Pieta Okonya, MS

Psychotherapist

Pieta earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Villanova University, during which she worked with adult clients experiencing depression, anxiety, and trauma in a domestic violence community agency and residential substance use treatment setting. She also has experience in advising underrepresented and minoritized college students through transitional and academic challenges. Pieta also earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Villanova University.

Pieta takes a holistic approach to counseling and contextualizes client mental health concerns in relation to one’s environment, social identity, and interpersonal functioning. She primarily takes a Person-Centered stance and incorporates elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Narrative Therapy as appropriate based on client needs and goals. Pieta believes that establishing a strong therapeutic relationship, creating a safe nonjudgmental environment, and understanding the unique, diverse experiences of the individual is crucial for clients to be able to fully engage in the counseling process to enact their desired changes in life.