MY STORY

An Unconventional Path to Becoming a Therapist

Welcome to Sidework Psychotherapy! My name is Stephanie Dooley, MHC, LPC, and I offer compassionate, non-judgmental psychotherapy that seeks to help clients identify what’s not working for them. I believe that people already have the ability within themselves to change their lives for the better, but often need help identifying and honing the skills needed to do so. I hope to help clients gain a better understanding of themselves and why they make the choices they do, in a style that is individually tailored to their wants and needs. Focusing on a collaborative approach, I aim to be the guide and partner who can empower my clients to facilitate positive change in their lives. I pride myself on being culturally competent and sex positive and applying these values to my work. I enjoy working with individuals and couples of all ages and backgrounds.

I completed my undergraduate education at Boston College before moving to New York. In New York I worked at a non-profit start-up called The Relationship Foundation where I co-wrote a curriculum for high school students called "Relationship Ed Before Sex Ed" that focused on the emotional and interpersonal aspects of healthy relationships and communication skills. This experience inspired me to continue my education at The City College of New York, where I received my Masters in Mental Health Counseling. I completed an internship and later was employed full-time at PSCH, a Bronx clinic that served people from all walks of life and of ages. Here I worked with individuals, couples, and children whose struggles varied from anxiety and depression to trauma and substance use disorders. Here I also gained experience working with people suffering from personality disorders and severe mental illness.

Since returning to Pittsburgh, I worked at UPMC Matilda Theiss where I was a mobile therapist, working with children ages 0-11 in their homes and schools. Many of these children were experiencing negligence or abuse, which I addressed while working on behavioral and coping skills. Following this experience, I worked with Family Links where I worked exclusively in Pittsburgh Public Schools seeing children of all ages in need of support. Most recently I worked at the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh, working with couples and individuals in a private setting.

I have a diverse professional background outside of therapy as well, having worked in film and media for companies like The Onion and Gawker Media before transitioning to therapy.

When I'm not at work, I enjoy travel, film, yoga, cycling, live music, and cooking.