Meet The Team

Amy is the owner of Thrive and a counseling supervisor. She counsels adult individuals and couples virtually. Amy is PhD eligible in Clinical Sexology from the Modern Sex Therapy Institute. She is an LGBTQIA+ affirming and sex positive therapist who approaches therapy with a Feminist and Person-Centered Perspective. Her work with clients focus on gender identity, body image, relationship issues, sexual concerns, infidelity, kink, and consensual non-monogamy. Amy brings lightheartedness and laughter into sessions, while being supportive and affirming throughout. Outside of therapy, Amy enjoys traveling, creative endeavors, trying new restaurants, spending time with her three dogs, and laughing with family and friends.

Allison's clientele consists of teens and young adults, both in person and virtually. Allison's clients are typically struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relational issues which she treats using Person-Centered, Solution-Focused, Gestalt, and Dialectical Behavioral therapy. Allison's clients are teens or young adults interested in decreasing feelings of depression and anxiety or improving communication and interpersonal relationships. Allison believes that building trusting relationships with her clients is crucial to therapeutic success and realizes that each person and situation is unique. She has had the pleasure of traveling and believes this has shown her views of the world that help in understanding diverse perspectives. When not providing therapy, Allison is traveling, hiking, moving in boxing or yoga, or spending time with her family, friends, and dog.

Allison sees individual adults and couples virtually and in person. With her work focusing on life changes and helping clients work towards confidence and independence, Allison's clients are typically college students and those transitioning into the workforce or into a serious relationship. Allison uses CBT, DBT, and Person-Centered modalities and enjoys helping clients feel empowered, calm, and able to be silly. Allison uses some self-disclosure with clients when it feels appropriate and helps model trust. When not in the office, she can be found reading, gardening, watching TV, or doing crafting.

Ana sees individual clients virtually, offering therapy for LGBTQIA+ clients and women ages 14 and up. Ana especially thrives working with young adults in their 20s and 30s Ana utilizes an integrative somatic approach that draws on sensorimotor psychotherapy, Polyvagal theory, and mindfulness training. As a clinician, Ana hopes to empower clients to develop trust in their intuition and bodies, ultimately discovering and trusting their true selves. Ana’s therapeutic approach can help clients challenge their shame, dismantle internalized systems of oppression, develop boundaries, and learn to connect and communicate better with themselves and people in their lives. Ana also has considerable experience with diet culture and eating disorder recovery, and can provide unconditional support through these challenges. If traditional talk therapy and cognitive approaches such as CBT haven’t worked for you in the past, Ana’s therapeutic style may be for you! When not practicing therapy, Ana loves to cuddle with her cats, draw and paint, walk in nature, and laugh with friends and loved ones.

Ashlee sees individual adults and couples in person and virtually. Her clients are typically open minded and ready to challenge themselves. Through extensive personally and with clients, Ashlee specializes in athletic counseling Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Solution Focused therapy. Ashlee's style is supportive, collaborative, and fun, encouraging her clients to become 1% better each day. "When I started college and moved across the country away from my family to pursue my education and play college softball, I went through a lot of trials and tribulations that challenged my identity. I experienced loss, injury, and grief. Life is filled with unexpected turns and curveballs. Learning that I could focus on moving to the next ring of the ladder into becoming a better version of myself, I saw that the view was absolutely beautiful." Outside of therapy, Ashlee spends time with her puppy, Peaches. She also likes to do landscaping, go to the gym, and cook.

Avi sees individual adults and couples virtually and in person. Using Person-Centered, Systems-Focused, Gestalt, Attachment, Solutions-Focused, and EFT techniques, Avi loves working with clients and couples who are in transitional periods of their lives: adolescents, college students, adults navigating shifts in relationships or family structure. They especially relate to LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, and AFAB folks working through sexual trauma or building a sexual identity for themselves for the first time. Avi started the first LGBTQIA+ centered domestic violence program in Pittsburgh at the Women's Center and Shelter as well as completed an 8 month program in Systemic Sex Therapy at the Center for Relationships, both of which demonstrate a commitment to furthering their education and providing growth to the community. Sessions with Avi are a combination of affirming, silly, existential, and creative depending upon the client's personality. Avi has lived experience as bisexual, Jewish, non-binary individual with ADHD. When not in session, Avi enjoys music, playing with their dog, nature, and exploring wellness-related topics.

Bernadette sees adult individuals, couples, and families in person and virtually. Using techniques from Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy, Bernadette aims to assist those clients simply trying to make sense of their journey in the midst of struggles that cause angst and distress. Sessions with Bernadette leave clients feeling relaxed, heard, and appreciated while incorporating space for humor and vulnerability. Bernadette says "It took me many years to work through my own family dysfunction before I was able to recognize the beauty of a life well lived. After a long career in aviation, I began college at the age of 50 and am currently working on my PhD. This made me realize that starting over is filled with ageless and infinite adventures. It is never too late to be free and happy as the journey inward is filled with great possibilities." Bernadette's interests outside of therapy include spending time with her husband and grown sons, writing and producing television and film, and celebrating fashion.

Casey sees clients 12 and up virtually and in person. Working from a Feminist and Relational-Cultural perspective, Casey uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) during her sessions, where she also uses humor in an affirming environment. Her specialty is "keeping it real" as she tries to present authentically and encourage authenticity in return. A presenter at the 2022 American Counseling Association Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities conference, she looks forward to working with folks ages 12 and up who want to be their best selves and are open to empowerment in individual or family sessions. Identifying as pansexual and queer, she has experience personally and professionally supporting folks who identify as trans and nonbinary. When not in therapy sessions, Casey enjoys playing with her dog, watching TV, gardening, Marvel, LEGO, and hopefully softball when the season starts.

Claire works with adult individuals and couples both virtually and in person. She works from a strengths-based, solutions-focused, trauma informed, and person-centered perspective and approach. She is an LGBTQIA+, body positive, sex positive counselor. Claire’s primary areas of experience and interest have been around addictions, domestic violence, older individuals, individuals with chronic physical conditions, kink, and consensual non-monogamy. She utilizes a variety of interventions and techniques rooted in Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Systems-Approach, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Claire believes every individual has different needs and as such, an eclectic approach is necessary. Claire is also working on becoming trained in EMDR as of May 2023. Claire's style is empathetic, affirming, and includes joy and laughter. When Claire is not in the office, she can be found with her dog and cat, playing with her nieces, reading, or spending time outdoors.

Dan sees individuals and couples in person and virtually. Using Somatic techniques, Internal Family Systems techniques, Gottman theory, EFT, Solution-Focused, Behavioral and Existential approaches, Dan engages clients with gender-affirming, Eastern and Positive Psychology stances. A session with Dan is collaborative, validating, and candid while holding the client accountable for open and honest discussions. Experienced in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, the ideal client would be willing, open, and curious, and looking to make positive changes to benefit their chosen life path. When Dan is not engaged in therapy, he enjoys spending time outdoors, yoga, hiking, reading, and spending time with family, friends, and animals.

Gabriella sees individual clients of all ages and couples virtually. She uses CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness to provide person-centered therapy. Gabriella has experience working with Autistic clients, as well as those seeking support for anxiety, depression, personality disorders, or sexually maladaptive behaviors. She has lived experience with chronic illness and adoption. Outside of therapy, Gabriella enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and going to the movies.

Ingrid sees individuals and couples virtually. Using Narrative, Feminist, DBT, and Internal Family Systems techniques, they support clients through life transitions, identity exploration, and self-actualization. Ingrid's work is focused on fat liberation, queer affirmation, and social justice. Ingrid has experience working with clients experiencing depression, mood fluctuations, relationship issues, and body dysmorphia. It's common for sessions with them to include laughter alongside honest feedback, direct discussion of societal impact on stress, and the use of symbolism and creativity to explore one's inner self and emotions. Ingrid has lived experience as a fat, queer, and neurodivergent person. Before becoming a therapist, they published narrative works on body politics in NY Post, Rosewater Magazine, and Huffington Post, as well as worked in the plus size fashion industry. When not providing therapy, Ingrid can be found at an antique store looking for hidden mid-century treasures or enjoying live music at a local venue. They also enjoy snuggling with their puppies, grabbing coffee with friends, and dying their hair on a whim.

Bio info

Jessica sees individuals and couples of all ages both in person and virtually. She provides sex positive, anti-racist, and body affirming therapy to those seeking support in dating, relationships, puberty, or life transitions using Relational Cultural therapy, Feminist theory, and Narrative therapy approaches. In therapy with Jessica, clients explore their sense of self and personal identity. Her approach is affirming, with humor and well-timed sarcasm. Jessica has lived experience through divorce, co-parenting, and coming out as queer in adulthood. Jessica knows first-hand how hard it can be to pick up and choose a completely different life for yourself. She also knows how wonderful it is to be on the other side of that transition. When not in session, Jessica enjoys spending time with her daughter, two very spoiled cats, and puppy. Jessica is typically taking time to learn something new or visit new cities.

Jess works with adolescent and adult individuals virtually using techniques from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative/Expressive Arts theory, Somatic therapy, and EMDR. By looking at interpersonal neurobiology and attachment, Jess offers clients the opportunity to experience radical hope and joy in an environment affirming disability justice and anti-oppression. Jess approaches clients with curiosity and warmth. It is their hope that clients experience a sense of empowerment and authentic witnessing in the therapeutic relationship that they co-create. Jess asks to get to know the client's inner client and inner teenage parts, and will throw her hopes for you into sessions like small fistfuls of sparkling confetti and sunlight. An ideal client would be those what (1) are queer, autistic, and/or traumatized, (2) have had awful experiences in therapy, and (3) do not yet know their own inherent power, importance, or worth. Jess also enjoys supporting families in finding new ways of connecting to each other and the world - especially when parents are willing to do the hard work of breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma. When not working with clients, Jess is nourished by gardening, poems, walks with the dogs, stained glass, baking and cooking, being near water, and telling their favorite jokes.

Jim sees adult clients both in person and virtually. Jim has a passion for supporting all people to live happier lives and specializes in helping men address anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationships, and career challenges. Jim uses eclectic therapeutic approaches to tailor care to his clients, and centers therapy on Psychodynamic, Narrative, Person-Centered, Existential, and trauma-focused approaches. Jim has experience working with LGBTQIA+ and HIV/AIDS communities. To assist in the change process, Jim encourages you to examine past experiences and traumas as the basis for current adaptive and maladaptive coping as well as perceptions and thoughts in the present that get in the way of your growth.

Kandis sees adults virtually. Kandis' clients are typically any gender and sexuality, seeking support on ADHD, depression, anxiety, and chronic illness, all of which she has had lived experience. She is passionate about helping clients explore identity formation, life transitions, and emotional regulation using Feminist Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. Her approach is relational and affirming, with a dash of sarcasm. Outside of therapy, Kandis loves to garden, play with her cats, bake delicious goodies, and attend community events.

Kate provides therapy to woman and children around anxiety, stress, and boundary setting. In sessions, she is client-driven and collaborative while offering challenging and reframing tools for anxious thoughts. Kate uses CBT, Solution Focused, and Person-Centered approaches to therapy. Kate is passionate about working with pre and post-partum women, helping them emotionally regulate and work toward a healthy pregnancy and delivery. When not in the therapy office, Kate enjoys reading, kayaking, and spending time with her husband, kids, and pets.

Liz sees adult individuals virtually and uses techniques from EMDR, Narrative therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Liz appreciates clients from all walks of life, with a particular interest in complex trauma, neurodivergence, substance use, those with a history of incarceration, and family members looking to cope with a loved one navigating any of the above-mentioned issues. A session with Liz is affirming and direct. She sits with you while recognizing the reality of a situation and the feelings that accompany it; however, she does not shy away from challenging clients to grow past old behaviors and into the person they hope to become. When not practicing therapy, Liz likes spending time with her dogs and cat, playing video games, cooking elaborate meals for loved ones, drinking fancy coffees, listening to music loudly, astrology, and tarot cards.

Maddie sees adolescent and adult individuals, as well as couples, and families virtually. Maddie uses Client-centered, Cognitive Behavioral, and Relational-Cultural approaches when working with clients, with sessions having a laid-back, comfortable, non-judgmental vibe. Maddie enjoys working with teens and young adults, helping them heal and grow through life challenges. In her spare time, Maddie makes jewelry, spends time with family, hangs out with her cat, and enjoys taking walks.

Megan offers therapy services to individuals and couples both in person and virtually. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to support clients with depression, anxiety, self-esteem concerns, and through the transitions of motherhood. Megan's therapy sessions feel come-as-you-are and casual. Megan has previous experience as a community mental health supervisor of a team caring for adults with serious and persistent mental health diagnoses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Megan has lived experience as a working mom of two. When not holding therapy sessions, Megan likes to plan adventures for her family, cook fresh meals, and spend time on self-care activities.

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Tina sees adolescent and adult clients both virtually and in person. She is open to counseling individuals and couples. Working with clients to provide a safe, accepting, and nurturing environment to promote healing, change, and growth, Tina uses techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy to guide clients through self-discovery and realization. Tina welcomes clients of any gender and sexual identity to create self-awareness and coping mechanisms for anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, and trauma. She provides an affirming counseling style, offering emotional support and validation of feelings with a sprinkle of sarcasm, silliness, and humor. When Tina is not providing therapy, she enjoys traveling, reading, going to see Marvel movies, and losing Monopoly games to her nephews.