IFSTherapists

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LPC

Justin Cipkala-Gaffin, LPC

  • Experience7 years
  • LocationPennsylvania
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Family, and Grief
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About Justin

Justin Cipkala-Gaffin is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania who integrates Internal Family Systems with other evidence-informed methods to support people navigating stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and family conflict.

Background and approach

With seven years of clinical experience at the master’s level, he aims to create a welcoming space where clients can explore difficult emotions and patterns without judgment. He frames therapy as a collaborative process that helps individuals clarify values, strengthen coping skills, and rebuild connection after loss or trauma.

His practice addresses a broad range of concerns including relationship strain, parenting challenges, ADHD, sleep difficulties, anger, and career-related stress, alongside additional focuses such as caregiver burden, communication problems, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress, and issues related to autism or intellectual disability. Sessions emphasize practical strategies from approaches like ACT, CBT, and DBT alongside compassionate, client-centered listening.

He encourages people to recognize the courage it takes to begin therapy and supports them through each step of the process.

Integrating Approaches for Online Care

Internal Family Systems (IFS) invites clients to notice and relate to different parts of themselves with curiosity and compassion, helping to reduce internal conflict and soothe patterns rooted in trauma or strong emotions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and developing psychological flexibility so clients can act in ways that matter to them while accepting difficult thoughts and feelings. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathic listening and a nonjudgmental stance that supports clients in finding their own solutions and strengthening their sense of agency.

Choosing the right approach is often a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to explore which methods align with their goals, life circumstances, and preferred pace, and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds. This collaborative stance helps tailor interventions to be practical and meaningful for the individual.

Online therapy provides flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making consistent engagement easier for people with busy schedules or geographic constraints. These formats allow licensed professionals to offer regular support, skill practice, and check-ins in ways that fit daily life while preserving the core therapeutic work.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
The practice covers stress, anxiety, family conflict, grief, depression, ADHD, sleep problems, anger, self-esteem, career stress, bipolar moods, and coping with life changes, among other issues.
What therapeutic style can I expect during sessions?
Sessions blend Internal Family Systems with approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered methods to combine skill-building with compassionate exploration.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
The clinician has seven years of professional work at the master’s level helping people with a range of emotional and relational concerns.
Where is the therapist licensed and what are the credentials?
The provider is an LPC licensed in Pennsylvania with licence number PA LPC PC017099.
Are non-English speakers or international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English and the therapist does accept international clients.
Which session formats are available for therapy?
Clients can meet by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and preferences.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps do I take to begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionADHD

Also works with

Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Autism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

7+ years

Licensed

Pennsylvania

Languages

English