Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD)
Waynesburg University
Dissertation Topic:
LGBTQ+ Identified Clinicians Experiences in the Clinical Workplace
Counseling Psychology (MSCP),
Chatham University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Psychology;
Minor in Women’s Studies
Bethany College
Services:
Individual Counseling
Clinical Supervision
Mental Health Awareness -Education Speaker
Insurance:
UPMC
Highmark
Leann Romitti, PhD, LPC, NCC, CMHNCS
(She/Her/Hers)
HOW I GOT STARTED
Every therapist comes into this field in their own way. Some of us have been in therapy ourselves or have been impacted by mental health in some way. Seeing the true power of change in my own life continues to inspire me and motivates me to share this gift with others. I personally and professionally feel like you can tell a lot about a therapist by the way they describe the work that they do. From day one of my training to today I can truly say I love what I do and respect the gravity of the work that is done. It is an honor and a privilege to sit with you in your experiences and to have you share your life’s journey with me.
What Therapy is like with me
I noticed very quickly that I was particularly different from my peers and therapists I had been around. Let’s just say I am no bobblehead in session. When I began this journey of my career, I realized that I couldn’t be one of those therapists that sat back and interacted minimally or pretended like I never went to therapy myself. Therapy is a little different on my couch. I am very interactive and challenge my clients in every session. I never ask my clients to do something that I would be unwilling to do myself. I am compassionately direct because I know you want to feel better now, not 6 months from now. I am client-directed, so we can and will talk about what you want to address and when you want to address it. There is no right or wrong way to be in therapy.
My clinical approach to clients comes from a feminist therapy perspective. Feminist therapy is a therapeutic practice grounded in feminist political philosophies, multicultural feminist scholarship on the psychology of women and gender. It aims to lead the therapist and client toward strategies and solutions, advancing feminist resistance and social change in daily personal life, and in relationships with the social, emotional, and political environments. So, what does that all mean? It means that your suffering is not rooted in your own personal failings, it means that what you are going through and experiencing does not mean that you are disordered as much as you are in distress, it means that I am equal to my clients and we share power and expertise in the room, and it means that above all else I want to help you find/use your power and your voice.
Identifying as a feminist therapist is not only a professional act; it is a personal act. The theory encompasses my beliefs about the world and calls to action on how the world must change. Empowering others to create change in their lives is not just a clinical intervention; it has been a life intervention for myself, my loved ones, and the communities in which I am connected. It is just a natural way that I try to help others. Feminist therapy naturally fits into my practice and my life. In session we will work through the heavy stuff, the easy stuff, we will laugh, cry, and even yell when needed. These sessions are about you and for you.
WHAT I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT
I am excited to work with clients who want to create change in their lives, no matter how big or small. Change can be completely terrifying and that does not go unnoticed in my office. I am passionate about empowering people specifically women, the LGBTQ+, and relationship diverse individuals into creating the life they want and deserve. I encourage my clients to be their authentic selves and not that self help authentic self that no one can seem to achieve, but truly knowing yourself in a deep and loving way. I too strive to be authentic in every way with therapeutic boundaries. I am also a human being who is trying to figure this whole “life” thing out. Who I am in the therapy room is who I am at the supermarket.
WHERE I haVE STUDIED & TRAINED
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Women’s Studies, from Bethany College in Bethany, WV. After graduating, I moved to Pittsburgh where I earned a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. I began my professional training at Persad Center, an LGBTIA and HIV+ community mental health clinic. There, I was given incredible supervision and training. I served on treatment teams, gender teams, and worked closely with psychiatrists and medical doctors. This early training helped me to become an affirming therapist to a variety of individuals, and it also fueled my passion for helping others to live their best lives. I am passionate about working with women, the LGBTQ community, individuals impacted by trauma, anxiety, depression, and individuals struggling to make effective change and create a healthy lifestyle. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania, a National Board Certified Counselor as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
Recently, I completed my doctorate degree in Counseling Education and Supervision from Waynesburg University. My dissertation “LGBTQ+ Identified Clinicians Experiences in the Clinical Workplace” addressed queer clinicians experiences of microaggressions and supportive practices in the clinical workplace.