Theo Bucci

Hi - I am Taffie Bucci and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I am a person-centered therapist who completely accepts where you are without judgment and where you'd like to be. My role is to empower you as you move forward in life. My focus areas are mood disorders, trauma (all kinds of trauma), and LGBTQ.

My approach

I use person-centered therapy (Adlerian and Rogerian) in order to connect with you in a therapeutic way. I also use Eye Movement Desensitization and Processing (EMDR) and am a board-certified EMDR therapist.

My focus

I primarily work with young adults and adults - anyone over 18! We can discover what you'd like to work on in a collaborative way. I am comfortable treating mood disorders, trauma, LGBTQ, and substance use.

My communication style

My hope is to always communicate in a welcoming and accepting way. I like to examine our environments and how they are conducive to exploring therapy. I have a strong sense of humor - but am never mean. I can push you gently if it seems like the right time, however, I will always check in with you. l am a caring, empathetic person and I am only there to empower you - I don't give advice or tell you what to do. I listen, ask questions, and sometimes summarize what I hear.

My journey to mental healthcare

I have always wanted to be a therapist! I volunteered in the adolescent ward of a local psychiatric hospital and knew that was where I wanted to be. When I went to college (800 years ago!) I was a Psychology major but soon realized that I could not be a psychologist or a therapist without further education. I got married to my husband after I graduated college and he went to law school - so I taught high school for three years. We eventually moved to Pittsburgh, PA where I live now. Also eventually the marriage ended in divorce after 23 years and I knew I needed to reinvent my life. I decided that I wanted, finally, to get my Master's Degree in Social Work - so was a late learner and loved everything about it. When I completed my graduate degree in early 2004, I immediately found a job as a social worker. I went on to get supervision and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker which opened more job opportunities for me. To just share a few I worked as a therapist and outpatient clinical supervisor in an agency, a drug and alcohol therapist, director of a substance abuse treatment facility, and the clinical director of a University Counseling Center. I became board-certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Processing (EMDR) which is an excellent trauma therapy - and can be used in a virtual platform. I have had a private practice for eight years and continue that practice. I wanted to learn more so decided to come to Path in order to broaden my horizons. And here I am eager to talk with people and see how clients can move forward!

My goals for you

Goal setting is always based on each client. I view this as a collaborative process as we determine priorities and how best to address them. One way I look at therapy is to imagine that we are both in a dark hole but can see a circle of light above us- and a ladder. Your role is to climb the ladder - mine is to hold it steady.

My first session with you

Clients should expect that I will give them a quick overview of my credentials and how long I have been working with clients. I will remind them that everything is complete and that they can talk about ANYTHING! No topic is off-limits! I'll ask questions and get a sense of who you are and you can have a sense of who I am.