Tricia Israel, APC
Pronouns: She/Her
Children aren’t taught how to identify their feelings; hell if we’re honest, we as parents weren’t taught this either. Feeling Identification and Expression is the very beginning of therapy for your child.
She is passionate about working with parents, teens and children who have experienced and come from difficult places. She is passionate about the practice she is building being the place to heal from child-hood challenges such as sexual abuse, rape, physical abuse, neglect, critical parenting, addictions, etc.
She uses play and expressive approaches to help you or your child, teen, and family get through the tough times and reconnect. She is trained in EMDR and integrates this with the other approaches. By using play therapy and expressive approaches, it helps to create more joy and disarm the fear and anxiety we have in the unknown. Play helps decrease the number of repetitions it will take for your child to learn the skills needed to be successful in whatever challenges they are facing. Research indicates play creates new synapses in our brains and quicker learning.
You may be questioning your beliefs; exploring alternative practices. You’ve tried traditional talk therapy before and/or maybe you’re just turned off by what you’ve heard about talk therapy. You’re concerned with your mind, body, and spirit connection. You know there are alternatives that may help you feel less sad/depressed, less anxious, less frustrated in life; you’re just not sure what or where to look. You need additional guidance and exploration to feel better and self-actualize.
Tonya Klemmer, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); is aware of the importance of a holistic approach to life, thoughts, and feelings. She is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desentization Reprocesssing) and under supervision for Eating Disorders. She is currently pursuing a certification in Eating Disorders. Helping those with disordered eating has become a passion.
She incorporates alternative practices in a person-centered approach which improves the mind-body-spirit connection. Tonya has a passion for empowering others to be the best versions of themselves. Tonya has the experience and expertise in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, persons with autism, and teens who have engaged in sexually problematic behaviors. Tonya uses integrative and expressive approaches to help you, and/or your teen improve.
Some fun facts about Tonya…
When she isn’t working Tonya enjoys reading, being outside, painting, and spending time with her family. Tonya has loved hockey and is a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins. She enjoys watching football and coaches her daughters, recreational cheering team. She enjoys studying the art of tarot and crystal healing. You can see her supporting and empowering others both inside and outside the office.
Now-the qualifications… (important and kind of boring part)-feel free to skip if you already know Tonya is the one you want to help you
Tonya was born and raised in Pennsylvania, where she acquired her education and training. She attended Pennsylvania State University from 1994-1998 and received her Bachelor’s in Science majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. She went on to receive her Masters in Social Work in 2003 from Marywood University.
Tonya has spent much of her career in various positions such as direct care, casework, management, and clinical work with adolescents and adults. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral issues, autism population, and adolescents who have engaged in sexually problematic behaviors. Tonya is trained in TF-CBT, EMDR Certified and working towards being a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and a variety of other modalities.
Contact me: tonya@wavescounselingservices.com
She is fluent in sign language, braille, and German. She can also speak very basic Spanish. Tricia loves incorporating play therapy into sessions as well as narrative therapy. Outside of work, Tricia loves spending time with her family, traveling, gardening, and beekeeping.
Tricia Israel graduated from Liberty University with an M.Ed. in school counseling. Tricia added optional extra courses to meet the requirements for Licensed Professional Counseling. Tricia also added a doctoral-level expressive and creative arts therapy course and participated in a personal growth group centered around creative arts through Liberty University. Prior to obtaining her M.Ed., Tricia earned an M.A. in Human Services Counseling: Crisis Response and Trauma. She has a passion for working with those who are in crisis and who have experienced trauma.
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