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GU Portrait of Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter

Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter

Compassionate psychologist focusing on practical change

PA Psychologist PS019215 Pennsylvania

Experience
10 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English

About Geri-Lynn

Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter welcomes people seeking practical, compassionate support for issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, bipolar symptoms, ADHD, and life transitions.

Background and approach

As a licensed Pennsylvania psychologist (PA Psychologist PS019215) with ten years of clinical experience, she emphasizes a respectful, non-judgmental stance and tailors care to each person’s priorities and circumstances.

Her background includes substantial work with substance use concerns alongside co-occurring mood and trauma-related difficulties, and she has supported clients facing learning differences and relationship stress related to those challenges. Her style blends cognitive behavioral strategies with acceptance-based and person-centered methods, and she also integrates psychodynamic ideas and motivational interviewing when helpful.

Treatment plans are individualized, with dialogue and goals shaped collaboratively between therapist and client. Dr.

Utter approaches therapy with warmth and encouragement, aiming to empower people to make meaningful changes at their own pace. She accepts international clients and offers multiple online session formats to increase access for those ready to begin therapeutic work.

Therapeutic approaches for online care

Dr. Utter draws on cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to guide online work. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and problematic coping patterns. Acceptance and commitment therapy emphasizes clarifying personal values, building psychological flexibility, and learning to live with difficult experiences rather than avoiding them; this can be useful for stress, mood challenges, and recovery from addiction.

Finding the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. The therapist discusses goals, preferences, and responses to early techniques and adjusts methods to fit what is most helpful for each person, combining person-centered listening with structured interventions when appropriate.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which offer flexibility for busy schedules or those in different locations. These options can make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access regular sessions, and try varied formats for skill practice and check-ins according to individual needs and therapist availability.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Dr. Utter address?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar and mood disorders, depression, ADHD, grief, sleep issues, anger, self-esteem struggles, parenting concerns, LGBT issues, family matters, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic approach and style?
The approach is approachable and empathetic, combining cognitive behavioral techniques with acceptance and client-centered perspectives, psychodynamic ideas, and motivational interviewing as appropriate.
What is her clinical background and experience level?
She is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania with ten years of clinical experience working with substance use, co-occurring mental health issues, learning differences, and related relational stress.
Where is she licensed and how is she credentialed?
She practices as a Pennsylvania psychologist and is listed as PA Psychologist PS019215.
Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?
Yes, she accepts international clients and conducts sessions across borders according to availability and applicable regulations.
What formats are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.
How are costs and subscriptions handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

LGBTFamily conflictsGriefSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD

Additional focus areas

Co-morbidityDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesGuilt and shameMood disordersPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Social anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Licensed

Pennsylvania

Languages

English