Licensed Professional Counselor
Hi there, I’m Dawnalyn Rudzinski (She/Her/Hers)
I’d first like to acknowledge the huge step you’ve taken in starting your search for a therapist. It takes a lot of strength to reach out and ask for the support that you so rightly deserve. I believe anyone can benefit from counseling. My role is to create a non-judgmental space to explore difficulties, negative past experiences, and insecurities, while working towards developing healthier insights and solutions. It can be life changing and I would love to support you through this journey.
I work with clients of varying ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. I have special experience working with children struggling with emotional regulation and anger management, as well as with adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, anger management, parenting, and co-occurring disorders. I predominantly use a Cognitive Behavioral and Motivational Interviewing Approach to meet clients where they are emotionally and mentally, and to help them strive to meet the goals they set for themselves. I strive to tailor my sessions to meet the individual needs of my clients.
I originally began my studies in undergrad as an Elementary Education major. As I started going into schools and working hands-on with children, I recognized I was drawn to wanting to help the children who were struggling academically because of difficulties stemming from mental health or family struggles. However, as an educator my ability to help in those areas was limited. I changed career paths and obtained an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology from Pennsylvania State University, and then went on to earn a Master of Science in Counseling from Duquesne University.
I began my work in the field helping at-risk families who were involved with Children Youth and Family Services. In this role, I helped families to stabilize and reach goals to improve their family dynamics and daily living. Then I moved into a role as a Child/Family Counselor where I worked with parents and with children between the ages of 6-11 who were struggling behaviorally. In this position I ran both individual and group sessions using a Cognitive Behavioral Model to help the children learn anger management techniques and the parents to learn helpful parenting techniques, while also supporting and processing the emotional stressors they were facing. Next, I moved into the role of a Drug and Alcohol Therapist, where I met individually with adult and adolescent clients to help them with their substance use disorders and other co-occurring disorders. After obtaining my License in Professional Counseling I transitioned to the private practice setting of Rooted and Rising Therapy where I continue to do what I love, which is helping my clients lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
My appointments are limited: call for availability 412.228.8489. I accept Highmark, United Healthcare, and Cigna insurance plans. If you don’t have or don’t prefer to use insurance, I have a private pay rate of $130 and a sliding scale if that’s not affordable.