Ty Rizzo, LSW

Ty Rizzo, LSW

Ty Rizzo, LSW (they/them)

Psychotherapist

Education and Credentials:

- Licensed Social Worker, PA #SW141961

- Master of Social Work, University of Pennsylvania

- Bachelor of Arts (Art History), Lewis & Clark College

Treatment Areas: Adults & teens

Specialty areas: LGBTQIA+, Disabled/Chronically ill, Sex Workers, Survivors of Abuse

In-Person Appointments: This therapist wears a KN-95 for in-person appointments. If you wish, one will be available for you as well. Accepted Plans: Medicaid, Aetna, Quest, United/Optum & Self pay

Hi, I’m Ty. I’m a psychotherapist passionate about working with folks healing from trauma, depression, anxiety and relational challenges. Before becoming a therapist, I spent 8 years providing direct services to survivors of sexual & relationship violence. As a clinician, I’ve provided free trauma therapy in a domestic violence program and trans-affirming behavioral health care at an LGBTQ+ focused clinic. I’m experienced in supporting clients with a variety of concerns, and specialize in working with those navigating complex trauma, chronic pain, queer & trans folks, and sex workers. 

I practice relational psychotherapy - which essentially means that I focus on cultivating safety & vulnerability in our therapeutic relationship, and work to understand how your present ways of being are shaped by your past experiences. In sessions, you can expect me to show up with curiosity, non-judgment, empathy, and deep respect for your autonomy and self-determination. My style is warm, collaborative, and eclectic. I’m not married to one modality, but I draw on a few based on whatever resonates most with you. 

Trauma, depression and anxiety impacts each person differently. For those overwhelmed with painful feelings, we can restore a sense of safety and groundedness, release difficult emotions, and develop greater resilience. For those feeling numb or struggling to express their feelings, we can work together to develop or recover your emotional range and connection to the heart/body. I like to bring in somatic practices & tools from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to support clients as we work through emotional pain - giving you tangible strategies that can be used outside of therapy to cope with triggers, overwhelm and distress. 

As an abolitionist social worker, I’m committed to uprooting all forms of systemic oppression. Towards this aim, I integrate insight from movements for collective liberation into my work as a therapist, including queer, anticolonial, anticapitalist, and disability justice movements. I gravitate towards therapeutic practices that align with this commitment, including harm reduction, the Liberation Health model, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These modalities can help us explore ways that abuse, neglect, stigma and injustice have shaped you, honor strategies you’ve relied on to survive, cultivate self-compassion, and take steps to move through the world in deeper alignment with your values. 

I'm honored & committed to walk alongside you in your path to heal, and hope you’ll reach out if you’d like to connect!