Nina J. Hotkowski, LCSW

DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™

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“I believe effective therapy includes authenticity, continuous encouragement to make positive changes, and a healthy dose of humor.”

nina@njhotkowski.com

412-254-4185

132 Howard Street; Millvale, PA 15209

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My Approach

The therapeutic process provides an opportunity to develop the skills you need to better manage and understand difficult emotions and change the way you view yourself, others, and the world around you. I primarily use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help you learn how to pay attention to, understand and accept emotions so you can make meaningful changes in your life. I view our work together as a partnership. We will collaborate to help you better understand yourself and use problem-solving skills to help you get the things you want and need most in your life.

Imagine your life as a journey up a mountain. Sometimes, the path will be clear and level; at other times, the path forward may be rocky and steep. My role is to join you on the most challenging parts of the path so you gain the skills you need to “keep climbing”. I will also provide support and validation when you need to stop and take a look at the map.

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My Experience

My areas of expertise and special interest include Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and suicide prevention. I also have many years of experience treating and assessing a range of symptoms associated with mood disorders, anxiety disorders and traumatic experiences. I have provided therapy, psychiatric assessments and supervision in outpatient and inpatient mental health programs and research studies.

I have training and experience providing a variety of treatment approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Interpersonal and Social Rhythms Therapy (IPSRT); and Motivational Interviewing (MI.) We will work together to figure out what treatment model or blend of models works best for you.

I believe in the importance of ongoing supervision and consultation and advancing my own knowledge by staying up to date on the latest research and information about mental health conditions and treatments. There is always something new to learn.

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In addition to providing evidence-based therapy services, I am also passionate about collaborating with other clinicians, healthcare providers, and social service organizations in our community. I have experience teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels and have developed and led numerous workshops on a variety of mental-health topics.

I have given lectures, taught classes, and provided trainings through the following institutions and organizations:

  • University of Pittsburgh

  • Western Psychiatric Hospital

  • Child and Adolescent Bipolar Spectrum Clinic (CABS)

  • Allegheny General Hospital—Psychiatry Residency Program

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

  • Allegheny Family Network

  • International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD)

  • The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)

  • Allegany College of Maryland’s Center for Continuing Education

Millvale Riverfront Park

Millvale Riverfront Park

Please reach out to me if you would like to learn more about my services.

Nina J. Hotkowski, LCSW

nina@njhotkowski.com

412-254-4185

132 Howard Street; Millvale, PA 15209