Missie Young
Reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming, and finding the right therapist is an important part of the process. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable showing up exactly as you are—without judgment, pressure, or the need to have everything figured out. I have worked in the helping profession for nearly 20 years and began providing therapy services in 2015 during my graduate studies. Before becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I worked in a variety of mental health and human services roles throughout Westmoreland County. These experiences gave me the opportunity to support individuals and families facing a wide range of challenges and reinforced my passion for helping people create meaningful change in their lives. Today, I work with adults, individuals, and couples navigating anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, perfectionism, and the stress that comes from trying to carry too much for too long. I also provide affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. My approach is grounded in warmth, authenticity, curiosity, and genuine connection. Together, we'll explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, increase understanding of your emotions and relationships, and identify practical ways to move toward the life you want. While therapy often involves difficult conversations, I believe growth can happen in a space that also includes compassion, hope, and even moments of humor. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, uncertain, or simply ready for change, I would be honored to support you on your journey.
First session
During our first session, we'll spend time getting to know each other and discussing what brought you to therapy. I'll ask questions about your current concerns, goals, relationships, and the challenges you're hoping to address. We'll also explore relevant background information, including family experiences, important relationships, and other factors that may have shaped your life and experiences. My goal is not to gather every detail in a single session, but to begin developing a deeper understanding of who you are and what is most important to you. The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions, share any concerns, and determine whether I feel like a good fit for your needs. Many clients come into therapy feeling nervous or unsure of where to start. That's completely normal. You don't need to have everything figured out before our first meeting. We'll work together to create a comfortable space where you can share at your own pace and begin identifying goals for our work together.
Strengths
What sets my practice apart is the emphasis I place on the therapeutic relationship. Research consistently shows that the quality of the relationship between therapist and client is one of the strongest predictors of successful outcomes, and I believe meaningful change happens when clients feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported. I strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where clients can show up authentically without fear of judgment. My office is intentionally designed to feel comfortable and inviting, and I approach therapy with a balance of compassion, curiosity, authenticity, and flexibility. While I take my work seriously, I also believe there is room for laughter, humor, and humanity throughout the healing process. Every client and relationship is unique, so I tailor therapy to fit the individual rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. My goal is to help clients feel safe enough to explore difficult experiences while also feeling empowered to create meaningful and lasting change.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with adults, both individuals and couples, who are seeking greater clarity, connection, and emotional well-being. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, relationship stress, life transitions, grief, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or the pressure of trying to meet everyone's needs while neglecting their own. I am passionate about helping clients better understand their emotions, identify patterns that may be keeping them stuck, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others. I welcome clients of all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, and strive to create a therapeutic space that feels safe, affirming, and free of judgment. My approach is grounded in warmth, authenticity, curiosity, and genuine connection. While therapy often involves exploring difficult emotions and experiences, I believe healing can also include moments of laughter and humor. I strive to create an environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves while engaging in meaningful growth and change. My clients are often thoughtful, insightful people who are ready to explore, grow, and create lasting change in their lives and relationships.
Treatment methods
Relational
I believe our relationships shape how we see ourselves, connect with others, and navigate life's challenges. In therapy, I help clients explore patterns that may no longer be serving them while building greater awareness of their emotions, needs, and strengths. Together, we work toward creating healthier, more authentic connections with themselves and the people who matter most.
Couples Counseling
In couples therapy, I help partners better understand themselves and each other. Often, the ways we communicate, respond to conflict, or protect ourselves in relationships are shaped by earlier experiences and patterns we may not even realize we are carrying. Together, we explore these patterns with curiosity rather than blame, helping each partner identify their emotions, needs, and hopes more clearly. As understanding grows, couples are often able to communicate more effectively, reduce conflict, strengthen emotional connection, and create a relationship that feels more secure, supportive, and fulfilling.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I recognize that every client and couple brings a unique set of experiences, values, beliefs, family traditions, and cultural influences into therapy. Rather than making assumptions, I approach each person with curiosity and respect, seeking to understand how their background has shaped their identity, relationships, and view of the world. I strive to create an environment where clients feel safe discussing the aspects of themselves that matter most, while tailoring therapy to align with their values, goals, and lived experiences.
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Licensed in
- PennsylvaniaLicense MF001051