Dara Pruszenski, LSW

I believe in the power of collaboration, whether that means supporting families as they take part
in their child’s therapeutic journey or helping individuals feel more empowered in their own
mental health. My goal is to help you build a stronger connection with yourself and others, grow
in meaningful ways, and create a life that feels more fulfilling.

I am a licensed therapist with over 10 years of experience working in community mental health,
providing outpatient therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I bring a compassionate and
individualized approach to my work, meeting each person where they are and creating a space
that feels warm, supportive, and safe to explore what you are going through.

When working with children and adolescents, I use developmentally appropriate approaches
such as play, art, music, and talk therapy to help them express emotions, process experiences,
and build healthy coping skills. I focus on helping young clients develop emotional awareness,
strengthen self-esteem, and improve communication in ways that support them long after
therapy.

I have experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma including
domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and intimate partner violence, as well as
LGBTQIA plus concerns and social or behavioral challenges. I draw from evidence-based
approaches such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness practices,
always tailoring the work to meet your unique needs and goals.

At the heart of my work is empathy, respect, and the belief that everyone has the capacity for
growth and change. Whether we meet in person or through telehealth, we will work together to
better understand patterns, process difficult experiences, and help you move toward a life that
feels more aligned with your values.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Penn State University and my Master’s
degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of my work, I enjoy spending
time with my two grown children, attending concerts, hiking, practicing yoga, volunteering, and
reading. These parts of my life help me stay grounded and connected, which I bring into my
work as a therapist.