners. Dr. Bartek encourages marital partners to take responsibility for their actions rather than place blame, fostering a path toward transformation in their relationships. By identifying individual personality differences and recognizing each partner's needs, he guides couples toward greater marital success.

Susan Beggan Paganie is a Licensed Professional Counselor acclaimed for her work with teens and adults facing mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, grief, and relationship challenges. As a certified trauma professional, she holds advanced certifications in DBT and EMDR and is Level 3 trained in Brainspotting and Gottman Marital Therapy. Her psychodynamic approach to therapy dives deep into how past experiences, thoughts, and defense mechanisms influence the present. Susan also employs a skills-based approach, focusing on enhancing the quality of relationships and overall life satisfaction. With her extensive experience in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate trauma, loss, and PTSD, Susan provides a supportive and caring environment, guiding clients in developing coping skills to tackle life's complexities.

Dr. Amana Carvalho is a dedicated clinical psychologist who brings strength and courage to the therapeutic process. Acknowledging personal challenges and painful experiences is a brave step, and seeking professional help is commendable. As a licensed psychologist and a woman of color, Dr. Carvalho leverages her unique life experiences and identities to connect with and understand a diverse range of clients. Her therapeutic style is collaborative, egalitarian, and non-judgmental, fostering strong relationships that are central to effective treatment. Dr. Carvalho strives to create a safe space where individuals can explore their identities, clarify their values, and develop healthier coping skills. She specializes in helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, self-injury, low self-esteem, LGBTQ+ identity issues, family relationship difficulties, and eating disorders. Currently, services are provided via telehealth, catering exclusively to adults.

Richard Miller is a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to helping adults navigate their emotional challenges. He employs a unique blend of skill-building and developmental approaches in his therapeutic practice. His skill development techniques focus on affect management, stress and anger management, and resolving marital conflict and communication difficulties. Richard's developmental perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding each client's unique childhood narrative and how it has shaped their present self. By utilizing techniques such as Attachment Theory and Schema Therapy, he encourages clients to explore and share old memories and feelings, facilitating significant personal growth. This process bridges past experiences with present feelings, integrating the emotional and logical aspects of self. His ultimate goal is to identify and dismantle outdated belief systems that obstruct happiness in adulthood, promoting change through the clarification of implicit memories in a supportive environment. By addressing maladaptive schemas, Richard helps reshape the brain's structure through the transformative process of neuroplasticity. Choosing to engage with a professional like Richard is a courageous step, and finding someone who aligns with one's needs is essential.

Kristie Knights, a licensed counselor with credentials as an LPC and NBCC, has dedicated over 21 years to her practice as a psychotherapist, fueled by her passion for helping others through the gifts she believes are divinely bestowed. In her private practice, she leads by example, sharing her personal journey of transformation from struggle to healing, aiming to inspire and motivate clients to rediscover lives filled with joy and purpose. Beyond her role as a professional therapist, Kristie is a published and best-selling author, a sought-after speaker, and the founder/CEO of iRise, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to eradicating suicide through training and awareness services. Her expertise encompasses Acute and Complex Trauma Treatment, EMDR, CBT, and DBT, with a particular passion for supporting individuals who have lost loved ones to suicide, those dealing with complex trauma, and survivors of narcissistic abuse. As a Certified QPR Instructor, Kristie is committed to suicide prevention. She understands that entering counseling can be daunting, which is why she strives to create an environment where clients feel as if they are with a best friend. Kristie is ready to walk alongside each client in their journey to healing, offering her high-level expertise, unconditional love, and unwavering support. Remember, you are brave, and you are not alone.

Carrie Kuhs, Licensed Professional Counselor and board-certified art therapist, is dedicated to helping children and teens navigate their emotional challenges. She understands the struggles parents face when their children deal with issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, and social difficulties. With 25 years of experience in outpatient, school, in-home, partial hospital, and residential settings, Carrie employs a variety of engaging techniques—including talk therapy, expressive arts, and play therapy—to facilitate emotional expression and problem-solving skills. During the initial session, she collaborates with both parents and their children to identify goals and develop a tailored therapeutic plan. Carrie believes that each young person is a unique gift, possessing individual strengths and capabilities, and her supportive, strength-based approach encourages positive coping strategies. She also addresses family dynamics to foster overall progress and well-being. Carrie's office is designed to be a welcoming space where creativity can flourish, and evening and weekend appointments are available to accommodate busy families.

Rebecca De Vries is a dedicated licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) who believes that an open mind can truly transform lives. Her clients understand their responsibility for personal growth and recognize that making changes often requires evaluating their beliefs and values. As an experienced therapist, Rebecca listens attentively, ensuring she has a thorough understanding of each individual's life circumstances. While she does not hold the answers, her extensive skills and knowledge allow her to provide support and guidance throughout her clients' unique journeys of self-discovery and change. Having grown up on a dairy farm near the Butler Area, Rebecca is proud to be a first-generation college graduate, earning a master's degree in Cross-Cultural Counseling and another in Clinical Psychology, complemented by a doctorate in School Psychology. Her solid academic foundation and practical experience empower her to help clients navigate their mental health challenges effectively.

Dr. Branch Upward, PsyD, EdS, understands the challenges of parenting a child with ADHD. Having witnessed the ups and downs firsthand through their own journey with an oldest daughter, Dr. Upward offers empathetic support to families navigating similar paths. With specialized expertise in parent coaching for children and adolescents facing ADHD, they employ a strength-based approach to calm the chaos and empower parents. Dr. Upward cultivates a safe and non-judgmental coaching environment, guiding parents to gain insights into their responses to their child's behaviors. Their collaborative process is tailored to meet each family’s unique needs, addressing common issues such as morning routines, homework battles, and discipline challenges. Offering house calls in the Pittsburgh area, Dr. Upward is passionate about helping children and families discover effective solutions to everyday problems. With a heartfelt understanding of parental struggles, they encourage families to take it one step at a time, transforming feelings of failure into empowerment. Reach out for a supportive coaching experience with Dr. Branch Upward, where guidance is just a conversation away.