Learn about our Approach
Our Approach
Creating an inviting space for self exploration is the backbone of our approach. Our therapists lean into the idea that “two things can be true at once”, believing that when we embody this attitude, our lives become more expansive, rather than narrow. Our goal is to help you feel more sturdy, even when your path forward feels uncertain. We will help you hone your internal resources, making space for more choice and confidence as you move toward your goals.
We use the science practitioner model, practicing an evidence based approach while honoring a commitment to "seeing the best in you". We also celebrate the extensive variety of healing philosophies that exist outside the bounds of western science, and are dedicated to continuous professional curiosity and personal growth.
Treatment Focus
When we are struggling with a mental health or an interpersonal concern or a big transition, it is common to feel alone, overwhelmed or withdrawn. Taking the step toward professional help is tough and yet, it is the first step to harnessing your internal courage. You can do this.
Our focus is to help you build self awareness and create new ways of feeling empowered in the world, often moving from a place of imbalance toward feeling more whole and confident. Collaborative treatment plans are created to meet your personal goals.
Here are some examples of empowered living goals:
1.Learning to use body awareness as a tool for increasing authenticity.
2. Reaching for your goals and desires, even when you feel discomfort or scared
3.Getting comfortable disappointing others and still feeling whole and worthy
4.Practicing embracing your tarnished parts without feeling "less than"
Discomfort is Certain in Life... Suffering is Optional! Let us be your guide to a more expansive life!
Areas of Focus
Transitions and Life Stages
Transitions in life can throw us off balance, making us feel scared, confused or overwhelmed. Taking on a new role in life (like parenting or a new leadership role) or starting a new life phase
(going to college) can be daunting and counseling can give you the extra support you need to manage this change. Transitions include life stages too- childhood, adolescents, college age students, retirees and everything in between. Learning new skills can help strengthen your confidence during times of transition.
Women's Issues
Women often face unique challenges of discrimination, body image or struggles with finding balance, often due to limiting cultural demands. Times of life transitions like motherhood, including prenatal, pregnant and postpartum times or career change can be tough. Counseling can help with empowerment, skill building, self acceptance and support.
Depression and Anxiety
Depression, fear and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotional states that we can experience in our lives. Through counseling and treatment, you can recover motivation, perspective, and joy that you once had in your life.
Grief and Loss
Grief and loss are a natural part of life and yet a loss can often feel devastating, paralyzing and isolating. Seeking help to process your loss can help you manage your emotions and begin to heal.
Building Social and Emotional Skills
Self Awareness is the first step to creating any personal change. Increasing your emotional vocabulary can help you increase awareness and become more mindful about your choices and behavior. Counseling can help grow your ability to use conflict resolution, communication and productive disagreement skills. Improving social and emotional skills can impact your mood, motivation, relationships and much more.
Trauma
Experiencing any type of trauma impacts your mind and body in many disruptive ways. It often leads to coping strategies that are no longer useful. Healing old wounds or recovering from a recent traumatic incident is possible and we can help you move toward more empowered living.
An Integrated Approach
Compassion Focused
Inclusive and Systemic
Inclusive and Systemic
Compassion is integrated into all elements of the therapeutic process. Identifying ways to enhance ones own self compassion and increase compassion toward others can positively impact ones self esteem, relationships and overall functioning.
Inclusive and Systemic
Inclusive and Systemic
Inclusive and Systemic
Exploring and responding to how race, gender and culture impact one's life and the conflicts between these structures, including the systems we live in, are important parts of the therapeutic process.
Skill Building
Inclusive and Systemic
Skill Building
Skill building is center stage during the therapeutic process. Treatment approaches include ACT, Somatic, IFS, CBT, and mindfulness based practices that will help you be more intentional about your behavior.
Our Providers
Wesley Waldrup, LPC
I am the founder of Counseling Works LLC. I honor my work with clients as a sacred practice; I equally enjoy clinical work as well as consulting and mentoring other professionals in the field.
One essential part of the counseling process is finding "the right fit" and I strive to help my clients feel seen and supported, while also stretching themselves to step out of their comfort zone. I use an integrated approach including including IFS, EMDR, compassion and mindfulness practices, commitment and acceptance (ACT), cognitive behavioral and somatic based therapy.
What lights me up? Learning and evolving, small and big moments of connection, and the feeling of awe in nature. Professionally- l enjoy learning new ways to help people heal, including emerging science, ancient wisdom and the lens that growth is a lifelong process.
Alex Kunkel, LPC
Hi! My name is Alex and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor. I
earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. I believe we all possess the knowledge and innate wisdom to achieve our goals.
My professional experience began in the field of addiction counseling and I like helping folks explore their relationship to substances, including how this relationship is connected to unmet needs, mental health struggles and often unresolved trauma.
I am also passionate about helping clients navigate life transitions, new parenthood, student life, grief and family conflict. I use an eclectic and person- centered approach, utilizing elements of CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing to help clients clarify their goals, focusing on empowerment and choice. I am honored to work alongside my clients, helping them build the skills and develop the tools to live empowered lives.
Jessica Everly, PhD, LPC
Hello, and welcome. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with individuals and couples ages 17 and up. Specifically, I treat depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, OCD, grief and loss, life
transitions, and relationship distress.
My approach is integrative, combining emotionally focused therapy, behavioral therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, and somatic techniques. In addition to being an LPC, I have a doctorate and over 15 years of experience in the field of psychology. Clients who see me can expect a counselor who is not only supportive and down-to-earth but also skilled and knowledgeable. Sessions with me tend to be semi-structured, with us working towards your goals while leaving space for acute stressors that arise.
Whether you are looking to make specific changes in your life or simply need some support as you navigate a difficult period, please reach out to discuss how I might be able to assist you with reaching your goals.
Gloria Schweitzer, LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has provided therapeutic services for over 20 years in the following settings: A Community Treatment Team; Family Outpatient Services; Art Therapy at a Fine Arts Institution; and an Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Residential Treatment Facility. I work with adolescents, adults and families, helping them with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, stress, and anger management. I have extensive experience leading complicated grief and addiction based groups.
My approach to therapy is genuine and reality based, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy in combination with mindfulness and acceptance. I believe in a holistic approach, including mind, body and spirit, with the understanding that each individual has a meaning or purpose to their lives. I often incorporate Gestalt therapy methods to help clients embody the present moment.
I am a native of the Pittsburgh area. I completed my undergraduate degree with a double major in Art and Psychology from Mercyhurst University, and a Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. I look forward to working with you!
Nancy Van Saun, LCSW
Greetings! Let me introduce myself, I'm Nancy Van Saun, LCSW.I have been trained in numerous modalities and theoretical frameworks. I try to adapt my approach to the client's needs.
I see therapy as an interactive, dynamic relationship. We start with the presenting problem: relationships, trauma, chronic illness/pain, childhood issues, depression, anxiety, etc. I work in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Dialectic Behavioral therapy.I work primarily with adults on an individual basis.
I feel most comfortable working with clients who can utilize therapy in an active rather than passive manner. We will explore the root cause of your struggles, that may be childhood issues, trauma issues, communication skills, and coping strategies. We identify the barriers to improving functioning.
Resources
Helpful resources:
What is Professional Counseling? https://www.counseling.org/aca-community/learn-about-counseling/what-is-counseling
Self Compassion http://self-compassion.org/
Wellbeing- The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/
Perspective Taking: “Fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth”
― Pema Chödrön, When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
Brene Brown- The Power of Vulnerability Ted Talk
https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability
Introduction to Mindfullness
https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/benefits-of-mindfulness.htm
Suicide Prevention Hotline- National https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Crisis and Suicide Intervention in Pittsburgh - Resolve Crisis Center at
888-796-8826 24/7
resolve Crisis Services | UPMC - UPMC.com
*Disclaimer: the content of this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional or psychological services. The use of this website does not constitute a therapist-client relationship.
