Find a therapist in Pittsford, NY — covered by insurance

I’m glad you’re here! It’s a brave step to reach out. It is my hope that you feel welcomed by me, no matter where you may be in your life. It may feel scary or intimidating to begin therapy. My top priority is making it a comfortable, trusting, and safe experience for you. I treat overwhelmed and overburdened mothers, women of all ages, and young adults.

I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who spent a number of years working as a therapist in Georgia before returning to Upstate NY. I work with individuals, couples and families. I help people navigate their stories and better know the strengths and the resources they possess to cope with difficult situations. Previously I worked for more than 20 years as a journalist. I'm a husband, father, guitarist and runner.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with 8 years experience working in Behavioral Health. I started working in substance use treatment in 2016 and graduated with a MSW from University of Buffalo in 2019. I am trained in EMDR and Inference Based CBT for OCD.

As a doctoral level licensed clinical psychologist I will support you through your journey of self-discovery, helping you develop coping strategies, improve relationships, and find internal balance. I also offer a wide range of assessments along with comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. I specialize in treating individuals with trauma history and eating disorders.

If traditional talk therapy feels difficult, uncomfortable, or simply isn’t your thing, let’s try a different approach! As a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Ciera uses art-making and creative self-expression to help clients explore LGBTQIA+ experiences, neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Ciera believes therapy doesn’t have to look or feel a certain way to be meaningful. They value authenticity, curiosity, and thinking outside the box, creating space for clients to question expectations, explore their identities, and figure out what works for them.

Ciera's approach is warm and collaborative, with room for humor and honesty. You don’t have to show up with everything figured out, and you certainly don’t have to fit yourself into a box to belong in the therapy room. In sessions, you can explore what makes you you and build a life that feels more genuinely your own.

---“Beginnings can be scary, endings can be sad, but it’s the middle that counts. We just need to remember that when we find ourselves at the beginning, just give hope a chance to float up” (Sandra Bullock, Hope Floats)

Does it feel like you’ve been going through life in “survival mode?” Are you asking yourself “what is my purpose in life?” Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed by fear when considering a change in your life? Are you trying to navigate a transition in your life--job, relocation, relationships, chronic illness/disability etc? Let’s face it, life doesn’t always work out the way we plan and can make us feel all kinds of different emotions. It’s ok to not feel ok all the time. We all go through challenging times in our lives. We don’t have to have a mental health disorder to seek a professional. We may need to seek out someone who can provide a guiding hand, and an objective ear to listen, to help you discover your own underlying strengths, and to provide you with answers to your questions and help you along your journey. I can help you learn to listen to your body, quiet your mind, and follow your heart to find peace within your soul.

My name is Monica Whalen and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years post-graduate experience. I have worked with individuals of all ages and specialize in working with older teens and adults to help guide them on their path to shape their future. It would be my pleasure to work with you on your journey to rediscovering your true self.

It isn’t easy to find the courage to ask for help. If you are reading this, I commend you for getting this far. When you enter my office, you are greeted with warmth and authenticity. I will work hard to provide a safe environment for you to explore and express yourself openly. I use a multi-faceted therapeutic approach with all of my clients as we all come with unique strengths and needs. If you are looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you are just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals