Hello and welcome! My name is Dr. Brian DaCosta, Psy.D. (he/him), and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.
I primarily work with teens (18+), young adults, adults, and older adults (65+). I believe everyone can benefit from therapy, whether due to significant distress, ongoing mental health issues, or desiring a safe and confidential space to explore who you are and discover who you would like to be. My therapy style is very open and curiosity-driven, with a dash of authentic humor to help lower defenses and increase self-reflection and exploration.
I specialize in counseling for anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. In addition, I specialize in relationship issues and working with couples (individually within a relationship).
My approach to therapy is flexible; I will work with you to learn about your challenges and what you would like to focus on. If you aren’t exactly sure, we’ll find a place to get started. For example, I can address your specific diagnostic concerns and symptoms, help unpack your interpersonal challenges, explore your roles & identity, and help you find alignment with your values. Overall, I hope to provide support based on whatever brings you to therapy.
I welcome members of the LGBTQIA+ and transgender communities to counseling.
Throughout my journey, I have worked in various mental health settings such as:
The benefit of working in numerous settings is that it has given me the opportunity to work with a variety of people, both individually and in groups. I am experienced in working with individuals with a variety of mental health disorders and other concerns or difficulties impacting them, their families, and their community. This experience allowed me to grow as a well-rounded clinician and gain a deeper understanding of how I can best support individuals seeking help, healing, or personal growth.
I use techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), while also integrating other approaches, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed interventions, Solution-Focused (SFBT) interventions, and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
While I only offer counseling for individuals at MFC, I specialize in couples therapy, utilize interventions from Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT), and am currently receiving training in the Gottman Method of Therapy.
In addition, I have certified training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) through the Veterans Affairs (VA) and have training in Written Exposure Therapy (WET), both techniques utilized to address issues related to PTSD.
As I like to say, the road of life can get rough, so it makes sense sometimes to pull over for some rest and get some things that we need to keep moving forward. Whether you’ve been to therapy before or this is your first time, we all come to therapy for one reason or another, and that’s okay. We all deserve support, and if you are willing to be open and to explore authentically, I look forward to joining you on this journey.
When I am not in the office or seeing clients, I spend a lot of time digesting sports and sports news. I’m an avid fan of soccer, football, and basketball. Aside from sports, I enjoy exercising, going for walks with my family and our dog, exploring new places to eat with my partner, and scouring the never-ending streaming platforms for a good documentary, sitcom, comedy, or horror film.
PA License #PS020740
Dr. Brian DaCosta offers in-person counseling sessions at the Hershey office and online counseling to anyone age 18 and older in Pennsylvania.
Whether you are suffering from panic attacks, obsessive – compulsive disorder, or generalized anxiety we have therapists who use evidenced-based treatments, such as cognitive-bahavioral therapy, to help you.
Caregiving for a loved one can be challenging even in the best of circumstances. Often we don’t think about how the caregiver needs support, too. If you are experiencing burnout, our therapists can teach you skills to help you cope.
Depression, one of the most common mental health disorders, is very treatable. Our therapists are specially trained to help individuals with depression get back to feeling like themselves again.
Move Forward Counseling is an inclusive practice where we want the LGBTQIA+ community to feel welcome and supported. Whether you are unsure how to embrace your identity, are having relationship issues, or need extra support from a non-judgmental person, we have therapists who can help.
Life transitions encompass many things, including starting or ending a romantic relationship, changes with work or school or making any big life change, such as a move. Often we underestimate how these changes will affect us emotionally until we find ourselves struggling with the ups and downs of the life transition.
While we don’t provide couples counseling at Move Forward, many individuals seek counseling to discuss how they can have healthier relationships. Our therapists can help you learn new ways of communicating, setting boundaries, and other ways to have more positive relationships with others.
Moving into adulthood brings its own set of challenges. You may feel pressure to have a “career” or find your life partner. You may be unsure of making these big life decisions and may feel lost because you no longer have school or other adults in your life telling you what you should choose.
The period of adolescence can be exciting, but also challenging for many teens. Difficulties with friends, school, anxiety, depression, cutting, and substance abuse are all common issues for this group. Due to a lack of life experience, teens may not know how to manage these problems which is why therapy can be especially helpful.
Trauma symptoms and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be debilitating for many who experience it. Recovery from trauma is possible and we have therapists who can help.
Reach out today to get started. Our supportive staff will help guide you through the scheduling process, discuss special requests and consult your insurance needs.
Techniques
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
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