Meet Our
Licensed Professional Counselors
NCC, LPC, CCTP
Julia graduated in 2007 with a Masters degree in Community Counseling, with an emphasis on addiction therapy, from Slippery Rock University. In 2007, she became a National Certified Counselor, and in 2009, became a Licensed Professional Counselor. Julia has worked with clients in multiple settings, including inpatient treatment, outpatient therapy services, and crisis intervention settings.
Julia's passion for working with individuals who are living with mental health and substance use, continues to drive her daily work in the private practice setting. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, suicide, self-injury, and many other significant emotional needs. Trauma care and treatment has been a focus for Julia. In 2015, Julia completed EMDR training and began to incorporate the use of EMDR in the outpatient setting. In November of 2020, Julia completed training to become a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
Julia opened Assurance Counseling Services LLC in 2015. Her focus, while continuing in program development and growth of services to the community, is truly on the individual that she is serving. Julia's clients can expect to be treated with a genuine investment, authenticity, and to be challenged to meet the goals they have set to improve overall wellness in life.
NCC, LPC, CBIS, CCTP, NPT-C
Apryle graduated in 2010 with a BS Clinical Psychology from University of Mount Olive, then in 2013 with a MA in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. In 2017, she became a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She obtains the following certifications and memberships:
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Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), 2020
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Member of the Brain Injury Association of America
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Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (C-DBT) March 2021
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Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) May 2023
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Certified Neuropsychotherapist (NPT-C) March 2024
Apryle has received formal training with trauma-informed care and approaches, such as the use of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Brainspotting, Polyvagal approaches, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing strategies and techniques to address the brain-mind-body connection in treatment. Other evidence-based modalities of treatment used include, but are not limited to, Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Psychoeducational techniques, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused approaches, and/or faith-based strategies.
In addition to providing services for individuals or family members who experience challenges following a brain injury, Apryle's focus is to support adolescents and adults who struggle with emotional dysregulation from barriers such as trauma, anxiousness or depressive patterns, relationship distress, and/or family conflict. With providing a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to feel heard and validated, Apryle's natural style of therapy is warm, practical, and supportive. She collaborates with clients in creating an individualized treatment plan in order to identify a strength-based approach to optimize growth and progress throughout treatment and in the healing process.
NCC, LPC, CAADC, CCDP/D, ICAADC, CTRTC, CCTP, NPT-C, EMDR-PT
Marsha graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 1991 from Elizabethtown
College. She received her Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Immaculata
University in 1993. In 1995 she became a National Certified Counselor, and in 2002 she
became a Licensed Professional Counselor. Marsha has experience working with clients in a
variety of settings including inpatient treatment, long term residential, and outpatient therapy.
Marsha has worked extensively with individuals living with co-occurring mental health and
substance use issues. In 1996 she became a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
(CAADC) and an Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICAADC). In
2005 Marsha became a Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional with Diplomate status
(CCDP-D). Her passion for helping individuals struggling with mental health and substance use
as both a counselor and director of treatment facilities has provided her with a wealth of
knowledge and compassion for people working to overcome those challenges.
A life-long learner, Marsha has pursued training and certification in many therapeutic techniques
which enhance her ability to help clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief and loss,
relationship distress, emotional distress, and trauma related issues. In 2010 she became
certified in Choice Theory and Reality Therapy (CTRTC) and in 2012 became a teaching faculty
member of the Glasser Institute for Choice Theory. She has also received specialized training in
Person Centered Therapy (PCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational
Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
(REBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR.) and Internal Family
Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory techniques, and Somatic Experiencing technique. In 2021,
Marsha became an EFT-TFT-Tapping Master Practitioner and became a Certified Clinical
Trauma Professional (CCTP). In 2023, Marsha received training in Advanced Flash Techniques
and became certified in Advanced EMDR Skills for trauma and PTSD (EMDR-PT). Marsha is
also certified in Neuropsychotherapy (NPT-C) for brain-based trauma resolution.
Her focus in private practice is to provide her clients with compassionate, supportive, trauma informed care
and partner with them to improve their mental health and achieve their goals.
Marsha’s therapy style is genuine, down to earth, relaxed, and comfortable. She provides a
warm and inviting safe, non-judgmental space where healing can begin. Marsha’s sense of
humor can also help clients feel at ease and even have some fun in therapy.
MA, LPC
Lauren graduated in 2015 from Texas Tech University Health Science Center with a Masters degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. In 2022 she became a Licensed Professional Counselor and joined Assurance Counseling Services that same year.
Lauren has been working in the counseling field since 2013 and has experience working with individuals in home, community, and outpatient settings. Lauren has training and experience treating children and adults with various concerns. Recently, Lauren completed extensive training for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders. Lauren's therapy style is inviting and judgement free. She supports clients to explore possible change while using humanistic and mindfulness approaches.
MA, LPC
Heather graduated in 2014 from Gannon University with a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2019 and completed an EMDRIA approved EMDR basic training that same year. In 2021, Heather obtained a certification in Exposure and Response Prevention from the Cognitive Behavior Institute in Pittsburgh, PA with a focus on treating OCD and other anxiety related disorders.
Heather has worked with a diverse group of adolescents (14+) and adults in outpatient and private practice settings. She has helped individuals address a range of concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, grief and loss, and family and interpersonal conflicts.
Heather’s therapy style is laid back, empathetic, and eclectic. She aims to connect with clients through active listening, a non-judgmental approach, and humor when appropriate. She encourages reflection and self-discovery and reminds clients that healing is non-linear and messy, but within their reach.
MA, ATR-BC, LPC
As an Art Therapist, Thyra believes in the healing and restorative power of art making and creativity for all ages, stages of life, and mental health needs. Thyra works alongside clients with a person-centered, strength-based approach that is open, encouraging, and down-to-earth. She comes alongside of clients to help them access their personal strengths, resources, and unique life experiences with non-judgmental curiosity and thoughtfulness.
Through Art Therapy and other applied psychological approaches, she has helped individuals address a variety of mental health concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, personality disorders, grief and loss.
Thyra graduated in 2012 with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Literature from Taylor University. In 2018, she graduated from Seton Hill University with her Masters degree in Art Therapy specializing in Counseling. In 2022, she became a Board Certified Art Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Meet Our
Office Staff
Billing
Receptionist
Brenda has 30+ years of experience working in the medical field. Her long-term medical knowledge and experience has allowed her to proficiently conduct duties as a unit clerk/medical receptionist, including various advancement duties while working in the hospital setting to include working one on one with neuropsychiatric patients ranging from Adolescent to Geriatric ages. Brenda's career in the medical field has brought her much enjoyment with helping patients and positive opportunities that she hopes to continue with at Assurance Counseling Services.
AKC Therapy Dog
Charlie is a Certified Therapy Dog who loves greeting, providing comfort, and stress relief to our clients, their families,
and our team. In 2023 she was awarded the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certificate after completion of
her test and obtained her Therapy Dog certification in January 2024. When she is not asking for belly rubs here at
the office, she is working at the local schools through the R.E.A.C.H. program. Charlie loves her ocean-themed toys,
long walks, and playing fetch!
From all of us at Assurance Counseling Services...
"It has been and will continue to be an honor to serve
the residents of Cambria and Somerset County communities
through Assurance Counseling Services."