I write about psychotherapy as a messy, deeply human process—not a packaged fix. I challenge the commercialization of mental health and easy narratives, advocating for a more thoughtful, compassionate approach. Through stories, psychodynamic ideas, and lived experience, I explore healing, identity, and the unseen forces that shape us. I invite you to think more critically and deeply about your own journey. As a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Pittsburgh, I've dedicated my career to supporting individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. My work as an independent contractor allows me to balance my professional life helping others as I approach retirement.
My heart and much of my experience come from working within Community Mental Health, where I focused on helping children who had experienced abuse and neglect within challenging family environments. This experience deeply shaped my understanding of trauma and resilience. Now, I work with both children and adults in a suburban setting, addressing a variety of complex mental health needs. I deeply understand the importance of self-expression and am currently focused on developing my writing skills. While I don’t offer seminars, ticketed performances, or video chat meetings, I’m dedicated to sharing my insights about the human psyche as I perceive it at this moment. I believe that learning is a lifelong journey of exploration, and I’m grateful to share this path with you.
My AI Policy
As a writer for this Substack, I want to be transparent about my approach to using artificial intelligence. While the core of my written content remains entirely my own, crafted through my own thoughts, research, and experiences, I do integrate Large Language Models (LLMs) into my workflow in specific ways to enhance the quality and clarity of my work.
Specifically, I use LLMs as a sounding board to challenge my ideas, identify potential misstatements, and pinpoint areas where my writing might lack clarity or coherence. This helps me to refine my arguments and ensure that my message is effectively communicated.
Regarding visuals, my preference is to use my own photography or the work of other artists and photographers, always with proper attribution. On occasion, I may use AI to generate images, but this is not my primary approach.
Furthermore, I utilize AI-powered tools for grammar and word usage checks, as well as for exploring synonyms when I feel I may be overusing certain words or phrases. This helps me to maintain a varied and engaging writing style.
Rest assured, the substance and voice you find here are authentically mine. AI serves as a tool to help me present my ideas more effectively and accurately.
Why subscribe?
Uncover the hidden stories of your past and discover a deeper sense of self and belonging. As a writer and psychotherapist, I help you explore the messy, strange aspects of life by uncovering the connections between personal and family history and the broader historical context. My audience seeks not only validation and clarity but also a sense of coherence, identity, and belonging. I'm especially drawn to intriguing events and fascinating ideas, which I weave into my storytelling, offering both psychological insight and a deeper understanding of yourself, your family, and your place in history. Subscribe today and start your journey of self-discovery.
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