About

Hi, I am Gina Dattilo, PsyD, welcome to ForwardFocus Therapy, LLC.

I provide affordable, online counseling. We all go through times when we wish we had someone to be there for us, to spring ideas off of, or to offer a new point of view. Whatever you or your family members may be experiencing, I am here to provide support. I also offer useful, evidence-based interventions that build on your strengths, helping you achieve goals you create. Since our work will be online or on the phone, you get the added benefit of working with an experienced psychologist, while you are in your chosen location, at a suitable time!

My approach to therapy is straightforward: We will focus on the present and work on making small, manageable changes that can lead to you achieving your goals. I will utilize your strengths, offer a fresh perspective, and offer practical strategies so that you may develop new skills, leading to more balanced living.

Therapy is both an art and a science. There are many interventions that have been shown to be effective - that is the science. The art is in choosing the best interventions for each individual. Your life circumstances, your strengths, and skills are unique, and what may work for you may be slightly different than what is successful for someone else. Art and Science blend in effective therapy by discerning which interventions may be most effective, under a given set of circumstances, for each individual. Honest and open communication between us can allow that to happen.

Why should you trust me to help? I have over 20 years of experience in a variety of settings including: crisis counseling, community mental health, in home services, school based services, outpatient treatment and residential treatment. I have both personal and professional experience with anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, adoption-related issues, communication disorders, and ADHD. Most importantly, I strive to make you feel understood and to help you create the change you desire. A positive therapeutic relationship along with your desire to change and evidenced-based interventions are the keys to effective therapy. If you would like a trustworthy therapist who is direct and kind, then this may be the right place for you.

My Treatment is informed by:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Strength-Based Approach
Solution Focused Therapy
Social Psychology
Behavioral Therapy
Attachment
Trauma Informed Care
Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Credentials

Credentials
Licensed Psychologist #PS017764, Pennsylvania
Licensed Professional counselor #PC003562 Pennsylvania
PSYPACT approved for online therapy as a psychologist in the following states:
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas (Effective end of July 2021)
Colorado
Delaware
District of Columbia
Georgia
Illinois
Kansas (Effective 1/1/22)
Kentucky (Effective June 29, 2021)
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
North Carolina
Ohio - (Effective July 26, 2021)
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Texas
Utah
Virginia 
West Virginia (Effective July 6, 2021)

The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) is an interstate compact designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology across state boundaries.
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA.
APA-Accredited
Dissertation Title: The Role of Clinician Attachment Style on Self-Efficacy and Empathy.
Masters in Psychology from the New School for Social Research, New York, New York.
Masters in Human Services Psychology from La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA
American Psychological Association approved pre-doctoral internship at the Houston Independent School District.
Post-doctoral residency at the Houston Independent School District.

Professional Training and Experience

Psychologist at a residential treatment Center

Psychologist at Erik Young Counseling, LLC

Psychologist at Valley Diagnostic Assessment Services

Wellness Coordination Staunton Community Services Board, Staunton

Psychologist Houston Independent School District

Including working with survivors of Hurricane Katrina

Adjunct Instructor Alvernia College

Mobile Therapist and Behavior Specialist

Family Preservation Worker

Personal Interests

Adoption - I am an adoptee and an adoptive mom. I am particularly interested in older child, international adoptions.

I love dogs and have personal experience with the ways they can provide emotional support to people with PTSD, anxiety and depression.

In my free time, I enjoy using genetic genealogy to help individuals learn more about their family connections.