Celena Pawling, MS, NCC
Equal parts earthy, whimsical, and deeply authentic. Calm on the outside, connecting dots on the inside.
Credentials: Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Pre-Licensed Therapist
Pronouns: she/her
Role: Therapist
Locations: Collegeville & Virtually
Accepting New Clients: Yes
Hey, I’m Celena and I’m really glad you’re here.
I work with individuals who feel deeply, have experienced trauma, relationship/friendship issues, grief and anxiety. Maybe you were told you are “too sensitive” or you just need to act “normal” or that you are “too much”. I am in the business of helping humans feel safe to show up as their full human self out in the world. And that starts first in our work together. I want you to bring all those parts of you to session and show up as the authentic human that you are. That way when I tell you that you will never, ever be too much (because you’re not), your authentic self gets to hear that.
You are more than your symptoms. You get to decide what you take in and what you leave behind. I want therapy to be an experience where you truly feel heard and understood- to feel like you can show up as yourself-however that may be. You will learn skills for emotional regulation and ways to increase your confidence to manage your daily life to eventually not need me. Change is possible, and I’m here alongside you to help you find that change within yourself.
For those of you who may be hesitant about starting, hear me say – feeling nervous to start therapy is actually really common. – You’re going into something that is new and vulnerable, and that can be anxiety-inducing. I totally understand that, and also felt that way when I started my therapy journey. You don’t need the “right” words or know what you want to talk about first. All you need to do is come as you are, and I can help you figure out the rest. I don’t expect anything of you besides honesty and curiosity.
When I am not in the therapy office, I am usually outside (when it is warm out) laying in the grass with a fantasy book (currently hooked on Throne of Glass), trying different restaurants with friends or picking up a new hobby that will probably be replaced by another one in a month.
My Specialties
You might be my people if you are:
• Exploring identity, confidence, and relationships
• A people-pleaser who struggles to prioritize themselves
• Highly empathetic or emotionally sensitive
• Navigating anxiety, overthinking, or self-doubt
• Neurodivergent clients seeking self-understanding and self-acceptance
• Clients who want to stop masking and feel more comfortable being themselves
The Specialties List In Clinical Terms…
• Anxiety and Depression
• Life Transitions & Identity Development (LGBTQIA+ affirming always)
• Grief and Loss
• Individuals, friends and family of those struggling with substance use
Therapy Services
Individual Therapy (Rate $120)
Teens, Young Adults, and Adults
Group Therapy
What I Learned on Paper
In Theory
I believe therapy at its base is about the therapeutic relationship. Having a safe, consistent, and attentive therapist creates the grounds to be able to talk openly and honestly. That is what allows for healing and growth.
I use a collection of different theoretical frameworks like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gestalt therapy, psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness-based techniques and solution focused work.
Now, I know no person is going to be the same… because you guessed it… you are human and you are unlike anyone else and that is beautiful. I curate the frameworks I use based on who is sitting across from me, and what they need at the moment.
I incorporate a lot of psychoeducation into my work with humans because I want you to know that you make sense. There is always a reason in one way or another for why we do what we do or think what we think. Understanding that, I believe, is the first step to healing and becoming the best version of you. I infuse my work with empathy, compassion, and understanding. I am here to help you understand yourself, not to “fix” you. I believe that everyone is doing the best that they can with the knowledge that they know.
What Therapy with Me is Actually Like
In Practice
Therapy with me is casual, calm, nonjudgmental, and relaxed. I’m warm and validating and also very curious. I love asking questions to learn more about others and what makes them them. I am honest and will gently challenge you when it is necessary.
I’m encouraging and empowering by keeping it real while always being professional. My clients appreciate my grounded, down-to-earth energy. Sometimes there is laughing and lighthearted banter because well, therapy doesn’t have to be so serious!
I like to meet you where you are and let what you need that day guide the session. Sometimes I’ll ask about your week, sometimes I’ll pick up from the last session. My approach is exploratory and relational, and I’ll adapt to what you need.
Why This Work Matters to Me
I value meaningful connections, and therapy is a way to foster that growth and increase someone’s sense of self. That sense of purpose, of helping people, is what drew me to the field.
My life experience has taught me the importance of compassion, patience, and meeting people where they are. It helps me connect with clients in a way that honors their pace and individuality. It allows me to show up as a real person, not just a professional.
Candidly, I’m a client-turned-clinician who once doubted therapy would work. I struggled with social anxiety and symptoms of ADHD for most of my life and felt like no one understood. These experiences shape how I show up with my clients. I am here to show up for you, and to understand you. I believe you, and your story. Together I can walk alongside you to own your story and take back your agency and autonomy.
