Neurodivergent-Affirming
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Emotionally Focused Therapy
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Couples+ Therapy
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LGBTQ-Affirming
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Trauma-Informed
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Neurodivergent-Affirming ✦ Emotionally Focused Therapy ✦ Couples+ Therapy ✦ LGBTQ-Affirming ✦ Trauma-Informed ✦
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
for NeuroQueer Relationships in PA
Co-regulate. Co-create. Move from conflict to reconnection.
Sable Arend, MS, LPC
Grounded in EFT, specialized in working with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent relationships.
Longing for closeness? Feeling stuck in painful patterns?
Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), I provide an attachment-based framework to help partners make sense of their patterns, needs, emotions, and stuck-points.
I’ll teach you to listen deeply to the emotions and innate needs underlying relationship patterns and challenging conflict cycles, using this information to heal pain points, reduce conflict, and foster increased safety in your relationships.
Together, we’ll create real, tangible change, building new patterns of connection rooted in safety, loving responsiveness, and emotional attunement—co-creating a space where vulnerability feels safer and deeper healing can take root.
I am deeply affirming of all relationship structures — including consensual non-monogamy (CNM), polyamory, and queer platonic relationships — and work from a sex-positive, kink-affirming, and body-positive lens.
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I specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an evidence-based approach that helps couples and individuals understand the deeper emotional patterns driving conflict and disconnection. I have particular expertise working with:
LGBTQ+ relationships
Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD)
Cross neuro-type relationships
Non-traditional relationships (CNM and open relationships, polyamory, queer platonic relationships)
Kink-aligned communities
Disability and chronic illness
Complex trauma and PTSD
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Warm, collaborative, and curious, my therapeutic approach is rooted in attachment theory, trauma-informed care, and the work of Sue Johnson.
My clinical framework also draws experiential therapy, IFS, feminist theory, person-centered therapy, and Buddhist principles of compassion, mindfulness, acceptance, and non-judgment.
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I have experience working with a wide range of client concerns, including anxiety, depression, complex trauma, PTSD, burnout, ADHD, autism, OCD, executive functioning challenges, LGBTQ+ issues, gender and sexual identity, disability, chronic health conditions, and chronic pain.
In my couples and relationship work, I have particular experience with LGBTQ+ relationships, cross-neurotype partnerships, and relationships of all structures — including throuples, CNM relationships, and kink-aligned partnerships.
While these reflect areas of particular experience, I welcome all individuals and relationships who feel aligned with my practice.
I’m Sable,
A licensed professional counselor (LPC) and therapist trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT)
In my practice, I help people create relationships that feel more secure, connected, and resilient. Grounded in attachment theory, EFCT, and trauma-informed care, my work helps partners to explore and understand the cycles that leave them feeling stuck, disconnected, or caught in the same arguments.
I recognize that our relationships are shaped by our life experiences, identities, neurotype, and the broader systems we exist within. I have a particular expertise in working with LGBTQ+ relationships, consensually nonmonogamous relationships, neurodivergent and cross-neurotype couples, and complex trauma/PTSD.
I believe deep, transformative healing happens in safe, affirming relationships. My goal is to provide a space where all people feel seen, understood, and supported in creating a relationship that feels more safe, secure, and connected.
Counseling Services
Standard Sessions – 75 min
I offer 75-minute sessions as the foundation of ongoing EFCT work. Ideal for partners seeking lasting change, these sessions provide the space needed to move beyond surface-level communication and understand the deeper emotions, attachment needs, and interactional patterns shaping your relationship. Together, we work to identify and soften the cycle that keeps you stuck, foster new conversations rooted in vulnerability and responsiveness, and build a stronger sense of safety, connection, and security with one another.
Focused Sessions – 50 min
A shorter, targeted session designed to support couples who want to address a specific concern, repair a recent rupture, or revisit a particular pattern between regular sessions. While 75-minute sessions remain the foundation of ongoing EFCT work, Focused Sessions can provide timely support when you need space to slow down, reconnect, and navigate a challenge before it grows. This option is provided for couples already engaged in therapy who are looking for a more contained check-in around one identified issue.
Extended Sessions – 100 min
An expanded session that offers additional room for deeper exploration, emotional processing, and corrective bonding experiences. Particularly helpful when couples feel stuck in a recurring cycle, are working through a significant attachment injury, or want more time to move beyond understanding a pattern and into creating new interactions together. These sessions complement ongoing weekly therapy by allowing us to work more intensively with the emotions, needs, and relational dynamics that may need more time than a standard session.
Start the Conversation
Fill out the contact form or send me a message via email to get connected! I’d be happy to meet for a free consult call to make sure it feels like a good fit and answer any questions.
Email: sable@arendcounseling.com
Looking for more EFT insights?
Serving Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Philadelphia, and cities across Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh, East Liberty, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, Highland Park, Point Breeze, Allison Park, Moon Townshop, Bethel Park, Bridgeville, West Mifflin, Glenshaw, Oakdale, Braddock, Coraopolis,South Park, East Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville, Duquesne, Turtle Creek, Sewickley, Verona, Hendersonville, Clairton, Oakmont
Registered member of:
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a powerful, attachment-based approach to therapy that helps people move from patterns of disconnection and distress toward greater emotional safety, trust, and closeness. This blog introduces the core principles of EFT and explores how attachment, emotions, and connection shape our relationships with ourselves and others. You'll also find practical EFT-informed tools to help foster greater emotional safety, responsiveness, and secure connection in everyday life.