Claire Zugec

Our lives are filled by the choices we make everyday. It's like we are each given a bucket for our lives, and what we put in it makes all the difference. What’s in your bucket? Regret? Mistakes? Bitterness? Anger? Sadness? Fear? Worry? What if you decided to fill it with acceptance, love, courage, peace, or joy instead? I believe in the ability we each have to make our lives into something beautiful and worthwhile. I believe we can change for the better by working through whatever has gotten in the way of that for each of us. Sometimes it means a change of circumstances, other times a change of heart, a change in our thoughts, or a change in the direction we are traveling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked in the mental health field for the past 10+ years. I earned her BA in English and Theology (2005) from Assumption College (Worcester, MA), and my MA in Counseling (2009) from Franciscan University of Steubenville (Steubenville, OH). I have experience providing individual and family counseling with children, adolescents and adults. Before starting Present Joy Counseling, I worked in several in-home based mental health programs, as well as providing school-based therapy in local middle school and high schools. Most recently I worked in an outpatient private practice setting, which ignited the desire to start my own practice. I currently serve as a therapist for Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats of Pittsburgh, which offers post-abortive healing weekends for men and women. Originally from the snowy and beautiful Vermont, I have called Pittsburgh my home for some time now, and love the small town feel of the city! I enjoy exploring the area, especially through various outdoor ventures with my husband and four children. I am passionate about my faith and striving to live it out daily, and I love my own journey of striving to find joy in the everyday.