Justin Tapp,

What to Expect in Therapy

We’ll start therapy right where you are in our first session. The therapeutic process is not linear; it unfolds over time, with complexities and many layers. Healing often brings moments of progress, setbacks, and steady periods. It’s not a one-time task but an ongoing practice of learning to cope with and process our emotions and behaviors.

Techniques Used In Therapy

We may encounter challenges, breakthroughs, and neutral moments throughout therapy. Together, we’ll work through these experiences using a trauma-informed lens and evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Systems Thinking. I am also a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)-informed therapist.

Healing is a cyclical journey; with the right tools, we can find healthier ways to help you manage and grow.

Values and Beliefs

I’ve helped students with disabilities in higher education and supported people with mental health and recovery needs in the community. Also, I’ve worked in government as a practitioner focused on racial equity and disability justice.

Self-awareness—understanding our traits, likes, and choices—empowers us. Noticing things like our preferences or even why we enjoy a crisp autumn day helps us make better choices. This awareness makes us who we are.

My background also includes participating in the inaugural Allegheny County Department of Human Services Racial Equity fellowship cohort, which focused on promoting equity and social justice in a local government setting, and serving as the Southwestern Pennsylvania Institute Fellows for Disability Lead, an organization that promotes diverse leadership to create better, more equitable, and inclusive communities.

My Motto

~ Silent and Listen are spelled with the same letters. ~

Listening is one of the most powerful ways to connect. In therapy, active listening and accepting silence as a tool for communication can make stories come alive and hold space for each person as the author of their own life story. I look forward to the opportunity to listen to your life story.

Culturally Affirming Therapy

I am committed to offering professional, culturally affirming services to everyone. My approach is rooted in cultural humility and intersectionality, and I respect each person’s unique experiences in the therapeutic space.

I strive to provide affirming mental health care to members of the LGBTQIA+, disability, and BIPOC communities with a determination to embrace the full diversity of identities and experiences. Additionally, I am trained to support the diverse experiences and needs within Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE), using best practices to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Outside of Work

I enjoy canvas painting, caring for my houseplants, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with my loved ones, including my black cat, Hazel Mae. I also love attending local events, traveling, and trying delicious foods. To unwind at the end of a long day, I enjoy playing video games, and soon, I want to learn to crochet.

PA License #SW142110

Justin Tapp’s Availability

Justin Tapp offers in-person counseling at the Pittsburgh therapy office and online therapy sessions for anyone aged 18 and older across Pennsylvania.