South Hills Counseling, LLC

12/23/2025

This season can bring joy, but it can also bring stress, overwhelming expectations, and pressure to make everything picture-perfect. Remember that taking care of your mental health isn't selfish. It's how you show up fully for the people and moments that matter most.

Whether you're celebrating with family, taking time for yourself, or navigating complicated emotions, we're here to support you.

12/20/2025

Strong relationships aren't built on perfection. They're built on shared vision, mutual support, and the willingness to grow together.

When both people feel heard and valued in the goal-setting process, you create opportunities for deeper connection and lasting partnership.

What's one goal you and your partner want to work toward together?

12/16/2025

When your car breaks down, you reach for your toolbox. When a pipe leaks, you know which tools will fix the problem. But when you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, do you have a clear set of tools to reach for?

Most people navigate mental health challenges without a well-stocked wellness toolkit, leaving them scrambling for solutions during their most difficult moments.

Just as you wouldn't wait until your car completely breaks down to learn about basic maintenance, you don't have to wait until you're in crisis to develop tools for managing your mental health.

Creating your wellness toolkit now prepares you to handle stress, regulate emotions, and maintain your well-being through whatever challenges life brings your way.
Read more:

Struggling to manage stress and emotions? Learn how to build a personalized wellness toolkit filled with practical strategies for better mental health.

12/15/2025

Becoming a father is often described as one of life's greatest joys, but what happens when that joy comes alongside overwhelming stress, persistent worry, or feelings of inadequacy that you can't shake?

If you're a dad struggling with these emotions, you're far from alone.

While society celebrates fatherhood as a time of pride and happiness, many men find themselves facing mental health challenges that they feel unable to discuss openly.

Read more:

Feeling overwhelmed as a father? Learn why men's mental health matters in parenting and discover practical strategies for managing fatherhood stress.

12/12/2025

The holiday season brings images of joy, connection, and celebration, but for individuals in recovery from substance abuse, these same weeks can feel like navigating a minefield. Between office parties centered around cocktails, family gatherings where wine flows freely, and the emotional stress of heightened expectations, the holidays present unique challenges that require intentional planning and self-compassion.

At South Hills Counseling and Wellness, we understand that maintaining your recovery during the holidays doesn't mean missing out on meaningful celebrations. With thoughtful preparation and the right strategies, you can create holiday experiences that honor both your recovery journey and your desire for connection and joy. The key is approaching this season with a plan that puts your well-being first.

Read more:

Worried about staying sober during holiday celebrations? Discover practical strategies for creating recovery-friendly holiday plans that honor your journey.

12/11/2025

Parenting is inherently challenging, but when you're also managing your own anxiety, the responsibilities can feel overwhelming. You want to be present, supportive, and emotionally available for your children while simultaneously dealing with your own racing thoughts, worries, and physical symptoms of anxiety.

The good news is that managing your own anxiety while effectively parenting is not only possible but can actually model healthy coping strategies for your children. With the right understanding, tools, and support, you can learn to care for both your own mental health needs and your children's developmental and emotional needs.

Read more:

Struggling with anxiety while trying to support your children? Learn practical strategies for managing your anxiety while being the parent your kids need.

12/10/2025

The holidays are often described as "the most wonderful time of the year," but for those experiencing grief, these seasons can feel particularly overwhelming and isolating. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other special occasions that once brought joy may now serve as painful reminders of what you've lost.

Whether you're facing your first holiday season after a significant loss or continuing to navigate grief during celebratory times, know that your feelings are valid and that there are gentle ways to honor both your loss and your need for healing during these meaningful occasions.

Read more:

truggling with grief during holidays and special occasions? Learn compassionate strategies for honoring your loss while finding moments of peace and connection.

12/08/2025

Loss is difficult at any age, but children often need extra support to process grief in healthy ways. Whether they're coping with the death of a loved one, a family transition, or another significant loss, the way we support them makes a lasting difference.

If your child is struggling with grief, our child and adolescent therapists at South Hills Counseling & Wellness provide specialized support tailored to their developmental needs. Through play therapy, creative expression, and evidence-based approaches, we help children process loss in healthy ways.

You don't have to navigate this alone. We're here to support your entire family.

12/01/2025

We're excited to highlight Connie Becker, LCSW, a person-centered, solution-focused therapist at South Hills Counseling!

Connie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who utilizes the approach and skills that best meet her clients' needs at this time in their lives, creating a truly personalized therapeutic experience.

Her therapeutic approach incorporates CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, ACT, Person-Centered therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

She also has specific training in Gottman style Couples/Marriage Counseling and Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), providing evidence-based interventions for couples and individuals with OCD.

"The challenges and changes that you face as an individual or couple are ones that can be overcome. Having a supportive place to explore these challenges or changes can make a positive difference in your life."

Ready to work with Connie? Contact our office to schedule at our Pleasant Hills location!

11/24/2025

Being a father is one of life's most rewarding roles, but it comes with challenges that aren't always talked about.
From balancing work and family time to managing stress and setting a healthy example for your children, the pressure can feel overwhelming.

Remember: prioritizing your mental health isn't taking time away from your family. It's one of the most important things you can do for them. When you take care of yourself, you show up as a more present, patient, and emotionally available parent.

You don't have to navigate this alone. At South Hills Counseling & Wellness, we provide a supportive space where fathers can process stress, develop healthy coping strategies, and build the resilience needed to thrive in both parenting and life.

Reach out today. Your family benefits when you invest in yourself.

11/17/2025

We're excited to feature Nicole Crawford-Barna, LPC, a valued member of our South Hills Counseling team!

Nicole is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in individual, group, and family therapy settings.

Her therapeutic approach incorporates CBT, ACT, EMDR, EFT, and client-focused methods, giving her a comprehensive toolkit to meet each client's unique needs.

"I believe that every client has the power within them to change their lives and achieve their goals. I utilize several interventions that will help you on your journey and assist you in achieving those goals."

When she's not helping clients transform their lives, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and her beloved dog.

Ready to work with Nicole? Contact our office to schedule at our Pleasant Hills location!

11/10/2025

Parenting while anxious is not a failure; it’s human.

By recognizing your own emotional needs, you model resilience and regulation for your child.

At South Hills, we help parents build a toolkit that nurtures the entire family’s mental wellness.