Professional Summary

Paulette Cantwell, MSCP, LPC, NCC has worked extensively with individuals, families and children using creative and innovative methods for success.  She is currently in private practice where she treats children, adolescents and adults suffering with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, low self esteem, relationship problems and co-parenting.  Her experience includes years of collaboration with professionals and educators to improve the lives of children, age’s birth through early adulthood.  Paulette has worked with children and families on a local and national level to address alternative inclusion models, social skill development, childhood trauma, abuse, parent empowerment and strategies for educating individuals in pre-school through postsecondary education. She has also created and delivered training presentations for numerous groups across the country including the Pacific Rim International Conference on Disabilities, Think College Institute for Community Inclusion, public and private schools, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, along with several national nonprofits.  Her presentations address family and child issues, best beginnings for children with special needs, the importance of early intervention, building a supportive team, and meeting the needs of clients through an integrative approach.

 Paulette completed a two year  post graduate LEND fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh and Children’s Hospital of UPMC where she received additional training and clinical experience in the field of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities.  The LEND fellowship provided leadership training for practitioners through collaborative work and delivery of coordinated, culturally sensitive care with patients, families, and their special needs. Paulette’s ongoing work with children provides a framework for growth, early behavioral intervention, social skills training and family therapy.

Paulette completed her Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University and is a member of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology.  During her training at Chatham she focused her study on the importance of the critical first years of development through their Infant Mental Health program and the impact on the family when a child is born with special health care needs.  Paulette is also a member of The American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Board of Certified Counselors.

Locally, Paulette served on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh in various roles of responsibility and is currently serving on their Associate Board as a member of their Board Quality Assurance Committee.  She has also worked for Every Child Inc. as their Director of Development and Marketing where the experience underscored the tremendous need in the community for reaching underserved families.

Currently Paulette is in private practice working with individuals, families, and children.  She also consults with corporations regarding disabilities awareness and staff training.  She can be contacted at paulette@cantwellcounseling.com.

or by calling 412.999.7728