Lynn Acquafondata (She/hers)

I earned my doctor of ministry degree through studies in family and congregational systems . The basic principle is that we all act and react in relation to the systems we are a part of, but we can learn to change our functioning in these systems. The work I use today expands and goes beyond Murray Bowen and his followers taking into account power dynamics, systems of oppression and cultural diversity. I apply these perspectives to my work with individuals, families and organizations.

I operate from the perspective that we cannot separate mind, body, emotions and spirit, as well as our role in the human systems we belong to. I use techniques that heal by integrating all aspects of a person including mindfulness practices, the importance of exercise and healthy eating and exploration of one’s perspective on life meaning. I am certified in the Emotional Freedom Technique-Tapping which heals trauma through the connection between emotions and the body.

I incorporate mindfulness practices into my work with clients as well as the way I approach each session. My personal practices include decades of experience in mindfulness meditation both Buddhist and secular, dance movement meditation, and classical piano. These practices as well as my own personal growth work allow me to be fully present and engaged at each counseling session. In addition, I schedule at least 15 minutes of transition time for myself between each counseling session.

I have extensive training and experience in grief and loss from my work as a hospice and hospital chaplain. I have been leading grief groups for two decades as well as providing grief counseling for individuals and families.

I apply the perspectives and techniques of family systems counseling to my work with individuals and families. I earned my D.Min degree through studies in family and congregational systems. The basic principle is that we all act and react in relation to the systems we are a part of, but we can also make changes in these systems by changing our functioning and approach. In addition I learned reconciliation counseling and co-parent counseling during my internship at Family Services of Western PA.

My work with couples comes from my family systems training including helping each partner to understand their role in the situations at hand and the use of genograms. I work with couples on communication and conflict resolution to overcome a wide variety of issues including parenting struggles, infidelity, anxiety and depression, co-dependence, and conflicts in values and approaches.