Fact: 1 in 5 adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder
— American Psychological Association

Navigating life’s challenges can often feel overwhelming when we approach them alone. At Sophrosyne Counseling Services in Erie, Pennsylvania, we provide psychotherapy and counseling services that are designed to drive sustainable personal growth. You may be suffering from depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, PTSD, or overbearing and everyday stress. Don’t settle for someone telling you to “stop being so emotional” or to “snap out of it.” Our counseling professionals are here to guide you.

How can therapy help you?

At Sophrosyne, our Erie, PA therapists can use talk therapy and behavioral therapy to assist you with a variety of issues. The range of outcomes may be vast and highly personalized, but generally, you can improve in the following areas:

• Emotional awareness: Need to determine or examine the source of your mental health struggles? How do your personal values, beliefs and motivations tie into the problems you’re facing? Our thorough and collaborative exploration can provide further clarity into your mental history and present state. For example, you may need to recognize negative and inaccurate thoughts, which are contributing to declining mental health.

• Coping strategies: Together, we can develop appropriate coping mechanisms for everyday stressors, while discussing unhealthy strategies. We may weigh impulsive behaviors against better exercise habits or mindfulness practices (meditation, breathing exercises, constructing items like a gratitude list). Developing skills to manage issues like anxiety, stress and depression can lead to a calmer and more fulfilled life.

• Better relationships: From work, to home, to your social scene, you must build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships. We can help you explore what you want out of friendships and romantic relationships, how relationships contribute to your sense of self, and more.

What to expect in a therapy session

Therapy is your personal journey, and our mission is to make you feel comfortable and supported throughout this process. In your therapist sessions, you can expect:

• Safe/confidential space for all: Our counselors will provide a judgment-free environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences. We abide by ACA ethical standards and HIPAA. We are dedicated to providing counseling services to the LGBTQ+ community and other historically disadvantaged groups.

• Choice of counselor: You may have preferences on your counselor’s gender, age, cultural background and style. We will try our best to find the right match amongst our team. If we don’t have the right match, we will provide you with a proper referral.

• Goal setting: Identifying mental health goals is a crucial early step to any treatment plan. You have a say in those goals, and you help define the actions we take to get there. Our expertise and your experience will equal productive visits to the Sophrosyne office.

• Professionalism: Our therapists are trained professionals, and they will show you respect and attention. Expect active listening, an ability to break down complicated psychological terms and concepts, and the identification and maintenance of proper boundaries.

• Practical tools for daily life: Beyond what you accomplish in your sessions, you should also take home appropriate and effective mental health tools. These can include easy mindfulness practices, advice for healthy sleep, conflict resolution tools, and more.

Do you offer virtual therapy?

Absolutely. We do not limit our therapy professionals to the Northwest Pennsylvania region. In our online family therapy options, you will receive the same safe and confidential space as in-person clients, along with the same ACA ethical standards and HIPAA compliance. We have serviced virtual therapy clients as far as Michigan and South Carolina.

Meet our team

Our group of trained therapists is committed to helping you achieve your mental health and wellness goals with empathy, expertise, and genuine care. You may select a professional based on their expertise, or we can help you find the right match.

Therapy insurance options

We can accept Commercial UPMC, Commercial Highmark*, Optum, Aetna, UMR, United Healthcare, and most EAPs.

Please check with your healthcare provider to see what mental health services are covered. If you do not live in Pennsylvania and want to set up online therapy, please check with your health care plan regarding any limitations.

*Most variations of Highmark include coverage; please reach out to verify if your plan is included.

Ready to start your journey?

When you’re ready to book your first appointment, we’re here to support you.