About the Center for Counseling and Conscious Healing
Nicole Monteleone, MA, LPC (she/her)
Specializing in: EMDR, trauma, perinatal and reproductive mental health, LGBTQIA+ issues
Email: info@conscioushealingpgh.com
Working with Nicole
Hi! I’m Nicole and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I work with adults, young adults and teens. I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling from Geneva College and have accumulated nearly 20 years of experience working in dynamic behavioral health settings throughout the Pittsburgh, PA area. I’m an LBGTQIA+ affirmative, sex positive, and body neutral therapist who is committed to serving the therapeutic needs of Pennsylvania residents.
I believe that every individual has limitless potential to heal and grow. I strive to help you remove barriers and unlock your capabilities to achieve wellness, happiness, and balance in your life. My therapeutic approach is gentle, compassionate, and insight-driven but expect to be challenged as well. I’ll provide a welcoming, judgment-free, and interactive space for you to explore the areas in your life that you find challenging and are committed to healing. Together, we will gain insight into your life and relationships and develop ways for you to apply that knowledge to inspire growth and lasting emotional and behavioral change.
My clinical specialties include, but are not limited to: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), traumatic birth experiences, infertility, infant and pregnancy loss, intimacy and sexuality, LBGTQIA+ issues, depression, anxiety, stress management, and chronic mental health issues. I use several evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and other humanistic and mindfulness-based approaches.
Hobbies and Interests
I’m a wife and mom and I love to spend time with family and friends. I enjoy hiking, camping, fiber arts and reading. I’ll definitely want to swap recommendations off your reading list or see your latest work in progress. I try to maintain myself a pretty thorough self-care plan but really, like you, I’m just out here doing my best.
I’m looking forward to being a part of your journey with you!
Dara Pruszenski, MA, LSW (she/her)
Specializing in: PTSD, trauma, social/behavioral concerns, LGBTQIA+ issues
Email: dara@conscioushealingpgh.com
Working with Dara
I am a licensed social worker with over 10 years of experience working in community mental health, specializing in outpatient therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I’m committed to providing compassionate, individualized support that meets each person where they are. I aim to create a warm, welcoming space where clients feel comfortable exploring their challenges. Together, we’ll find the paths that lead to healing and growth.
I believe in the power of collaboration- whether it’s engaging families in their child’s therapeutic journey or empowering individuals to take an active role in their mental health. My goal is to help clients develop stronger connections with themselves and others, unlock their potential to grow, and live more fulfilling lives.
For children and adolescents, I integrate developmentally appropriate therapeutic approaches such as therapy through play, art, music, and talk therapy to help them express their emotions, process difficult experiences, and develop healthy coping strategies. I focus on helping young clients build emotional awareness, boost self-esteem, and learn communication skills that will benefit them far beyond our sessions.
I specialize in addressing anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), trauma (including domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse), Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), LGBTQIA+ issues, and social/behavioral concerns. I draw from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and other mindfulness-based techniques to help clients develop insight, manage emotions, and create lasting change.
My approach is always centered on empathy, respect, and the belief that every individual has the capacity for positive change. Whether through in-person or telehealth sessions, we’ll work to uncover patterns, heal emotional wounds, and empower you to live a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.
I hold a B.A. in Psychology from Penn State University and an M.A. in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh.
Hobbies and Interests
Outside of therapy, I enjoy spending time with my two grown children, attending concerts, hiking, practicing yoga, volunteering, and reading.
Eva Piatrova, M.S., Mental Health Counselor, LAPC
Specializing in: Gestalt therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, art therapy
- Bilingual (English & Russian)
- Telehealth Services available
Email: eva@conscioushealingpgh.com
Working with Eva
With a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University, I specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges through a Gestalt approach. My practice is rooted in the belief that healing begins in the present moment, and I work collaboratively with clients to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors in real-time.
Born in Germany, raised in Belarus, and having lived in several European countries, I’ve had the privilege of soaking in diverse cultures and perspectives. This rich background allows me to bring cultural sensitivity and a global outlook to my counseling.
As a former athlete with over 20 years of experience in fitness and professional sports, I understand the interplay between the mind, body, and spirit in achieving personal and relational growth. My experience extends to leading seminars on sports nutrition, training, and recovery for professional and amateur athletes.
In our sessions, I create a supportive and non-judgmental space where we can embrace your unique story, integrate past experiences, and build tools for a healthier, more fulfilling future. My bilingual counseling services further enhance my ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds.
I combine Gestalt therapy with evidence-based interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and art therapy to tailor my approach to each individual’s needs. Whether you’re addressing past traumas, relationship dynamics, or personal growth, I’m here to guide and support you in discovering your authentic self and living life fully.
Hobbies and Interests
Outside of my professional work, I cherish spending time with my family and children, discovering new coffee shops, and watching thought-provoking documentaries.
