About Us

We are clinicians valuing overall health and intentional living. Our therapists balance appreciation of the individual, while drawing heavily from empirical evidence of what works.

Sage Stevens, LSW (they/them)

LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER - General practice for anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as specialized practice focused on body image, PTSD, LGBTQIA+, self-harm, chronic illness, and other marginalized communities. Sage works with LGBTQIA+ individuals who are 14yo+, and they work with 18yo+ for other presenting issues. They are a licensed social worker and working towards clinical social work licensure under the supervision of Kai Thigpen, LCSW, PA license number CW021753.

"Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all."

I’m so glad you’re here! I am Sage (they/them)! Have you ever felt outcast from those around you, or that your value as a person is in some way diminished by the intersectionality of your identities and how you present to the world? You may feel that nobody would understand; you are not alone. If you feel marginalized by your family, workplace, or other community, you likely also feel unaccepted. This can be traumatizing for many, and struggling with the intersectionality of your personal identity can lead to feelings of shame, the desire to isolate, and lead to coping behaviors like self-harm, disordered eating, or thoughts of suicide.

Our society and culture we live in has so often openly shamed or minimized anyone who has experienced these feelings or engaged in these coping behaviors. When you come to see me, you will be met with non-judgment, empathy, connection, and compassion. You are always welcome to come as you are. No one is “too much” to have a connection with. You deserve the support you need, in a judgment-free therapeutic space. 

I am just the guide to help you on your journey, so give yourself credit for taking an incredibly important step of reaching out! My approach is holistic - I believe that everyone deserves an individualized plan to support healing and other goals. I utilize evidence-based interventions from Internal Family Systems, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Somatic Mind-Body work. I also incorporate art and dance when it feels right to you to support your process, which I love based on my own experience with art and dance (like the painting beside me!). As such, I am excited to also serve as a therapist for the multidisciplinary Penn State Musical Theatre Wellness Team.

Outside of the therapy space, I love engaging with the local dance community, painting, immersed in nature, spending quality time with loved ones and my senior rescue pup, and fostering animals!”

**Sage has immediate openings (M-F) for appointments after 11am, including evenings. They consider themselves a “night owl,” so there are also non-traditional hours available (please inquire). They are credentialed with Geisinger, Highmark (Blue Shield), Aetna, and are sometimes able to secure single-case agreements with other insurances for those who have had difficulty finding an in-network provider. Private pay is available immediately, and the practice submits all claims to your insurance so that you may use your out-of-network benefits without hassle. Sage offers a free 15-minute phone or video consult for potential clients. Updated 4/23/24.

Amy Marshall, Ph.D. (she/her)

LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST – Specialized practice with adults and couples age 18+ focused on recovery from trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder.

“With commitment and hard work, anybody can recover from trauma.”

Experiences of trauma, particularly when they result in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can impact individuals’ ability to feel safe and trusting in close relationships, whether it be with intimate partners, family members, friends, children, co-workers, or others. This can jeopardize some of the most wonderful aspects of being human. With Ayama Psychotherapy, I offer cognitive processing therapy (CPT), which is the most powerful and scientifically validated treatment for PTSD. Because this approach also works quite well when delivered in a couple therapy format, I see both individuals and couples in my practice. I concentrate on providing support, efficiency, and creativity in how we get the work done to help clients move forward in life.  

In addition to working with Ayama, I am a Professor of Psychology at Penn State University. I conduct research on trauma and family relationships, while teaching and training doctoral students in how to be exceptional therapists. My work with Ayama helps me to ensure that I stay up-to-date in the latest clinical innovations, and that I don’t become one who teaches without doing.

Outside of work, you will likely find me spending time with my loved ones or hiking with my dog (also a loved one!) in the forest. I believe that sunshine, nature, exercise, and time with positive human beings serve as the foundation for all aspects of wellness.

**Trauma can refer to a single traumatic event, as well as to long-term exposure to traumatic environments, and treatment can address trauma even when the details are not well-remembered. To get the most out of the treatment, clients should also consider having an available general therapist, so that everyday life stressors can be addressed and not distract (or diminish) the results of CPT. This is a format that may seem burdensome but is in place to ultimately give you appropriate support for making long-lasting change.

Dr. Marshall anticipates select openings in the near future. All sessions are conducted in-person. Updated 4/23/24.

Becky Friedenberg, M.Ed. (she/her)

PRE-LICENSED COUNSELOR - General practice working with adults age 18+ with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression, stress from school and life circumstances, adjustment disorder, and grief and loss; additional specialization in working with people in the arts

“Your mental health matters. We are living in an especially stressful time, and we all need some extra support.”

Adult life brings with it many challenges, and we can get stuck in worry and in just trying to keep on top of all of our responsibilities. When loss or major changes are added into the mix, life can be especially difficult and lonely.

When working with me, clients can expect to be heard, respected, and encouraged to explore and figure out what they need and want. I bring an ease of conversation and thoughtful questions so that clients aren’t pulled to feel defensive or on edge.

I typically utilize Person-Centered and Acceptance and Commitment therapies in my work with clients. I also believe that expressive arts can be a powerful tool in the therapeutic process, encouraging creativity, authenticity, and self-empowerment. I enjoy incorporating movement, music, art, and drama therapy techniques into my practice. These approaches draw from my background prior to counseling, which is in theatre as an actress and a costume designer (Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from DeSales University).

I work with clients either via telehealth or in-person, and I am delighted to also serve as a counselor on the multidisciplinary Penn State Musical Theatre Wellness Team.

Outside of the office, you can find me enjoying spending time outside with my family, playing with our dog, planning our next Disney vacation (someday!), and sometimes even participating in the local theatre scene.

**Ms. Friedenberg has select immediate openings on Wed/Friday’s, including in-person appointments on Wednesday’s. She practices under the supervision of licensed counselor, Chelsea Minsky, LPC, and as such, she is not eligible to accept insurance. She offers a discounted rate ($100/session). Updated 4/23/24.

Sarah Hamrick, LCSW (she/her)

LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER - Parenting and perinatal mental health, adult ADHD, and general practice for anxiety, depression, and life changes and stressors

“Feeling welcomed to show up as your most authentic self is vital when working to transform the relationship you have with others, with yourself, and with your body.”

Hello! I am really glad you are here! You are probably here because you are looking for someone to help you figure out how to create a life that feels better for you and because you want to know yourself better. Maybe you are looking to stop people-pleasing and to set better boundaries. Maybe you are looking for ways to show up more authentically in your life. Maybe you want to be able to be more present for both yourself and your loved ones. Maybe you are interested in finding ways to replace old thought and behavior patterns that don't serve you with ones that do. Maybe you are looking to start a journey of radical self-acceptance. If this sounds like you, we may be a great fit for each other.

I enjoy working with clients on a variety of concerns- anxiety, depression, adjusting to major life changes, trauma, and grief. However, in my own journey of radical self-acceptance of who I am as a therapist, I have come to realize that I am especially talented at and passionate about working with a few specific populations: adults who have concerns about parenting and adults with ADHD.

Whether you are considering becoming a parent, working on creating a family, adjusting to parenthood, struggling with postpartum mental health concerns, or working on healing your own childhood trauma to be more present and effective as a parent, I want to help you! Parenthood has unique challenges at all stages, each of which can set off worry and second-guessing, uncertainties, feelings of inadequacy, and fears about being “good enough.” You may also be struggling with isolation or changes in your identity in your parenthood journey, and I can help with that. My deepest hope is for you to know that you will be respected and treated with dignity when working with me. You deserve support, education, and validation, no matter what anxiety might be telling you.

If you are an adult with ADHD (or even if you just suspect that you have ADHD and have not been diagnosed), I am very interested in helping you find ways to manage your symptoms and to create a life that works for your unique and awesome brain! I am not interested in helping you change yourself to fit into a society designed for neurotypicals, but I AM interested in helping you embrace your neurodiversity in ways that feel good to you and to better understand how your ADHD brain works. I can also help with improving executive functioning skills and finding effective ways to manage emotional dysregulation. I would also love to help you process any shame that you may have experienced as a result of not getting the support or understanding that you deserve as someone who is neurodivergent.

I see my role as your therapist as cultivating a relationship that is full of unconditional positive regard, humor, warmth, affirmation, and insightfulness, while gently challenging you in ways that enable you to achieve your goals. As a humanistic therapist, my therapeutic approach is tailored to each individual, and most often I use a blend of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Compassion-Focused Therapy. I am very process- and exploration-oriented, and I am most interested in helping you cultivate self-compassion as you work through your concerns. I may not be the best fit for those looking for a very rigid and structured approach to therapy. Current and previous clients have described me as warm, direct, funny, and as an advocate. I truly am here to help you feel better and achieve your goals! I know that therapy is a significant investment of your time and money, and I deeply respect that and will regularly seek your feedback to make sure your needs are being met. I work with a lot of people-pleasers (hey, together we can help you change that) and I want therapy to be a place where you can check that at the door and truly focus completely on your own needs! I strive to be sex-positive, anti-racist, fat-positive and affirming for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

In my free time, you’ll find me enjoying time with my kids and spouse, reading, traveling, or trying new hobbies. I am an extrovert who is always interested in learning something new!

** Sarah has select immediate openings for new clients. She offers both telehealth and in-person appointments (updated 4/23/24).

Elana Szczesny, Ph.D. (she/her)

LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST - Insomnia specialist for adults

“Difficulty sleeping doesn’t have to last forever.”

Most people with sleep problems are exhausted, describing having “tried everything” to sleep better. They are often very surprised to discover that tossing and turning during the night in an effort to sleep can be relieved in a long-term manner and without medications, and typically within a handful of sessions.

I especially enjoy working with clients to find restful and restorative sleep, and I work primarily in the mode of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which is a highly-validated method and is the gold standard of treatment for insomnia. Clients who work with me will find that I am well-versed in health psychology and use the the bio-psycho-social model of the interaction between mental and physical health.

Currently, I offer telehealth sessions, either self-referred or referred via a family doctor, sleep specialist, physician, general therapist, or other health provider.

When not at the office, you can find me enjoying the outdoors or knitting. I believe that engaging in meaningful activities that are enjoyable is critical to enhancing mental well-being!

See Dr. Szczesny’s vita

*Dr. Szczesny has regularly available openings due to the brief nature of insomnia treatment. Potential clients are provided with a free, 15-minute phone consultation to figure out if CBT-I is a good match for their sleep symptoms.

Alissa Yamasaki, Ph.D. (she/her)

LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, MENTOR, OWNER - Stress, anxiety & insomnia specialist for mid-life to elderly adults; consultation and mentorship in psychology and private practice management

“Quality of life matters, and learning how to relate to uncomfortable aspects of ourselves is the path to reducing our suffering.”

Anxiety and stress interfere with good relationships, zap energy, and take away from the joy of life. My focus is on the mind-body connection, helping clients build on their existing skill set from previous therapy or self-reflective practices, so that they can live in a deeply mindful and compassionate way with their loved ones and the world around them.

As a therapist, my approach is strongly rooted in cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic orientations, blended with mindfulness and Buddhist practices. I tend to be direct, open to feedback, and willing to enjoy a laugh alongside clients. Clients tell me that I can be tough in a session, but that the work is life-changing and fulfilling. Those who work with me are expected to take an active role in their own progress, bring self-observations into sessions, examine life values, compassionately explore interpersonal patterns, and seek opportunities in their daily lives to implement strategies we discuss. Breathwork, mindfulness, and facing uncomfortable situations are integrated as a part of work that I do with all clients.

Currently, I offer both telehealth and in-person sessions, and I am part of the Penn State Musical Theatre Wellness Team.

Outside of the therapy room, you’ll find me collaborating with others, including mentoring our interns and consulting with other providers and small business owners, or just taking time to breathe.

See Dr. Yamasaki’s vita

**Dr. Yamasaki works primarily with insomnia and adults in mid-life or later who have been in therapy previously. No immediate openings for general therapy, but insomnia openings occur with some regularity. You can inquire about potential future availability.

Ainsley Rager, M.Ed. (she/her)

PRE-LICENSED COUNSELOR - Ms. Rager is currently solely working with Ayama as part of the Penn State Musical Theatre Wellness Team and does not accept general referrals through Ayama Psychotherapy.

She practices under the supervision of licensed counselor, Nadya Maree, LPC, ATR-BC, CAADC.