Dean Psychological & Well-Being Associates

08/28/2025

If you're reading this, young adult cancer has probably touched your life somehow. Maybe you're the one trying to balance treatment with life plans that suddenly feel uncertain. Maybe you're a partner figuring out how to support someone you love while processing your own fear and grief. Maybe you're a parent watching your adult child face something that activates every protective instinct you have.
Here's what I hear over and over: the isolation of being surrounded by peers planning weddings while you're planning treatment schedules. The frustration of being told you're "lucky to be young" when you feel anything but lucky. The exhaustion of explaining why this is different from other cancer experiences.
Everything you're feeling makes complete sense. Young adult cancer doesn't fit neatly into existing support models, and that's exactly why we're excited about our partnership with YASurvivors.org—an organization that actually gets what you're going through.

What's new for YASU members: We're offering free individual therapy sessions to complement the incredible community support you already have (limited spots available) for members in PA or WV.

The goal isn't to fix you or make you more positive. It's to give you space to process the complexity of your experience without judgment, and to develop practical strategies for the challenges you're actually facing.
Whether you're newly diagnosed, in survivorship, supporting a partner, or trying to figure out how to help your adult child—you deserve support that meets you exactly where you are.
Read our full blog post: https://deanpwa.com/young-adult-cancer-hits-different/
YASU members: Contact YASurvivors.org or call 724-719-2273 for free therapy sessions
Others: Join YASU OR Contact Dean PWA at https://deanpwa.com/contact/ or 724-271-8503

06/17/2025

Feeling unheard by your healthcare providers? This is one of the most common struggles I hear about from people managing chronic illness and their caregivers.

After years working in medical settings, I've seen how the right advocacy strategies can completely transform your healthcare experience. It's not about being confrontational—it's about being prepared, organized, and knowing your rights as a patient.

Simple tools like creating communication hubs, tracking symptoms effectively, and knowing how to ask for specific support can make all the difference. When you feel confident navigating the healthcare system, you're more likely to get the collaborative, respectful care you deserve.

Your voice matters in your healthcare journey, and these strategies can help you be heard.
https://deanpwa.com/how-to-be-heard-chronic-illness-advocacy-guide/

Learn practical chronic illness advocacy strategies to finally be heard by healthcare providers. Expert tips for better communication and support.

06/14/2025

Father's Day doesn't feel like a celebration for everyone. If you're struggling with grief, estrangement, or complicated family relationships, you're not alone.
Whether you're missing your father, grieving as a father, or dealing with family dynamics that don't fit the greeting card version – your feelings are completely valid.
This post explores why Father's Day can feel so difficult and offers gentle ways to care for yourself during challenging times.
Read now:
https://deanpwa.com/complicated-fathers-day/

You deserve support, not judgment. 💙

06/13/2025

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈 While we love the celebrations, it's also a time for reflection. What does it truly mean to be an ally to our LGBTQIA+ friends, family, colleagues, and community members?

Authentic allyship goes beyond flying a rainbow flag. It’s about the consistent actions (respecting pronouns, challenging bias, speaking up, and truly listening) that let someone know they are safe, seen, and valued for who they are. These actions are a powerful buffer against the discrimination that can take a toll on mental health.

Our new blog post explores how we can all move from well-meaning performance to authentic practice.

Click to read more: https://deanpwa.com/beyond-the-rainbow-authentic-allyship-and-lgbtqia-mental-health/

Learn evidence-based strategies for authentic LGBTQIA+ allyship that supports mental health beyond Pride Month and reduces minority stress.

05/29/2025

The shift into summer often brings a change in pace and a mix of emotions for many of us. Our new blog post, “Embrace Change: 5 Ways to Welcome the Summer Vibe,” offers gentle, practical strategies to help you navigate this season—and any life transition—with more ease and confidence.

You can find the full post through the link in our bio.
We’d love to hear: What’s one way you help yourself navigate change, big or small? Share your insights in the comments.

Photo credit: Angela M. Dean © 2025

05/24/2025

Is “time heals all wounds” a phrase that’s ever felt dismissive of your grief? You’re not alone. In the first post of our new series, Grief Myth Busters, we explore why this common saying often falls short for those experiencing deep loss.
We delve into:
🔹 The historical roots of the “healing” myth in grief (hello, Freud!)
🔹 Why the idea of grief having a neat endpoint doesn’t match lived experience
🔹 How grief actually transforms over time, rather than simply disappearing
It’s time for a more compassionate and realistic understanding of grief—one that honors the enduring impact of loss. Grief has no set timeline, and that’s okay.
🔗 Read more about why “Time Heals All Wounds” is a myth and what truly happens as we navigate loss. [Link in Bio] under “Blog.”

05/24/2025

Welcome Dan Sager, PsyD, GTC to the DeanPWA team!

Dr. Sager specializes in working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence. He also offers dedicated support to family members and loved ones of neurodivergent people.

Dr. Sager approaches therapy from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) perspective and also uniquely incorporates a Geek Therapy perspective into his work as he is Geek Therapy certified.

He currently offers individual therapy and will soon be launching groups and workshops on insightful topics including ADHD, managing anxiety, applying ACT principles to daily living, and exploring how to live according to your values.

Call to schedule!

Stay tuned for more information on his upcoming groups and workshops.
Photo credit:

05/24/2025

Big news from the DeanPWA team! ✨ We’re thrilled to officially introduce our new blog: “On Our Minds.”
Just as the image says, this is your space for thoughts, tools, and reflections from our team, dedicated to supporting your well-being and helping you navigate life’s complexities.
We’ll be sharing insights across our key areas, including but not limited to:
* Navigating Grief & Loss: Moving beyond platitudes.
* Managing Anxiety & Stress: Finding gentler ways to cope.
* Understanding Neurodiversity (ADHD/Autism): For real understanding & validation.
* Therapeutic Insights & Approaches: Making sense of therapy.
* Cultivating Emotional Well-being: Nurturing your mental health.
* Developing Coping Skills & Resilience: Building inner strength.
* Challenging Mental Health Myths: (Look out for our Grief Myth Busters series!)
Our aim is to offer clarity, support, and thoughtful perspectives for your journey.
🔗 Ready to explore “On Our Minds”? Tap the LINK IN BIO or visit deanpwa.com/blog (just like you see on the image!).
What thoughts are on your mind for future posts? We’d love to hear! 👇
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05/24/2025

We have a new blog and will be covering many topics. But seeing as it is Memorial Day weekend here in the US, let’s start with a grief related post. Our new grief myth busters series will address all sorts of grief myths and platitudes that are unhelpful.
First up is “Time heals all wounds.” While the speaker is well-meaning, it is not helpful - or accurate. Take a look and read more here:

Read our blog for clear, helpful articles on mental health, grief, wellness, & more. Our clinicians cover diverse topics to support your journey to well-being.

03/02/2025

I’m thrilled to be presenting at the 2025 Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC)'s Annual Conference in Albuquerque, NM, on April 5th from 9:00…

08/23/2024

Your journey doesn’t have to be defined by challenges. With the right support & understanding, you can turn those struggles into stepping stones towards success. 💪 Our assessments provide the insights you need to write your own empowering story.
Limited Spots Available! Schedule Now to Avoid a Waitlist!
* Call Today (724)271-8503

08/23/2024

Parenting a child can be both incredibly rewarding and incredibly challenging. Finding them help can come with so much hassle and fear of labeling or stigmas. ❤️ Our assessments provide a safe and supportive space for your child to be understood, celebrated, and empowered - not just labeled. Let’s uncover their unique strengths and create a path towards thriving.
Book Your Child’s Assessment Today!