top of page

Meet Vanessa

Vanessa P__Headshot
East
End

Vanessa Pappal
MS, NCC, LAPC

they / them / she / her

Therapist

Specialties:

LGBTQIA+

Neurodivergence

Gender Identity + Sexuality

Self-Esteem

Anxiety

Life Transitions​

​

LGBTQIA+ Affirming

   Services Offered:    

  • Individual Therapy

  • Telehealth Therapy

​

    Insurances Accepted:  ​

  • Highmark BCBS

  • Anthem BCBS

  • UPMC

  • Cigna / Evernorth

  • Aetna

  • Geisinger

  • Private Pay: $115

​

   Ages:   ​

  • Adolescents/Teens (14-18)

  • Adults

Who I Help

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist with a passion for helping people explore who they truly are and find their place in the world. It’s common to come into therapy asking big questions like: Who am I? What’s my purpose? How do I find my worth and value? If you’re feeling lost or uncertain about any of these things, you’re not alone, and I’m here to help.​

​

I’m particularly passionate about working with individuals who are navigating challenges in discovering or embracing their identity- whether that’s related to gender, sexuality, or any other aspect of who they are - and those who may feel like they’re not enough. My main areas of focus include transgender/nonbinary identity exploration, navigating the world as a neurodivergent person (primarily with autistic individuals), anxiety management, self-esteem development, and adjusting to life transitions. I work with clients ages 14+, and I especially enjoy working with clients in their 20's who are trying to figure out how to make sense of life and find their way forward. Wherever you are right now, I’m here to meet you with warmth, understanding, and a deep belief in your ability to grow and thrive.

​

​As someone who is both nonbinary and neurodivergent, I have a deep understanding of the challenges and strengths that come with these identities, and I’m willing to bring this lived experience into the therapy room if that feels right for you. I grew up in a small town where people weren’t really 'allowed' to be Queer, and I know what it’s like to feel like you’re alone on your journey of self-discovery. I hope that these intersecting identities help you feel seen, heard, and understood.

​

Transgender Identity​

​

I’m deeply affirming of all gender identities and committed to supporting transgender
individuals as they explore and express who they truly are. I believe that transitioning isn’t about
'changing' who you are- it’s about becoming the person you’ve always been, just more fully, more
openly, and more authentically. Whether you’re navigating questions about your gender or are already on your journey, I’m here to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore your identity without judgment. We’ll work together at your pace, focusing on what feels right for you. Every step of your journey is valid, and I’ll be with you as you honor and embrace your true self. If you’re not looking to explore your identity, but want someone who you know will be fully accepting of who you are, I’m here for that, too.
​

​

Neurodivergence​

​

As someone who’s neurodivergent myself, I get that it can often feel like the world has a set of
unspoken rules that everyone else seems to understand- but sometimes they’re not so clear for us. If you’re neurodivergent, I’m here to help you navigate those feelings of difference and figure out where you fit in this big, complex world. Together, we can work on understanding yourself better, finding strategies that work for you, and helping you embrace the strengths that come with being neurodivergent. It’s not about  'fixing' anything- it’s about building a life that makes sense to you, on your terms, with all of your unique ways of thinking and being. You deserve to feel understood and supported in your journey, and I’m here for that.

​

Anxiety & Self-Esteem​

​

If you’re struggling with anxiety or battling negative self-talk, know that you’re not alone - and
you don’t have to keep fighting that battle by yourself. The constant self-criticism can feel like carrying around a bully in your head, and you deserve so much better than that. You deserve the same tenderness and kindness that you offer to the people you care about. In our work together, I’ll help you challenge those unkind, hurtful thoughts and replace them with statements that are more positive - or even just more neutral - whatever feels right for you. We’ll explore ways to manage anxiety, break free from that negative self-talk, and create a mindset that empowers you to feel more at peace with yourself. You’re worthy of feeling good about who you are, and I’m here to help you get there.

​

What To Expect​

​

In our sessions, we’ll dive into the things that really matter to you, whether that’s exploring your
identity, finding clarity about your goals, or understanding your intrinsic worth. I believe that everyone deserves to feel at home in themselves, and my goal is to support you as you uncover the most authentic, fulfilled version of you. We’ll work together at your pace, with care and compassion, so you can start to feel more connected to yourself and more confident in your path forward. My therapy style is relaxed, conversational, and all about creating a space where you feel comfortable to just be yourself. Therapy with me is about us being on the same team, working together as equals. This is a casual space. I’m going to sit with my legs criss-crossed in the chair, or we can hang out on the floor if you’d like. And yes, you’re absolutely welcome to lie on the couch if that helps you feel more relaxed.


Bring your fidgets, warm drinks, doodle supplies- whatever is going to help you feel as comfortable as possible. This is your space to explore without pressure or expectation. Feel free to stim, unmask, and be your truest self. My approach to therapy is all about you. This is your time, and we’ll dive into whatever you bring to the table each week. You can expect a lot of validation and strengths-based support. Together, we’ll celebrate your wins, no matter how big or small, and figure out how to build on them to help you keep growing.

 

I take a friendly, person-centered approach, and I want you to feel heard and respected in every session. If I notice patterns of thinking that aren’t serving you well, I’m not afraid to (gently) call it out. My goal is always to help you create change, and sometimes that means challenging the things that are holding you back. While I don’t follow a specific treatment model, I draw from different approaches- like DBT, ACT, and CBT- to support you in regulating emotions, breaking free from unhelpful thought patterns, and challenging those deep-rooted beliefs that might be causing pain. We’ll work together to shift those patterns and build more comfortable ways of thinking and being. Most importantly, I’m here to help you feel empowered, understood, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

​

 When I'm not at Open Space CCW, you may also find me...

​

Watching comfort movies, settling down with a cup of tea or hot chocolate, jamming at concerts, or snuggling with my cats.

​

​

Call us, send us a message via our contact form below, or email us to get started.

724-777-1433

hello@openspaceccw.com

bottom of page