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 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.

Kelly is a full-time master’s student in Duquesne University’s Clinical Mental Health Program and was inducted into the International Honor Society for Counseling during her second semester, Chi Sigma Iota. Kelly has over 14 and a half years of experience working as a criminal investigator at the Allegheny County Jail. There, Kelly worked face-to-face with defendants being charged with both minor charges and serious crimes, including homicide.  Throughout Kelly’s time at the jail, she strived to get defendants into drug and alcohol treatment, helped veterans suffering from PTSD get accepted into Veteran’s Court, and became an advocate for those in abusive relationships. She helped countless victims obtain Protection from Abuse Orders. Kelly has significant crisis intervention techniques and substantial experience in conflict resolution. Kelly’s involvement in the CJS helps clients better navigate complex systems involved in their treatment.

Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism, also from Duquesne University. She spent several years as a newspaper reporter, making the front page with her coverage of local reaction to the September 11^th terrorist attacks. Kelly returned to school, obtaining a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Point Park University.

Kelly’s change in career paths was inspired by her work as a volunteer at the Highmark Caring Place, a center for grieving children and their families. She has spent over the last six years facilitating and co-facilitating groups with grieving children and teens. She also volunteers for special events like Children’s Grief Awareness Day, the 25th Anniversary Parks Kick-Off Event, and the Caring Team Summit, among many others. Kelly has a special knack for working with teens and children and is also passionate about trauma work and working with people who’ve been physically, emotionally, and mentally abused. In addition to her passion for trauma and grief, Kelly has a special connection with veterans and first responders. During her almost 15-year career at the Allegheny County Jail, Kelly witnessed the daily horrors that first responders experience. You can tell your story to her without holding back!

In Kelly’s spare time, she enjoys cuddling with her rescue dogs, Sidney and Bandit, and rewatching her favorite movie, Top Gun Maverick. Her favorite holiday is Halloween, and she loves all things Fall. Kelly prides herself on being Metallica’s number one fan and even crossed the country to their hometown of San Francisco to see them for their 40^th Anniversary show. Kelly’s love of Metallica began in junior high but became an essential and meaningful part of her life when their music helped her get through the illness and death of her beloved father when she was in high school. She credits them with saving her life and inspiring her to work on helping others who are struggling so they can be heard and aren’t alone.

Kelly practices person-centered therapy and CBT and likes implementing Gestalt to utilize the empty chair technique, which is particularly helpful for clients who’ve been victims of abuse.

Kelly currently accepts sliding scale self-pay and pro bono clients to help decrease barriers to treatment. 

Alisha is a licensed social worker 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.

Coming Soon….

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.