PuttingFamilyFirst

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JC Portrait of Justin Cipkala-Gaffin
Online therapist

Justin Cipkala-Gaffin

Compassionate counselor for families and stress

Credentials
LPC
Experience
7 years
Licensed in
Pennsylvania
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Justin

Justin Cipkala-Gaffin is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania with seven years of clinical experience. He focuses on family and parenting concerns alongside stress, anxiety, grief, and depression. He aims to make the first step into therapy feel manageable and respectful.

His style is straightforward and supportive for people who are nervous about starting therapy. He uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered methods to guide sessions.

Background and approach

That means he helps clients notice unhelpful patterns, clarify values, and practice small changes that matter day to day. Sessions emphasize clear goals and practical steps rather than vague theory. Justin creates a calm space where feelings and thoughts can be shared without judgment.

He listens closely and works collaboratively to set priorities for what to address first. Parents and families can expect an organized approach that targets communication and coping skills. His background includes work with trauma, ADHD, mood disorders, and caregiver stress.

He also supports people facing life transitions, job stress, relationship strain, and issues around self-esteem and anger. That range informs a flexible practice that adapts to each person’s situation. Therapy sessions mix skill-building and talk-based reflection.

Over time clients practice new ways of responding to stress and work toward clearer priorities. Justin encourages steady progress and uses straightforward tools to help people move forward.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and choose actions that match their values. Online sessions can teach simple exercises to reduce avoidance and build more meaningful routines. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns using practical tools like thought tracking and behavioral experiments. That hands-on work moves easily to video or chat formats because exercises and homework translate well to home life. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a nonjudgmental space where the therapist listens and supports the client’s own problem-solving process, which can feel especially helpful when connecting remotely.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to figure out which methods fit a person’s needs, goals, and preferences. Together they may use one primary method or combine techniques from different approaches to address family concerns, stress, or mood issues.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions around parenting schedules, work, and caregiving responsibilities. Remote formats also let people practice skills at home and check in between sessions when needed.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Justin commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, family problems, grief, depression, ADHD, trauma, sleep issues, parenting challenges, anger, and related concerns listed in his profile.
What is his therapeutic style like?
Sessions blend acceptance-based work, cognitive tools, and client-centered listening. The focus is on practical steps and clear goals rather than abstract discussion.
What experience does he bring?
Justin has seven years of experience at the master’s level working with a range of mood, trauma, and family-related issues.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania with license number PA LPC PC017099.
Which languages are supported and can international clients connect?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start therapy with him?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Next step

Talk to Justin

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