Elements: What’s in a name

Lauren grew up in the suburbs of Lancaster, PA in south central PA. She went to the University of Pittsburgh for her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Developmental Psychology, graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh for her Master’s in Public Health and Social Work, and Widener University in Chester, PA for her Master’s of Education in Sexuality Education. Lauren recently completed her PhD in Human Sexuality Studies at Widener University with her dissertation about Queer Step-Parenting and Relationship Satisfaction. Lauren has a clinical license in Social Work and a certification as a Health Education Specialist. They have additional training through school in human sexuality studies and specifically sex therapy.

Lauren likes to use a systemic approach in therapy and incorporate aspects of Mindfulness, Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior therapies, as well as Narrative and Feminist therapy. In relationships, they also like to use the Gottman Method and Systemic Sex Therapy. She specifically likes working with queer and polyamorous clients and relationships. They enjoy supporting clients in communication, emotional regulation, and pleasure-seeking in and outside of their relationships. They also enjoy working with parents, especially mothers and genderqueer parents, in supporting their transition into parenthood, balancing their emotions and hormones, and finding ways to continue personal growth.

Lauren is proud to be a part of creating a supportive and value-led counseling and wellness spa that prioritizes client and clinician health and wellness. Lauren accepts all major insurances as well as self-pay clients. You can email info@elementspgh.com to check her availability and set up an appointment.

Autumn is a licensed social worker who grew up in a small town in Westmoreland County where she developed a passion for social justice and breaking generational cycles of trauma. This passion led her into the field of human service and then ultimately social work. Autumn has an associate degree in human services, a sub bachelorette in rehabilitative justice, a bachelor’s in social work, a master’s in social work, a certificate in traumatic stress studies, and a master’s in business administration. Autumn is also a trained yoga instructor, breathwork practitioner, reiki master, and past life regression specialist. Autumn is a nationally recognized certified trauma specialist who was featured on the Today show for her expertise.

She provides educational presentations and trainings to local schools and organizations on mental health and wellness. With advanced trainings in EDMR, somatic therapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, addiction and recovery, harm reduction, DBT, internal family systems, hypnosis, dissociation, mindfulness, attachment, solution focused therapy, emotionally focused therapy, grief work, sex therapy, and many more, Autumn enjoys working with individuals and couples.

In addition to her educational attainment, Autumn has more than “book smarts.” Her life experience with trauma provides her with a unique sense of empathy and understanding. Autumn uses an integrative humanistic and culturally sensitive approach to honor the uniqueness of every client. Using a systems and person-in-environment perspective, Autumn appreciates a non pathologizing approach to treatment. This grants her the ability to view the client from several perspectives allowing for treatment flexibility that best fits each client. Autumn loves to collaborate her treatment efforts with clients to set goals that honor client self-determination. She believes in the unlimited capacity for personal growth and change in all humans. Her strengths-based and multidimensional approach fosters resiliency and empowers clients to connect with their bodies to heal traumatic pasts and increase emotional regulation.

Autumn is currently working towards her EMDRIA certification and provides services under the supervision of a clinical director.

Autumn is a PROUD ally to LGBTQIA communities, neurodivergent communities, and all races and ethnicities. She understands how life events, society, and policy impact mental health and is here to help guide you through your healing process.

Autumn is proud to be a part of creating a supportive, value-led, and truly holistic safe space for all to come to and grow. Autumn accepts all major health insurances as well as self-pay clients and would love to work with you. 

Jessica is a licensed social worker and certified clinical trauma specialist who grew up in a rural town of Westmoreland County. Living in poverty her entire childhood and suffering through many adverse childhood experiences is what gave her the passion to pursue a career in social work. Jessica has an associate’s degree in human services, and a bachelor’s and master’s degree in advanced Generalist Social Work. Jessica is also a trained Behavioral Consultant that works with children with various mental and behavioral health concerns.

Jessica likes to use a strengths-based and person-centered approach in therapy and incorporates aspects of Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Dialectal Behavior therapy, and Internal Family systems therapy. Jessica is currently working towards her EMDR certification in order to provide this service to clients who need it.

In addition to her education, Jessica has more life experiences with substance use, domestic violence, and child sexual abuse that provides her with a unique and deep understanding. Jessica uses a person in environment approach that fosters resiliency and empowers clients to make the necessary changes in their life. Jessica is a part of the LGBTQIA community, as well as neurodivergent herself so she understands how mental health can be a huge barrier to success in individuals lives.

In her personal life, Jessica is a mother of 5 children, 2 biological and 3 bonus children as well as 3 fur babies who are extremely important to her. In Jessica’s spare time, she enjoys listening to music, going to amusement parks, spending time watching TV with her significant other, and playing outdoors with her kids. She enjoys diamond painting that helps her ground herself and uses that as her biggest coping skill.

Jessica currently accepts UPMC, Aetna, United/Optum, and Self Pay Clients.

Leah is a graduate student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She became passionate about the mental health field while working in community mental health with children in rural Ohio. Afterwards, she moved to Pittsburgh and began working with young adults aging out of the foster care system. Leah strives to cultivate an environment where everyone feels safe to be their authentic self. She approaches counseling from a non-pathologizing, non-authoritarian stance and uses an internal family system or parts work perspective, emphasizing that we are not the problems we face but rather they are simply parts of us that need better understanding. She also utilizes a Gestalt therapy approach which focuses on the here- and now and building a compassionate yet direct relationship. She believes that healing is a journey, and it is never perfect.

Leah strives to create a safe space both inside and outside of the counseling space for LGBTQ+ people, neurodivergent folks, people of color and other marginalized groups. She aspires to walk alongside people while they learn about themselves and help them heal their wounded parts to live more fulfilled. Leah believes that when we can live more aligned lives that energy radiates to those we interact with, raising our collective vibration.

In her free time, she enjoys electronic music festivals and concerts, making wire wrapped crystal jewelry, watching mind-numbing reality TV, yoga and spending time in nature. She loves anytime spent with her boyfriend, her cat, Buster and her friends. Leah currently accepts sliding scale and pro bono clients.

Call 412 – 587 – 6020 to schedule with Leah today.

Alisha is a licensed social worker and certified clinical trauma specialist who has spent most of her life in suburban and rural areas of Pennsylvania. Her personal experiences have ignited her passion for mental health. Alisha’s educational background includes an Associate of Liberal Arts, Bachelor of Social Work, Trauma-Informed Care Sub-Baccalaureate, and Master of Social Work. She has worked in private practice and larger facilities in Pennsylvania, always upholding the values and ethics of social work.

Alisha has extensive experience working with diverse individuals of all ages and applies a systems and person-in-environment approach in her practice with a focus on cultural sensitivity. She incorporates Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Existential, and Feminist therapies, along with psychoeducation, mindfulness, coping skills, boundaries, social skill development, communication skills, and trauma-informed care. Alisha is a member of the LGBTQIA community and takes pleasure in supporting neurodivergent individuals. Alisha is in the process of becoming an EMDR trained clinician to better serve her clients.

Alisha is a strong advocate for self-care and encourages it for her clients. To unwind, she enjoys spending quality time with her spouse and their five adorable dogs. Alisha is passionate about 3D printing and finds joy in creating intricate designs. She also immerses herself in the world of video games. In addition, she likes to expand her knowledge by reading books and listening to a variety of podcasts on diverse topics. Alisha has honed her sewing skills through self-teaching and enjoys creating unique pieces. Apart from her indoor hobbies, she also enjoys tending to her garden and nurturing various plants.

Joy Harris is a licensed clinical social worker and doctoral student working towards a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. Joy grew up in the Pittsburgh area and primarily
resided in the neighborhoods of Wilkinsburg and Swissvale. From a young age Joy experienced a host of her own challenges and negative experiences, leading her to develop a high level of empathy and to gain a deeper insight into the struggles of others. Joy recognized that she had a passion for helping people and knew by the age of 10 that she would one day become a therapist. Joy earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Carlow University and master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. During her studies she worked to gain experience in the field through various roles, which include a sexual assault counselor at Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, and a residential counselor at a local facility that supports youth who are dually diagnosed with mental health and IDD.

Upon graduating from her master’s program in 2012, Joy has served in various roles and settings, which includes serving in the role of a mobile therapist in home, community, and school settings; an outpatient therapist; a behavior specialist working
with both children and adults; a case manager at a transitional housing program for single mothers dually diagnosed with mental health and substance use; a clinical social worker in an intermediate care facility; a social skills group facilitator; and a program manager for a clinical supervision program.

Joy is a strong advocate for mental health, at-risk populations, and accessibility of treatment. Joy’s approach to therapy focuses on the notion of “unconditional positive regard” where the individual seeking support does not have to be concerned with judgement or criticism. Joy utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy, which includes modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral therapy, and attachment-based therapy. Joy also has a strong interest in EMDR and will be working towards certification in this modality.

No matter what modality she uses, Joy believes that treatment must be person centered and compassion focused. Joy believes in the power that everyone has within themselves to make the changes they would like to see in their own life and recognizes
that every individual is the expert in their own life. During sessions Joy encourages the individual to “take the driver’s seat”, while she takes on the supportive role of guiding
the individual to realize their own strengths and abilities, building confidence, and actualizing their potential.

Joy accepts all major insurances, as well as self-pay and is enthusiastic about helping individuals regardless of background, personal attributes, or ability.

Kassy is a certified rehabilitation counselor and licensed associate professional counselor from Pittsburgh. She went to La Roche University for her Bachelor’s in Psychology and University of Pittsburgh for her Master’s in Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling. Kassy is receiving clinical supervision on a regular basis to obtain the licensed professional counselor (LPC) credential.

Kassy has worked in both community and private rehabilitation and mental health settings, providing mental health and career counseling to teens and adults. As a certified rehabilitation counselor, she is an expert in working with individuals with disabilities. Kassy also enjoys working with all kinds of relationship dynamics, helping clients form secure attachments, while deconstructing and decolonizing heteronormative relationship ideals.

Kassy is LGBTQIA and poly/ENM-affirming and BDSM/kink-aware. She implements a person-centered approach to therapy, placing emphasis on empowering clients to feel more in control of their own lives. She utilizes acceptance and commitment therapy, narrative therapy, and feminist therapy. Within relational counseling, Kassy likes to implement an emotionally-focused modality. In all circumstances, Kassy takes a multicultural point of view, affirming and celebrating all intersections of one’s identity.

Aside from her professional training, Kassy has personal experience navigating the world with intersecting and marginalized identities. She understands how the pressure of one’s upbringing, societal norms, and internal biases can prevent you from living your most authentic life. Kassy’s own experience unlearning dysfunctional family dynamics and re-defining healthy relationships fuels her passion for helping others heal their own attachment wounds. In her free time, Kassy enjoys volunteering as a cat cuddler, attending live music events, and spending time at home with her partner and 2 cats.

Jhoandra Hernandes aka Joey is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling intern currently pursuing a master’s degree at Duquesne University. Aspiring to become a licensed counselor, Joey is passionate about helping clients feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate life’s challenges. With a person-centered approach, Joey focuses on meeting clients where they are, creating safe and non-judgmental spaces that encourage healing, growth, and self-discovery. They strive to empower clients to embrace their strengths, seek self-validation, and develop the confidence and independence needed to live fulfilling lives. Joey is bilingual and can provide services in American English and Spanish.

Joey brings diverse experience from working with clients in various mental health settings such as working with clients on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities, as a Registered Behavioral Technician. Joey also worked as a Recovery Specialist at South Florida State Hospital, where they supported adults in their recovery journeys. Their work in a rehabilitation setting included facilitating group sessions, teaching practical coping skills, and helping clients navigate trauma, anxiety, and depression. Joey’s background includes behavioral interventions for children and providing care in inpatient settings, which has shaped their ability to connect with clients of all ages.

Originally from Miami, Florida, Joey is proud of their Colombian heritage, which brings a culturally sensitive and empathetic perspective to their work. Outside of their professional life, Joey enjoys hiking, watching movies, cooking and crafting when they can find the time. Joey lives with their fiancé and two cats, who keep life fun and full of laughter.

Joey is currently accepting clients who may need financial assistance through pro bono or a sliding scale self-pay to offset client costs and make mental health care accessible.

Hannah is a licensed associate counselor (LAPC) from Pittsburgh. She went to Penn State for her bachelor’s in Psychology and Chatham University for her master's in counseling.

Hannah believes in social justice for all, the importance of diversity, and that all people deserve to choose how they live. In her past work she brought these values to Pittsburgh Action Against Rape. There, Hannah led the LGBTQ+ Support Group and created an environment of healing for those she served. She cares deeply about the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and survivors of assault. 

Hannah strives to help her clients take back their power. Feminist and multicultural theory guide this approach with special attention to the current political and social environment in our society. Hannah believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to counseling. She applies an eclectic approach that includes aspects of ACT, DBT, and mindfulness techniques that are tailored to her clients. 

Hannah will be pursuing an EMDR certification and hopes to use these skills to better serve survivors of trauma. Hannah identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community and looks to serve those in her community. She applies her own lived experience to help her frame the specific issues faced by her community, including trauma, transitional periods, domestic/interpersonal violence, and community-building. 

As a client with Hannah, you’ll find a safe place with encouragement to move towards healing and growth. Hannah believes in the power of using therapy to live a more directional and purposeful life. 

In her spare time, Hannah enjoys spending time at home with her cats, reading books, and playing video games.

Hannah accepts self-pay clients, the Victim’s Compensation Fund, UPMC, Aetna, and United Healthcare commercial plans.

Tiayra grew up in the suburban part of Harrisburg Pennsylvania. She obtained her Bachelors in General Psychology and her first Masters in Criminal Justice from Colorado Technical University. Tiayra also received her second Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern University.

She has her own experiences with trauma and adversity which can provide understanding and empathetic therapeutic relationship. Tiayra strives to give back to her community by providing a safe space and psychoeducation around mental health. Tiayra’s why is very special as she states, “I became the person I needed growing up.” That is why she became a therapist.

Tiayra likes to lead with a person-centered approach with her clients but can adapt to other therapeutic modalities that best support her clients. She has experience with Trauma, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Couples therapy, and DBT. Tiayra looks forward to adding EMDR to the list of therapeutic modalities.

Tiayra is a part of the LGBTQ community. She is also neurodivergent. She loves to spend time with her child and her 2 fur babies. She enjoys reading, playing video games, writing, and making content about fashion, self-care, and being authentically herself.

Tiayra currently takes self-paying, Aetna, Cigna, and United/Optum.

Hi, I’m Beth! I’m a white, able-bodied, neurodivergent, nonbinary, queer coach, passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and polycules to connect more authentically with themselves, each other, and the world. Since 2019, I’ve worked with hundreds of clients, welcoming each human into a warm, compassionate, and playful container to move toward their more present, connected, and fulfilled way of being.

I am a certified Human Potential Coach and Embodied Intimacy and Mental Health Coach. I emphasize anti-oppressive practice in my work, which means we will talk about the real external systems of power and oppression that impact how we walk through this world with our specific identities. I rely on indigenous wisdom as much as therapeutic research in my practice. It also means I bring my full human self to our sessions and allow you to do the same! I focus primarily on supporting clients to connect their brain and body through somatics and embodiment, to help them move toward real transformation and joyful liberation from a foundation of empowered choice, voice and connection with our Selves, with loved ones, and with community. 

Greetings, I’m Javi Vason! Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist, & Life Coach.

A vibrant, multi-talented, and uniquely wonderful individual. Embracing my neurodiversity and embracing my quirks, I’ve learned to see myself as a “Misfit” in the most empowering way. Through the practice of yoga, I’ve found solace and strength on my path to healing. Despite the challenges of not fitting into society’s mold, I’ve come to realize that my differences are what make me shine. 

As a Black, Non-Binary, and Queer individual with a history of generational trauma, I understand the weight of carrying such burdens. However, I refuse to let it define me. I am on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and self-acceptance. In creating this membership platform, my goal is to make holistic healing accessible and affordable for all. Together, as a united community, we can support each other on our individual healing journeys. Let’s embrace our uniqueness, celebrate our differences, and empower each other to be the best versions of ourselves. You are capable of achieving greatness, and I believe in you. Join me on this transformative journey towards self-love and healing.

Victoria always felt the call to serve others. Her first love was poetry and visual art, but her calling led her to the non-profit world. She worked for a labor rights organization, a women’s shelter, a crime victim assistance agency, as a service-learning director, a collegiate assistant for international affairs, and spent two years volunteering for Americorps. She became an activist for LGBTQIA+ and women’s rights at the University of Pittsburgh, where she received a BA in English Writing.  She also completed a Master’s in Human Rights/Women’s Studies at Chatham University.

Victoria’s first spiritual experiences as a child include visions of goddesses, spirits and other entities.  Her Grandmother shared stories about visitations from passed-on family members, read magazines about astrology, and discussed all things “woo.” Mediumship and psychic ability is in the family. 

Victoria felt different from her peers as her interests were unorthodox: out of body experiences, meditation, the purpose of life, art, literature, philosophy, world religions and mythology, mysticism and spirituality, social justice activism, alternative music and subcultures. 

Her difficult and traumatic background as a child led to a mental health crisis when she was 18.  Her recovery from clinical depression was achieved in large part through the practice of Buddhist meditation. At that point she was heavily invested in exploring different spiritual paths and practiced Buddhism, Wicca, and kundalini yoga. 

When she began taking spiritual classes, intuition felt natural. She realized that this ability could be accurate, helpful and healing.  After being mentored by the Spiritualist community, in 2007 she became a professional reader.

Through a disciplined practice of yoga and meditation, she had a spiritual and kundalini awakening in 2010 that rooted her connection to the Divine and brought her the realization that we are all one. 

Victoria inferred that she needed to understand spirituality and its connection to the psyche to be more helpful to her clients, and that led her to obtain a second Masters in Transpersonal Psychology from Sophia University in California.

Her current interests and training include shamanism, shamanic healing and ceremonies, and the intersection of psychology and spirituality.

She is a full-time spiritual mentor, intuitive counselor, medium, reiki/shamanic healing practitioner, spiritual development coach, writer, and teacher. A large amount of her time is spent working one on one with clients. 

Another important component is teaching and mentoring.  She has taught hundreds of spiritual and wellness-based classes, locally and in Lily Dale, NY. She is passionate about meditation and has participated in many retreats.

Victoria has particular expertise in soul connection relationships, kundalini/spiritual awakening, paranormal experiences/investigations and house cleansings, mentoring in psychic development, and narcissistic abuse recovery. Victoria uses trauma-informed therapeutic techniques and also offers guided meditations, past life regression, somatic healing sessions, shamanic ceremonies, and sound healing with crystal bowls.

Her services focus on empowering clients to release emotions, heal trauma, recognize life patterns, reprogram negative beliefs, and gain a deeper understanding of their personal psychology and life purpose. She loves nature and her cat, Miracle. 

Trinity Anderson is an Integrated Healing Practitioner, Life Coach and Spiritual Coach. She has an Associate’s Degree in Integrated Healing Arts and four certificates in Life Coaching, Spiritual Coaching, Intuitive Guidance and an Ordained/ Minister Services.

Starting off practicing mindfulness on her own and seeing the healing power in those practices, she wanted to start using mindfulness to help others. So, Trinity now hosts meditation groups with an art therapy twist. Combining her love for creating art and her love for mindfulness practices.

Trinity Anderson brings a wide range of life and spiritual coaching tools that she uses to add a personalized touch to her sessions. Her approach in her sessions is using creativity and expression to work towards being our best self. She thrives on helping people become their best self mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Trinity is looking to help clients that feel like they have reached a blockage in their physical or spiritual life. And creating a safe space where her clients can move past that blockage. She is looking to continue to expand her training by furthering her education and knowledge in art therapy, trauma-sensitivity and holistic health.

Trinity is a proud supporter of the LGBTQIA communities, neurodivergent communities, and of all different backgrounds and ethnicities. In her free time, Trinity enjoys spending time in nature, painting, meditating, and spending time with the people she loves. She currently accepts self-pay and sliding scale self-pay to help make life coaching and spiritual coaching more affordable.