Briana is a recent graduate from Robert Morris University, where she received two degrees: Bachelor of Science in Clinical and Sport Psychology and Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. While at RMU, she was a student-athlete and member of the Division I Softball team for four years. As a former Division I student-athlete, she understands the unique set of challenges, demands, and expectations of student-athletes as well as the stigma that can sometimes be attached to seeking mental health support. Briana specializes in working with student-athletes who want to seek assistance for their overall well-being or any mental health concerns, who experience injuries or trauma, and who want to optimize their sport performance by learning about their well-being. Although her primary interest is working with student-athletes, she wants to provide support for all students. Briana completed her internship at Duquesne University where she counseled university students on mental health issues including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, drug and alcohol use, grief, relationship issues, performance issues, trauma, perfectionism, and academic issues. Briana views counseling as a collaborative process and tends to take a holistic approach. She has an integrative theoretical orientation, knowing that no two individuals or situations are alike. Briana looks forward to working with W&J students!
Welcome. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and the director of the Student Counseling Center at W&J. I grew up in Pittsburgh and moved back to Western PA in 2018 to become a President. I graduated from a small liberal arts college much like W&J and believe there is nothing as life-changing as a liberal arts education. These can be years full of self-discovery and transformation, and they also have their challenges. My most valued professional role is supporting students through the issues that affect young adults: adjustment to college, relationship concerns, anxiety and depression, identity exploration, family issues, sexuality, and becoming an adult (developing independence, intimacy, connection, identity and values) and have worked in college counseling for the past 30 years. I view therapy as process of interpersonal discovery, meaning-making, and change in the context of a nurturing, respectful, and caring relationship. I have been trained and practice from an integrative theoretical orientation, as I believe that all psychotherapy traditions hold some aspect of wisdom and truth, and that each client may require a different approach depending on their cultural context, their history, and their needs.