TELEHEALTH STATEWIDE · SOUTH HILLS, PA
Michael Breitenbach, MS, LPC
“Talent means nothing, while experience, acquired in humility and with hard work, means everything.”
Michael Breitenbach is a Licensed Professional Counselor at CPA Counseling, working primarily by secure telehealth across Pennsylvania, with in-person appointments available at the South Hills office. He has been counseling since 2004 and has been licensed since 2008; he works with adults, couples, teens, and families on anxiety, depression, addiction, relationships, and life transitions — with a particular focus on young adults, technology addiction, and men seeking therapy.
WHO MICHAEL WORKS WITH
Who he’s for
Michael works with adults, teens, young adults, couples, families, seniors, and veterans. Women, men, LGBTQ+ clients, college students. Primarily by telehealth across Pennsylvania, with in-person appointments available at the South Hills office.
why work with Michael
Generativity, not stagnation
His guiding frame, from Erikson: generativity is about giving back — raising children, being productive at work, taking part in something larger. People who have lost that thread often arrive describing it as something else entirely.
HOW MICHAEL WORKS
Fourteen approaches, tailored each time
The widest toolkit in the practice, and twenty-two years of judgment about which part to use. His stated belief is that therapy should be tailored to the individual rather than run as a protocol.
CONDITIONS TREATED
What Michael treats – who Michael sees
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- ADHD
- Addiction
- Technology Addiction
- Marriage & Couples
- Family Issues
- Emotional Abuse
- Codependency
- Life Transitions
- Grief & Loss
- Men
- Workplace Stress
- Self-Esteem
For addiction
Federally registered in addiction — the only one here
“Everyone has the potential to reach their full potential, and I am committed to helping my clients get there.”
CARE PHILOSOPHY
Tailored. And it asks for your effort.
Tailored to the individual, in Michael’s words, which is why the toolkit is as wide as it is. He is highly experienced in CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and the Gottman approach, and he is explicit that his ideal client is internally motivated and willing to put in the work — this is collaborative, not delivered.
ABOUT MICHAEL
Purpose, and fulfillment
Michael Breitenbach is a highly experienced clinician influenced by Erik Erikson’s social development theory, focused on the seventh stage: generativity versus stagnation.
He believes generativity is about giving back to society — raising children, being productive at work, and taking part in community — and works with clients toward purpose and fulfillment. People who have lost that thread often arrive describing it as something else entirely.
Michael is highly experienced in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and the Gottman approach for couples’ communication, and believes an approach to therapy must be tailored to the individual rather than run as a protocol. Alongside sessions he provides resources and helps clients build an actual plan for a healthier life.
As a telehealth therapist he has found that many people value the freedom it offers, and that it has empowered men to seek therapy at a higher rate, reducing the stigma that has kept many of them away. He has a particular passion for working with young adults navigating peer pressure and social media — as a father of four children ranging from toddler to young adulthood, he understands those pressures directly.
He holds a Master of Science in Counseling from Chatham University, is federally registered in addiction counseling, and sees clients by telehealth across Pennsylvania and in person at the South Hills office.
Approaches Used
The widest toolkit here
Addiction & Technology
Federally registered in addiction
Personalized Care Plans
No program commitments required
CONDITION GUIDE
Therapy guides from Michael Breitenbach
Trauma
Rebuilding Trust After Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse leaves invisible wounds — eroding your confidence and your ability to trust yourself and others. Healing isn’t just leaving the relationship; it’s rebuilding trust from the inside out. Christina Binder, LSW, a trauma-certified therapist in Robinson, helps survivors rebuild self-trust and move forward, in person or by telehealth across Pennsylvania.
LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy in Pittsburgh
LGBTQ+ affirming therapy in Pittsburgh means a therapist you don’t have to edit yourself for — one who understands enough about your identity that you can focus on whatever actually matters that day. Pittsburgh has strong specialized LGBTQ+ organizations; a general affirming therapist is complementary, supporting anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, school, work, and life transitions. Kelly Schworn, LPC offers a warm, person-centered, affirming space in the greater Pittsburgh area.
Relationships
Acceptance vs. Forgiveness: Accepting People as They Are
Forgiveness and acceptance are related but distinct. Forgiveness is often about releasing resentment over something in the past; acceptance is about the present — letting go of the expectation that someone needs to change in order for you to be at peace. Acceptance isn’t approval, excusing, or giving up; it’s seeing a person clearly and protecting your own peace through adjusted expectations and boundaries. Dana Werner, LMSW helps clients with relationships and boundaries at CPA Counseling in Pittsburgh’s Robinson area and by telehealth across Pennsylvania.