Lesley Bittner, Online Mental Health Therapist serving Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, & South Carolina
Helping women, teens and trauma survivors feel better and live more fulfilling lives.
You have come to the right place.
Whether you feel controlled by your past trauma, you’re struggling to find your place as a teen, or you’re trying to manage the pressures of mastering this whole successful adulting thing, I’m here for you.
I’ve worked with clients at their very lowest in psychiatric hospital settings, in homes and communities, schools, and outpatient therapy settings. This wide array of experiences has really taught me so much about the complexities of the human condition in all of its messy and gritty glory. I am so thankful to serve others in this way and I hope to have the opportunity to be that trustworthy support to you, too.
Meet Lesley!
My clients describe me as genuine, down-to-earth, encouraging, and warm.
My Approach to Therapy:
I am deeply committed to providing hope and healing through a compassionate, non-judgmental approach.
My work is rooted in empathy, sensitivity, and care, with a focus on understanding the root causes of challenges.
I aim to create a welcoming, judgment-free space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences openly.
My goal is to help you feel heard, validated, and safe enough to express even your most vulnerable aspects without fear of judgment.
I am here to support you on your journey of self-discovery and resolution.
Why I Believe in the Power of Therapy:
My belief in therapy comes not only from my professional training but also from my personal experiences.
I have faced my own struggles and gone through therapy myself to overcome various life challenges.
Sharing my personal experiences helps normalize the therapy process and reminds you that I am human, just like you.
It’s important to me that you feel comfortable, knowing I bring both personal and professional experience to our work together.
I am deeply passionate about what I do and believe that mental health is central to overall well-being.
It is an honor to walk alongside you in your healing journey.
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Trainings
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-Evergreen Certifications), which signifies expertise in understanding and treating trauma and its symptoms.
I also am trained in utilizing evidence-based forms of therapy including somatic-based interventions, IFS (Internal Family Systems), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and solution-focused practices.
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Education
University of Pittsburgh, Master’s Degree in Social Work, Graduated 2013
Allegheny College, BS Psychology, Graduated 2009
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Licensure
Pennsylvania: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License # CW021650 VERIFY HERE)
North Carolina: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License # C014937 VERIFY HERE)
Ohio: Licensed Independent Social Worker (License #I.2405561 VERIFY HERE)
South Carolina: Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (SC Reg #TLS 816 CP VERIFY HERE)
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Outside of Session
I love spending time with my toddler daughter, whether we're playing, exploring the outdoors, cheering on Pittsburgh sports teams (Black and Gold forever), or finding new adventures. I have two old grumpy cats, Simba and Cooper. I try to make time for volunteering at animal rescues, too. Give me all the rescue furbabies! My dream would be to have an animal sanctuary someday. I'm always trying to level up my cooking and gardening skills (which will probably be a lifelong endeavor because I’m not great at either one). I’m all about traveling and catching live music whenever I get the chance. And if you’ve got new show, movie, or book recs for me-I’m all ears!