Hello and welcome to Stratify PGH, providing counseling, supervision, and consultation services in Pennsylvania. Please take a look around this site to find out if I may be a good fit for your wellness journey.
stratify (ˌstrædəˈfaɪ) vb to arrange or classify
Problem stratification is an approach I use to therapy to identify the multifaceted nature of problems and life’s difficulties in a targeted way. Life can leave us feeling in knots; the goal of Stratify PGH is to pull apart the tangled issues, arranging these into approachable strata so we can work together to deepen your self-understanding and develop skills to address your current needs.
This concept of problem stratification lends itself to seeing you holistically, looking at the role of mental health, physical health, social health, and the overall relationship with self.
Displayed proudly and boldly is the Greek goddess of health, Hygieia. Her image is a nod to both Dr. V’s Greek heritage and desire to assist her clients in working towards holistic health. Hygieia's image has been stratified to illustrate the many layers of health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of all layers working together to form a cohesive image. An image, we will strive to construct in our work together here at Stratify PGH.
My name Is Alexandra Varela PhD, LPC, ACS, NCC (“Dr. V”) the owner and founder of Stratify PGH.
Originally from New Orleans, I completed my Master’s degree in Counseling at the University of New Orleans in 2013. During this program, I had the privilege of interning at a large state inpatient facility and at a juvenile detention center. At both facilities, I worked primarily with individuals navigating co-occurring diagnoses (meaning both substance use as well as a mental health diagnosis) and with behavioral related issues. This experience cultivated my passion for working with individuals struggling with addiction and intense mental health related issues.
In 2013, I moved to Pittsburgh, PA to pursue my Doctoral studies. During this time, I worked at the Allegheny County Jail providing substance abuse and relapse prevention counseling to adult men and women as well as substance use education to juveniles incarcerated at the facility. I refined skills in Harm Reduction therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention planning, and Motivational Interviewing. It was also during this time that I developed the theory of Self-Creativity and an evaluative measure for this construct, the CAMPS (Creativity Assessment for the Malleability of Possible Selves) – completing my dissertation on this concept development. In 2017, I graduated with my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Duquesne University.
“What is Self-Creativity?” you may ask. Self-Creativity is the ability of an individual to develop a viable, future version of themselves that is distinctly different from the current version of self. To me, developing and researching this topic is so very important in understanding the types of thought patterns and self-knowledge that make significant change more likely. The ability to see what is possible for ourselves to achieve and become (even when we don’t currently have that version of reality accessible to us) while also being able to identify a future self that is not a path to pursue can help us pursue the right goals.
I have a passion for exploring the facets of the self and working collaboratively with my client to deepen their own self-understanding on their path to wellness. I bring a dynamic approach to session and aim to work with all the strata that compose you.
If you are curious about my research, you can read more about it here: Self-Creativity
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania
Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)
Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
Certification in Exposure and Response Prevention (ExRP) for treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Stratify PGH provides virtual services in Pennsylvania for individuals seeking therapy and for clinicians seeking consultation or supervision.
I work with adults ages 18 and above.
Contact me to set up a free 15 minute chat to see if we are the right fit for one another in your wellness journey.
Please note, that this is not for emergencies* and does not guarantee therapy services. Responses can take up to 7 business days.
We will go over these questions:
*If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency please go to your nearest Emergency Room, call 911, or call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
CBT aims to directly address the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that lead to problematic or non-preferred patterns in your life. This theory aims to increase insight, increase awareness of problematic responses or thinking patterns, and develop new approaches so that you can navigate life with more ease.
Exposure Therapy for OCD (ExRP)
Exposure therapy is a cognitive behavioral approach to addressing behaviors and thoughts associated with OCD. This theory focuses on the incremental exposure to problematic thoughts and behaviors while aiming to resist the compulsion or “safety behavior” that keeps the cycle of obsession and compulsion disrupting your life.
Harm Reduction for Recovery
Harm reduction is a flexible recovery-focused approach that aims to reduce the level of harm in your life for both behavioral and substance-based additions. This approach includes abstinence, but also allows for reductions of and boundaries with substances or behaviors of concern.
Secular Counseling
Therapy will never include a clinician-driven religious or spiritual framework. Integration of your spirituality will be included as clinically appropriate for your individual growth.
Self-Creativity
Self-Creativity is a concept developed by Dr. Varela that explores the individual’s ability to conceive a future version of the self that is both viable and distinctly different from the current self. This framework aims to explore perceptions of the self, abilities, barriers, hopes, and goals while building accurate future potential perceptions of what you could be.
Supportive Therapy
Supportive therapy is less targeted on diagnosis and focuses more on overall wellbeing as you navigate challenges in life. Examples of supportive therapy issues include challenges adjusting to new life circumstances, seeking general clarity around decision making, wanting a place to generally process your thinking, increasing your sense of self-efficacy.
Neurodivergent Affirming
A non-pathologizing approach to ADHD/ASD/Sensory Processing Issues and for all those that live on the “Neuro Rainbow”—aiming to teach you skills to work with your brain rather than against it.
Issues Addressed At Stratify PGH:
UPMC, Highmark, United, Aetna, Cigna
Superbills provided for OON services
$150 per hour
Sliding scale is available and can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Individual case consultation: $40 per hour
LPC Supervision: $75 per hour
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