Meet Gene-Leigh
East
End
Gene-Leigh Wheeler
MS, LPC
she / her / hers
Therapist
Specialties:
Racial Identity
LGBTQIA+
Gender & Sexuality Identity
Trauma & PTSD
Women's Issues
Anxiety & Panic
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
Services Offered:
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Individual Therapy
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Telehealth Therapy
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Insurances Accepted:
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Highmark BCBS
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Anthem BCBS
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UPMC
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United Healthcare/Optum
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Aetna
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Geisinger
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Cigna/Evernorth
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Private Pay: $135
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Ages:
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Toddlers/Preschoolers (0-5)
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Children (6-10)
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Preteens/Tweens (11-13)
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Adolescents/Teens (14-18)
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Adults
Who I Help
You're feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed. You feel "other". And our current social and political climate is exacerbating it. You feel like no one gets it. You have such a hard time trusting people, so the idea of taking the first step to start therapy is terrifying. You don't feel like yourself anymore--and sometimes you wonder what that even is. You feel shame. You feel like you simply "don't have time for therapy", but also know you can't continue like you have been.
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My personal and professional experiences allow me insight and empathy into life's multi-layered complexities that require deeper understanding. I provide a healing space that is welcoming to those who hold multiple marginalized identities. I use a culture-centered lens and specialize in race-based trauma. I want to help you feel more grounded, balanced, and resilient.
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I'm a LGBTQIA+, relationship minority, and culturally affirming therapist. I welcome you into my space without judgement.
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How I Help
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As Black American, I try to incorporate culturally-relevant information topics into therapy sessions, if requested by my clients. I am especially sensitive to Black clients who practice African Traditional Religions (ATRs) and non-Abrahamic faith systems. Very often, I have been told by these clients that they have felt uncomfortable revealing their faith system to other therapists for fear of being turned away. I want you to arrive as your full, genuine self!
I use a combination of therapeutic approaches--we will collaborate and determine what may work best for you! This includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, Strength-Based, and Structural Family Therapy components. One consistent, however, is my culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approach.
Here's the thing--people tend to get better faster when they feel comfortable, and that's where the real work gets done.
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What Can You Expect?
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I offer a supportive and welcoming environment which is client-led and supportive of your needs and your journey. I collaborate with clients to develop a plan that will help them actualize their full potential in a relaxing environment. Candy and tissues are always within arms' reach!
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When I'm not at Open Space CCW, you may also find me...
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Browsing the many shelves and rows of Jerry's Records in Squirrel Hill, watching The Simpsons, perusing museums with my niece, or flipping through one of my many sci-fi novels.
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Call us, send us a message via our contact form below, or email us to get started.
724-777-1433