(412) 228-8489 | info@rootedandrisingtherapy.com

Rooted & Rising Therapy, LLC

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Therapists

Christine Wright

Outpatient Therapist
Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC)

Christine (she/her) is a compassionate and client-centered therapist who believes that healing begins in the context of safe, trusting relationships. Her therapeutic style is grounded in warmth, authenticity, and a deep respect for each client’s unique story. Christine creates a welcoming space where clients can explore their inner worlds, build emotional insight, and move toward more fulfilling and authentic relationships. She approaches therapy with a strong belief in the healing power of connection, curiosity, and continued growth.

Christine works with adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity. She brings a relational and interpersonal approach to her work, blending this with evidence-based modalities to support meaningful and lasting change. Her practice draws from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), allowing her to tailor treatment to each client’s specific needs.

Christine works with children, adolescents and adults. She holds an associate license (LAPC) and is supervised by Caryn Jooste


Caryn Jooste

Clinical Director & EMDR Certified Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Caryn, she/her, is a compassionate therapist specializing in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy (Level 2 Trained). She is also trained to treat OCD with ERP & I-CBT. With a gentle and thoughtful approach, Caryn creates a safe and nurturing space where clients feel heard and supported. She views each client holistically, considering all aspects of their life and well-being to guide the therapeutic process. Caryn’s practice emphasizes deep empathy and tailored care, empowering clients to process trauma, build self-awareness, and develop resilience. Her dedication to seeing clients as whole individuals allows her to foster meaningful connections and support transformative healing and growth.

Caryn works with children, adolescents and adults.


Dawnalyn Rudzinski

EMDR Trained & Outpatient Therapist,
Practice Manager
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Dawnalyn, she/her, is a skilled therapist who specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR, Part 1 trained), as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing to support her clients’ journey toward growth and self-discovery. With a client-centered approach, Dawnalyn fosters a therapeutic environment of unconditional positive regard, where individuals feel truly seen, heard, and valued. She is dedicated to meeting clients where they are and empowering them to build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, and make meaningful changes in their lives. Dawnalyn’s compassionate and evidence-based practice helps clients navigate challenges and move toward a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Dawnalyn works with children, adolescents and adults


Fiona DuBois

EMDR Trained & Outpatient Therapist, 
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Fiona, she/her, is a warm and eclectic therapist who draws on a person-centered, strengths-based approach to support clients on their unique path toward healing and growth. She utilizes a range of evidence-based modalities including, EMDR (Part 1 and 2 trained), DBT, CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, and somatic awareness — to meet each client where they are and tailor her approach to their individual needs.

Fiona specializes in working with children and teens, and believes deeply in the value of involving parents and families in the therapeutic process as a cornerstone of meaningful change for young people. She has experience supporting youth navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. She is committed to creating a welcoming, affirming space where LGBTQ+ clients and those exploring their identity feel genuinely seen, valued, and supported.

Fiona works with children and adolescents. She is supervised by Caryn Jooste.


Julia DeFrancisis

Outpatient Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

(Currently on maternity leave) Julia, she/her, is an insightful and dedicated therapist known for her thoughtful yet direct approach to therapy. She specializes in utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients navigate life’s challenges and foster personal growth. Julia’s straightforward style encourages open, honest dialogue, empowering clients to gain deeper self-awareness and develop practical skills for managing stress, emotions, and relationships. Her sessions are a blend of empathy, clarity, and evidence-based techniques, providing clients with a supportive and structured environment to achieve meaningful change and build a more resilient, balanced life.

Julia works with adolescents (age 14) and adults

Dr. Jake Wheatley

Outpatient Therapist
PhD and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Jake (he/him) is a calm, thoughtful, and relational therapist who creates a grounded, affirming space for clients navigating the many facets of life. He believes the best way of doing this is through honoring the complexity of living with uncertainty while still moving toward a meaningful life.

In session, Jake’s style is reflective, and conversational. He sees therapy as a collaborative process between fellow travelers rather than a place where someone is “fixed.” Drawing from existential therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment-focused, and psychodynamic approaches, he tailors his work to each person’s needs so that therapy feels authentic, human, and workable in daily life. Clients experience a warm and inviting space where the feel deeply supported in exploring difficult emotions and big-picture questions about who they are and how they want to live.

Jake is a queer-affirming clinician and an active researcher who has presented nationally and internationally on LGBTQIA+ experiences and care. Alongside his clinical work, he is a graduate-level who teaches and supervises emerging counselors, a role that keeps him closely connected to the evolving research and best practices in the counseling field. He is committed to creating a space where clients feel seen, respected, and encouraged to explore both their hurdles and their possibilities.

Jake holds a PhD and works with adolescents and adults with a specialized focus in the areas of medical and health anxiety, grief, identity exploration, existential concerns, and LGBTQIA+ stress and thriving.


Julia Movra

EMDR Trained & Outpatient Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Julia, she/her, is a skilled therapist specializing in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). With a strong person-centered approach, Julia is committed to meeting clients where they are and supporting them in achieving their unique goals. Her empathetic and adaptive style ensures that clients feel safe, understood, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey. Julia’s expertise in EMDR and DBT allows her to guide clients in processing past trauma, developing emotional regulation skills, and fostering resilience. Her dedication to creating a collaborative and supportive space helps clients build a path toward healing and personal growth.

Julia works with children, adolescents and adults.


Lauren Hartz

EMDR Certified Therapist and Practice Owner
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Lauren, she/her, is a compassionate and dedicated therapist specializing in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and utilizes Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in her work. With a warm and gentle approach, Lauren creates a safe and nurturing space for her clients to explore their inner worlds and work through challenges. She believes in the power of client-centered therapy, allowing individuals to guide their own healing journey while she provides support, insight, and effective tools tailored to their unique needs. Lauren’s practice is rooted in empathy and respect, helping clients unlock resilience, process trauma, and achieve personal growth in a caring and collaborative environment.

Lauren works with children, adolescents, and adults.


Kara Reihs

EMDR Trained & Outpatient Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Currently on maternity leave.

Kara (she/her) is a compassionate and creative therapist dedicated to supporting individuals across the lifespan, from children to adults. She  specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Known for her playful and innovative approach, Kara tailors her care to each client’s unique needs, fostering a safe and engaging environment for growth and healing.

A fierce advocate for children and families, Kara integrates families into the therapeutic process when working with children, recognizing the importance of connection and collaboration in fostering lasting change. She is deeply passionate about empowering adolescents and young adults as they navigate the complexities of developing autonomy, addressing challenges, and setting meaningful goals for their future.

Whether helping a child find their voice, guiding a teen through life’s transitions, or supporting an adult on their journey to self-discovery, Kara’s work is grounded in empathy, creativity, and a commitment to helping her clients thrive.

Kara works with children, adolescents and adults.


Matthew Metcalf

EMDR Trained & Outpatient Therapist
Master’s Level Clinician 

Matthew (Matt), he/him, is a dedicated therapist who specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and utilizes Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in his work. With a direct yet thoughtful approach, Matt brings authenticity and genuine presence to his sessions, fostering trust and meaningful connections with his clients. He believes in the power of being real and transparent, allowing clients to feel safe as they explore their inner experiences and work through challenges. Matt’s therapeutic style supports clients in processing trauma, understanding the complexities of their inner world, and developing resilience. His balanced blend of straightforwardness and empathy helps clients feel empowered as they move toward healing and personal growth.

Matthew works with children, adolescents, and adults. He is a pre-licensed clinician being supervised by Lauren Hartz


Sherry O’Donnell

EMDR Trained & Outpatient Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Sherry (she/her) is a dedicated therapist who specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and also utilizes Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in her work. With her naturally calming presence and deep empathy, Sherry creates a safe and supportive environment where clients feel truly seen and understood. Her ability to hold space for clients, meeting them exactly where they are, fosters trust and connection, empowering individuals to explore their inner experiences and navigate their healing journeys at their own pace. Sherry’s practice is defined by her gentle guidance and unwavering support, helping clients process past trauma, uncover inner strengths, and move toward wholeness and personal growth.

Sherry works with children, adolescents and adults.


Tracy London

Outpatient Therapist
Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC)

Tracy London, LAPC (she/her) is a compassionate, client-centered therapist dedicated to fostering growth, resilience, and well-being. She integrates Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and play into her warm and empathetic approach, creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel genuinely seen and heard.

Known for her thoughtfulness, creativity, and unwavering commitment to unconditional positive regard, Tracy works collaboratively with clients to build self-awareness, manage stress and anxiety, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity. Her therapeutic style encourages exploration, insight, and meaningful change-empowering clients to pursue their personal goals and embrace their unique journeys.

Tracy creates meaningful connections through active listening, empathy, and the thoughtful use of therapeutic tools such as books, art, and even humor. She deeply believes in meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them through the healing process to support impactful and lasting change.

Tracy works with children, adolescents, and adults. She is supervised by Caryn Jooste.


Helena Garren

Outpatient Therapist
Licensed Associated Professional Counselor (LAPC)

Helena Garren (she/her) is a thoughtful and creative therapist who specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR, Part 1 trained), and integrates person-centered, trauma-informed, and holistic approaches into her work. Drawing on her background as a school counselor, Helena has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by children, adolescents, and young adults, and she brings warmth, adaptability, and curiosity to every session.

As a child therapist, Helena uses creative counseling techniques and grounding strategies to help children express themselves in safe and meaningful ways. She incorporates play, somatic awareness, and attachment-based practices to support emotional growth and resilience. With a collaborative spirit, she values working closely with families to strengthen connections and foster healing within the family system.

In her work with adolescents and young adults, Helena blends neuroscience-informed practices with person-centered care, encouraging clients to listen to their bodies, build self-awareness, and develop healthy coping skills. Her holistic approach helps clients integrate mind, body, and emotions, empowering them to navigate challenges, heal from past experiences, and move toward a more grounded and fulfilling future.

Helena works with children, adolescents, and young adults. She is supervised by Caryn Jooste.


Dr. Micah Ingle

Outpatient Therapist
PhD and Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC)

Micah is a thoughtful and client-centered therapist who values the depth and complexity of each person’s story. He believes that meaningful change happens in the context of a safe, collaborative relationship where clients feel seen, heard, and respected. His therapeutic presence is grounded in curiosity, openness, and an authentic commitment to each client’s growth and self-understanding.

Micah works with adults and adolescents navigating a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, self-esteem, and body image. He also has a particular interest in supporting clients exploring gender and sexuality, as well as those working through boys’ and men’s issues, and challenges in family, peer, or romantic relationships.

His approach is rooted in humanistic and existential traditions, and he integrates a variety of depth-oriented modalities to support each client’s unique process. These include psychodynamic therapy, Narrative Therapy, and interpersonal process work, grounded in a strong foundation of person-centered care. He brings a warm, reflective presence to his sessions and supports clients in exploring meaning, connection, and self-expression.

Micah works with adolescents and adults. He holds a PhD and also has an associate license (LAPC). He is supervised by Caryn Jooste.

Rooted & Rising Therapy, LLC

(412) 228-8489
info@rootedandrisingtherapy.com

1 Altoona Place 1st Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15228

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1 Altoona Place 1st Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15228

(412) 228-8489
info@rootedandrisingtherapy.com

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