"When I dare to be poweful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”

-Audre Lorde

Services provided for:

  • Individuals
  • Couples
  • Elders
  • Groups

Specialties:

  • Addiction
  • ADHD
  • Alcohol Abuse (counseling only)
  • Antisocial Personality
  • Anxiety
  • Autism
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Borderline Personality
  • Chronic Pain
  • Codependency
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Drug Abuse
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Impulse Control Disorders
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Life Transitions
  • Mental Health
  • Mood Disorders
  • Narcissistic Personality
  • Peer Relationships
  • Personality Disorders
  • Psychosis
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Sexuality
  • Stress
  • Substance Abuse
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Video Game Addiction

Treatment Styles:

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Attachment-based
  • Dialectical (DBT)
  • Eclectic
  • Emotionally Focused
  • Existential
  • Experiential Therapy
  • Feminist
  • Humanistic
  • Integrative
  • Interpersonal
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Person-Centered
  • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused

Biography | Shay Gonzales, LCSW, CAADC 

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Shay Gonzales, LCSW, CAADC
I
believe behaviors that cause problems in our lives, such as addictions, self-sabotage and acts that undermine intimacy in relationships, often arise from attempts at self-care and protection. From a harm reduction perspective, I work with clients to discover the personal meaning and function of behaviors and to implement practical strategies for reducing risk, increasing pleasure, and finding freedom from compulsion and suffering.

Social work is both my career and passion. In the room I bring gentle curiosity, relational awareness, and a sense of humor. Together we can break old patterns, reconnect to values, and integrate experiences for a life of greater flexibility and breadth.

My approach to therapy is guided by a strong anti-oppression lens and an emphasis on the wisdom of lived experience. I incorporate integrative, feminist concepts with applications of Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support clients in making desired changes in their thinking and behavior.

I work with adults - individuals, couples, groups - seeking to improve their communication, build more fulfilling relationships, manage anxiety or depression, connect with and honor their emotions, and heal from trauma.

As a trans, non-binary therapist, I have a special affinity for working with the LGBTQIA+ community. We explore gender identity and practice gender-affirming care from an informed consent model. Rather than the narrow diagnostic lens, care providers committed to informed consent acknowledge a diverse variety of experiences, recognize trans people are able to make their own choices about their bodies and seek to place the life stories, expertise and needs of the trans individual first. I am invested in partnering with people impacted by stigma from mental health providers, including those who seek assistance with problematic substance use, chronic relationship distress associated with complex trauma, and experiences of psychosis or other altered states.

I believe that growth, healing, and change become possible through acceptance. I am committed to meeting your full self without shame, and to helping you do the same.

Insurances Accepted:

  • BlueCross and BlueShield
  • Highmark
  • UPMC

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Shay Gonzales, LCSW, CAADC

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