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Meet Vanessa

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Phone: 724-777-1433 Extension: 29

Vanessa Pappal
MS

they / them / she / her

Therapist

Specialties:

LGBTQIA+

Gender Identity + Sexuality

Self-esteem

Mood Disorders

Emotional Disturbance

LGBTQIA+ Affirming

Wexford
East
End

   Services Offered:    

  • Individual Therapy

  • Telehealth Therapy

    Insurances Accepted: 

  • BCBS PPO

  • Aetna

  • United Healthcare / Optum

  • Private Pay: $115

   Ages:  

  • Preteens/Tweens (11-13)

  • Adolescents/Teens (14-18)

  • Adults

Who I Help

I’m passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, especially transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive individuals.

I grew up in an area where people weren’t allowed to be Queer. I know what it’s like to feel like there is nobody in your corner--like the only way to find yourself is alone. When you’re used to holding everything in, it can be scary to be your authentic self. I hope for others to not have feel that aloneness. I love that I can help people explore who they are and find compassion for the person they’ve become. I love that people can leave this experience knowing what it’s like to have purpose, to feel worthy of the space they occupy, to feel alive.

 

I also love working with folks who hope to work through anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, identity exploration, stress management, self-esteem, trauma, and life transitions.

What Can you Expect?

As a neurodivergent Queer person, I am able to bring the unique combination of lived experience, and clinical skills into the room, if you are open to that. Additionally, I know how daunting it can be to start working with someone new, or to face those big feelings that you haven’t quite known how to deal with. We can walk through it together. I’ll be your biggest cheerleader.

I see you as a whole, not as a symptom that needs to be cured. It’s not always about making a problem go away. I want to work together so you can develop the skills to make it through. You don’t need to go from 0 to 100 to live a meaningful life. Going from 0 to 1 is progress, too.

 

I’m not a Formal Clothes and Clipboard kind of person. Want to sit on the ground together and chat? Let’s do it. Don’t ever expect to see me with both feet on the floor. I’m an avid supporter of doing whatever you need to do to stay focused. Grab that comfort drink, wrap up in a cozy blanket, fidget, doodle… This is a no judgement zone, and my hope is that you will allow yourself to achieve the comfort that you desire. I am a big supporter of fostering an environment where everyone can practice authentic self-expression.

 

Laugh, cry, brag about your victories. Don’t be afraid to talk about things that aren't comfy. There is no shame here. You’re allowed to bring up those big emotions. With a little work, it’s possible to strip them of their power.

 

We’re a team, and I’m in your corner. I am a firm believer in treating people with kindness (that means directing kindness toward yourself, too!). My hope for you is that you leave our sessions feeling supported, listened to, and worthy of living a meaningful, authentic life.

 When I'm not at Open Space CCW, you may also find me...

Watching comfort movies, settling down with a cup of tea or hot chocolate, jamming at concerts, or snuggling with my cat.

Call us, send us a message via our contact form below, or email us to get started.

724-777-1433

hello@openspaceccw.com

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