Rita

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I have worked in a variety of mental health settings, both in-patient and out-patient, over the course of more than 25 years.  I have had particular interest over the past 10 years in working with children and families experiencing grief and loss issues related to death, divorce, adoption, addiction and/or other significant trauma.  I also have considerable clinical experience working with couples dealing with intimacy issues, infertility, infidelity and those considering divorce. Additional areas of focus for me include: individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and life transitions; and survivors of childhood abuse.

I utilize a very dynamic, interactive, and relationship focused approach to therapy. I consider myself a holistic therapist working in a multi-disciplinary way with clients and focusing on the body, mind and spirit. This includes utilizing a variety of therapeutic approaches including family systems, solution-focused; emotion-focused; trauma informed care; and crisis intervention. I have completed the Basic EMDR training and utilize this in helping clients heal from acute and complex trauma. I am a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner. Eden Energy Medicine is a hands-on approach to help the body’s energy systems create physical and emotional balance and wellness.  It teaches specific techniques to help activate the body’s natural healing abilities.  Energy Medicine is a holistic approach to helping the body release what is not serving it and achieve overall healing.  It is a very effective modality to help clients’ with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and healing from trauma. In addition, I am and Advanced Reiki practitioner. Reiki is also a form of holistic hands on healing that can bring deep relaxation to the body.  Reiki is used for emotional and physical balancing as well.  I combine Energy Medicine and Reiki in these healing sessions. The body stores trauma and research has shown that body focused interventions help persons heal from trauma and give them tools to foster continued healing both physically and emotionally.  These sessions are private and not covered by insurance.  I offer a reduced fee for those who qualify. An added bonus to a private session includes access to a medical device called a BioMat, which is lined with amethyst crystals and provides deep infrared heat to the tissues. Sessions are between 60-90 minutes.

I am a native of St. Louis, Mo. and moved to Pittsburgh in 1998 with my husband and two children. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from St. Louis University with a double major of Social Work and Spanish, and then earned my Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois.  I spent a semester studying in Spain and then two years working with the Latino community in Chicago, and I am fluent in Spanish.  I enjoy hosting international visitors, traveling abroad and being with family.   Finally, I am also the Director of Social Services and Managing Director of International Family Services, Pennsylvania office, where I work with families who are pursuing domestic and international adoption.

Call or email Rita to schedule a session. (412.455.6890 ext 6) or Rita@VillageTherapy.org