Addie Alderson, LAPC, EMDR-C
Creating a Safe Space for Healing, Growth & Connection
Addie Alderson, LAPC, NCC, EMDR-C
EMDR Trauma Therapist in Pittsburgh | Child, Adolescent & Couples Counseling
As a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and EMDR Certified clinician, I am dedicated to helping children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families heal from trauma, strengthen relationships, and build emotional resilience. My clinical focus centers on trauma recovery, PTSD, addiction and recovery support, emotional regulation, and relational healing across the lifespan.
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable or uncertain, especially if you are not sure where to begin. I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where you can show up exactly as you are. I meet clients where they are in their journey—honoring their experiences, strengths, and resilience—and work at a pace that feels safe and supportive. I value authenticity and connection and bring my full self into the therapeutic space.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups, with specialized experience in trauma-focused care and substance use recovery. My approach is integrative and collaborative, drawing from EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Because no two people are the same, therapy is never one-size-fits-all. I tailor my work to each client’s unique needs, honoring the individuality of their lived experience and meeting them exactly where they are.
Professionally, I have served as a Lead Clinician in an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program, providing individual, group, couples, and family therapy. I facilitated trauma-focused Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and delivered trauma-informed trainings to clinical staff, strengthening program-wide treatment effectiveness. In private practice settings, I have specialized in trauma-focused therapy utilizing EMDR and other evidence-based interventions for PTSD and complex trauma. My background also includes school-based support, university drug and alcohol education programming, and intensive outpatient mental health services, allowing me to support children and families within multiple systems of care.
At Valiant Minds Counseling, I am honored to be part of a team committed to resilience, self-compassion, and empowerment. Whether your child is struggling emotionally, your family is navigating the impact of trauma, or you are seeking personal healing and growth, therapy can be a space for clarity, connection, and meaningful change.
Wherever you are starting from, you are welcome here.
Let’s build a path toward healing and growth—together.
EDUCATION:
Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Washington & Jefferson College, May 2022
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Minor in Gender and Women’s Studies
Honors: W&J Scholar’s Award, Addison-Gibson College Grant, Faculty Nomination for Duquesne University Doctoral Program
CREDENTIALS:
Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Commonwealth of PA
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
EMDR Certified
Member, Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society
POPULATION AND SPECIALTIES:
Children, Adolescents, Adults, Couples & Families struggling with:
✅ Trauma & Complex PTSD
✅ Childhood Trauma & Attachment Wounds
✅ Substance Use & Addiction Recovery
✅ Dual Diagnosis
✅ Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✅ Depression & Mood Disorders
✅ Emotional Regulation
✅ Attachment & Relationship Concerns
✅ Couples & Family Conflict
✅ Life Transitions
✅ Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
SPECIALTIES & APPROACHES:
✅ Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
✅ Internal Family Systems (IFS)
✅ Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
✅ Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
✅ Trauma-Focused Therapy
✅ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
✅ Client-Centered Therapy
✅ Solution-Focused Therapy
✅ Strengths-Based & Collaborative Treatment Planning
✅ Intensive Outpatient & Group Therapy Experience
Interested in scheduling an appointment with Addie Alderson, LAPC, EMDR-C? Contact Us today!