Hello! My name is Christy Nyakana, and I have been a licensed therapist for 21 years. I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with my Master of Social Work degree in 2003. Since then, I have been very fortunate to work with amazingly diverse and ever-resilient clients. I have provided therapy in psychiatric inpatient settings, schools, community mental health clinics, Dr.’s offices, private practice, and military bases. Learning is essential to me, and I have completed more than 400 hours of post-graduate continuing education, including all three levels of the Star Behavioral Health Provider training for civilian therapists who provide therapy to active and veteran service members. I am an active member of the Society for Military Psychology, the Obesity Action Coalition, and have earned my certification in bariatric counseling. Currently, I provide teletherapy services for teens age 14 and up as well as adults. I specialize in adjustment issues, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma, family-of-origin issues, co-dependency, attachment disorders. disordered eating, pre/post-surgical bariatric counseling, and military life. I recognize that life circumstances can be challenging, unexpected, confusing, and leave any of us feeling overwhelmed and not understood. It can be helpful to talk with someone who has the experience and knowledge to help you discover the best path to meet your personal goals. I am committed to providing therapy that is always positively focused and encourages self-acceptance. Learning to focus on your strengths to make healthy choices physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually are all part of long-term health and success. Hopefully, that is something I can help you with!

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Our first session is a time to get a chance to learn about you and what your goals for therapy are. I will conduct what is called a biopsychosocial assessment, which will give you an opportunity to tell me more about your history and allows me to learn about who you are and what has brought you to this point in your life. Our first session also allows you an opportunity to ask me any questions about the therapeutic process, about my professional career, my initial interpretation of what may be helpful to you, and to get an idea if I am someone that you feel comfortable with. Research has shown that the most important factor to therapeutic success is the connection that a client has with their therapist, so I take this very seriously.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I am certified in providing MARI (Mandala Assessment Research Instrument) assessments, am certified to provide clinical supervision and hold a certification in bariatric counseling, am an active member of the Society for Military Psychology and the OAC (Obesity Action Coalition). I am an active Give An Hour Provider and have completed all levels of the Star Behavioral Health Providers training; both of which provide specialized services to active and veteran military service members and their families. To date, I have completed more than 400 hours of post-graduate continuing education that focuses on Military informed treatment, PTSD, Mood disorders/Depression, Anxiety/Stress, Women’s issues, Grief, Caregiver fatigue, Self-image and body dysmorphia, and Bariatric counseling.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Military informed treatment PTSD Mood disorders/Depression Anxiety/Stress Women’s issues Grief and loss Caregiver fatigue Self-image and body dysmorphia Bariatric counseling—pre- and post-surgical LGBTQ+ Kink informed Sex positive

About Christy Nyakana