Licensed Professional Counselor
Hi, I’m Sherry O’Donnell (She/Her/Hers),
It was my interest in philosophy that led me to psychology. I was volunteering as part of a philosophy course when I observed a demonstration of equine assisted therapy to support in management of mental health symptoms. I was enthralled by the use of horses to build a person’s trust, awareness, and confidence. The ability for people to flourish when given the tools, resources, and support to do so excited me. Inspired by this single yet powerful encounter, I volunteered at a therapeutic summer camp and found fulfillment in being a part of one’s journey of emotional development, which solidified my desire to pursue psychology. I earned my bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology and a minor in philosophy from Duquesne University in 2011.
I went on to earn my master’s degree at California University of Pennsylvania in 2013, became certified in k-12 education, and am now a Licensed Professional Counselor. I began my career with intentions of working in a school to be able to reach as many children as possible; however, I transitioned to working with children and families in the home to encourage creation and maintenance of change beyond the child. I completed a three year ecosystemic structural family therapy training program and became certified as a Mental Health Family-Based Professional. I found a passion for empowering adults to find new ways of looking at a problem, identify and implement their strengths, and create new patterns. I then began working in a clinic setting to allow me to work with individuals of all ages, families, and also the pleasure of facilitating both adult and adolescent groups.
The opportunity to work in a variety of settings with people of all walks of life has reinforced my belief in one’s ability to change. I continue to work with clients of all ages, utilizing a strengths-based and solution focused approach to highlight capabilities and successes while respecting individual differences. My philosophical passion for the “art of thinking” makes the use of cognitive behavioral therapy to increase insight of one’s thoughts and encourage other ways of thinking come natural in sessions. I also enjoy teaching dialectical behavior skills for management of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I value the therapeutic relationship and hope to provide a safe space for people to feel heard and validated, build awareness, and facilitate change.
My schedule is limited but I am accepting new clients. I accept several insurance plans including Highmark, United Health, and Cigna. I also offer a private pay rate of $130 with a sliding scale if that is not affordable.