Tova Strauss
LPC | Licensed Professional Counselor
As someone who has been on both sides of the therapy chair, I understand how vulnerable therapy can make you feel and how intimidating it can be. I grew up often feeling like my emotional needs were too much and I took up too much space. I was praised for being self-aware while not knowing how to navigate the world with emotional awareness.
My goal is to create a therapeutic relationship to allow for authenticity and empathy. I want to help people who may feel stuck in spirals and cycles of unwanted thoughts and behaviors. I want to help people who may feel stuck with traditional, talk-therapy techniques.
I utilize somatic practices to help individuals take it that step further to explore how to proceed with insights and how current, unwanted emotions or behaviors may be benefiting and protecting you. I aim to help people increase mindfulness through bottom up processing to get in touch with their bodies.
My intention is to provide a space to help model that you are not too much, and how being your authentic self in a safe context can be liberating.
My approach to treatment is collaborative and trauma informed. I focus on mindfulness, increasing insight and empowerment. My areas of specialty include trauma, depression, anxiety, body image, PTSD / CPTSD, suicidal thoughts and urges. I practice using aspects from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) using a person - centered and narrative approach. By connecting with your body and exploring the intricate relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we can work together to promote lasting change and growth.
I believe that by gaining insight and learning about the relationships we hold with ourselves and those we interact with, we gain a sense of understanding, confidence and security. I prioritize holding a LBGTQIA + affirming space. I want to meet people wherever they are in their own mental health journey. I am accepting adults and adolescents for individual sessions.
I accept Aetna, Cigna, United/Optum, & Highmark Insurances.
I facilitate a DBT Skills Group.
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