Alex Buffone MS
Prelicensed Counselor
Pronouns: she/her
Accepted Insurances
Aetna
Cigna/Evernorth
Geissinger
Optum
United Healthcare
Treatment Options:
Telehealth Only
Works with ages 14+
For as long as I can remember, I had a passion for working with children and helping others. I started out my educational career working in child development, and I pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. At that time, I worked primarily with individuals with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder diagnoses in their homes. I knew I wanted to further my education and learn more about autism and behavioral interventions, so I continued at the University of Pittsburgh where I earned my Master of Science degree in Applied Developmental Psychology.
It was at this time that my career goals began to shift. I started a job as a Family Based Clinician where I trained in ecosystemic structural family therapy and provided in home counseling and behavioral interventions to families who were typically experiencing a great deal of conflict. My passion for counseling and working with family systems was ignited and I realized studying counseling was the next step in my journey xo that I could become a licensed counselor. I began working on my second Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University and simultaneously started a job at a Community Treatment Team Therapist, working with young adults diagnosed with thought disorders and other serious mental illness in the community. This career change helped me develop skills working with adults and as an individual therapist. Together we addressed issues like anxiety, depression, communication, thought distortions, sexuality and gender development, family relationships, coping skills, trauma, and substance use.
I am now proud to be taking the next step in my career as a pre-licensed therapist at Elliot Counseling where I am eager to work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, life changes, parenting concerns, maternal issues, behavioral difficulties, and more. My years of experience with varying age groups and diagnoses lends itself to an eclectic form of counseling. My style of counseling incorporates cognitive behavior therapy, systems theory, and developmental and attachment theories. My main goal is to facilitate a safe, inclusive, non-judgmental environment where clients feel comfortable expressing their wants and needs. We can build on their strengths and develop a plan to meet their individual goals.