KRISTIN REDA, MA, ART THERAPIST

Kristin has experience working with adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism, as well as children and teens with Autism, Behavioral Issues, Grief, and Trauma. ArtTherapy.Org describes Art Therapy as “A technique used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.” Kristin believes in the power of art-making within a therapeutic relationship to meet goals, and often finds her clients actively engaged in their treatment. Kristin’s clients describe her as creative, genuine, caring, engaging, positive, and fun. Kristin’s sessions require no artistic ability, simply a willingness to explore, create, and step outside comfort zones.

Education

EDINBORO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
MA, Counseling - Art Therapy

INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
BFA, Studio Arts

Emily Dries, MS.Ed., LPC

Emily has a strong background working with both children and adults in school and outpatient settings. Emily views the counseling relationship as a journey in which the client is the driver, and the Therapist is the passenger. In this way, Emily believes that Counseling should be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. In order to do this, Emily carefully integrates a diverse array of counseling theories including Cognitive Behavioral, Person-Centered, Reality, and Solution Focused Therapies. Emily has experience working with individuals navigating symptoms of Anxiety, ADHD, Behavioral Struggles, Depression, Environmental Changes, Grief, and Relationship Issues. Emily’s clients describe her as kind, caring, trustworthy, and relatable. Emily believes in creating an open, non-biased therapeutic environment in which all clients may feel comfortable, safe, and welcome. Emily is completing her Dissertation towards a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Duquesne University of Pennsylvania.

Education

DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Currently Studying Towards PhD Counselor Education & Supervision

MS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

BA, Psychology

William Bendgen, MA, LPC

Bill’s background in both Addictions and Family Based Therapy has given him the skills necessary to help those facing various life stressors. His goal is to help you increase your understanding of yourself and your struggles, alleviate emotional pain, and help you lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. Bill enjoys working with adults, adolescents, couples, and families. Many parents report difficulty in finding a therapist who is exceptionally skilled at working with teenagers. Teenagers often see therapists as just another authority figure, and unfortunately many counselors struggle to build rapport with this population. Bill’s teenage clients report him as humorous, helpful, trustworthy, and state that they look forward to their sessions, especially because Bill treats them as individuals having their own thoughts, feelings, and needs rather than children needing to be lectured. Bill’s adult clients report that he is wise beyond his years, understanding, and challenging.

Lauren Johnson, MS, LPC

Lauren has many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She has an outstanding ability to help people struggling with ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Autism, Behavior Problems, Depression, and Relationship issues. Lauren also has vast training in helping those struggling with OCD. Lauren’s clients find her warm and welcoming, while also helping them to challenge their negative thoughts and learn to move towards a more productive way of thinking and behaving. Although many parents find it difficult to find a therapist for young children, Lauren is competent in working with children as young as 3 years old. Lauren’s clients describe her as down to earth, stating that they leave sessions with her feeling hopeful, with new insight on managing and improving life between sessions.

Education

CHATHAM UNIVERSITY
MS, Counseling Psychology

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY of PA
BA, Psychology

Monica Dunlap, MA, LPC

Monica’s clients report that she has helped them gain a deep understanding of themselves so that they can make the changes necessary to live a fulfilling life. Monica’s clients report an increase in self-esteem, assertive communication, healthy boundaries, and positive coping skills. Far too often counseling can become “putting out fires” by only working on surface level issues. Monica has the ability to help clients work through deeper issues resulting in long lasting change. Monica also enjoys working with business owners, employers, and employees to achieve their career goals, or simply to find better work/life balance. Monica’s background working in Addictions, Juvenile and Adult Justice Systems, and Family Based Therapy has allowed her to work with clients from all walks of life.

Education

GENEVA COLLEGE
MA, Marriage and Family Therapy

GENEVA COLLEGE
BS, Psychology

Jennifer Johns, MA, LPC

Jennifer is easy to talk to, and described as many as accepting, non-judgmental, and understanding. She works with children, adolescents, and adults working to restore peace in their lives. Jennifer received a certificate in Structural Family Therapy by Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. She has extensive experience working with Individuals who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorders, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Reactive Attachment Disorder, amongst others. She has successfully worked with individuals who have experienced grief and trauma throughout their lives, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Education

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY MA, Professional Counseling

MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE UNIVERSITY BA, Communications

Joanne Pracht, BS, AA

Joanne joins us from The University of the Cumberlands where she is completing her Masters of the Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Joanne has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in different settings. Her career has thus far involved being a caseworker as well as a crisis counselor. Joanne is an avid believer that people are able to solve their own problems and make the changes they seek when they are given an opportunity to share their feelings in an open and trusted environment. Joanne has been revered for being compassionate, understanding, and mostly able to listen and understand her clients feelings and needs. She has worked with people experiencing ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Depression, Grief, and Homelessness. Joanne is looking forward to serving the community while completing her practicum and internship hours. Joanne will complete her internship in Summer 2021.

Education

GENEVA COLLEGE BS, Human Resources

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY AA, Social Work