Renae Sever
Renae Sever, PhD, NBC-HWC is a psychologist, national board certified health and wellness coach, and FarmResponse® certified counselor who has provided person-centered and strength-based services in Westmoreland County for over 20 years. From both professional and personal experience, Renae knows that life is ever evolving and changing and sometimes those changes aren’t easy or go smoothly. How rough spots are managed can make a substantial difference between being miserable and being happy. As a trusted psychologist in Greensburg PA, Renae is dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and embrace positive change.
Renae offers a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of older children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. With a focus on individuals, couples, families, and groups, Renae addresses various emotional challenges such as anger, anxiety, depression, frustration, indecisiveness, helplessness, and hopelessness.
Renae’s therapeutic approach draws from Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Through the use of open-ended questioning and empowering techniques, Renae guides clients towards problem-solving, meaningful goal achievement, and effective management of important life events and milestones. Whether it’s in areas like education/school, work/career, relationships, parenting, family dynamics, health, or leisure/recreation, Renae is dedicated to helping clients navigate and find fulfillment in these aspects of life.
Education and Experience
Renae attended Penn State following graduation from high school. Originally aspiring to be a veterinarian, Renae changed course to animal production (horses, beef, sheep, and swine). Looking for dairy experience, Renae answered a help-wanted ad for a job milking cows and ended up marrying the dairy farmer. Sixteen years, five kids and one divorce later, she changed course again and earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Seton Hill, specializing in marriage and family therapy.
With a growing understanding of the connection between physical health and mental health, Renae completed a health and wellness coaching program through Wellcoaches and earned a doctorate in psychology from Northcentral University, specializing in health psychology. Continuing along this path, Renae earned credentials as a national board certified health and wellness coach through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching.
In homage to the farmers in her life, Renae completed the FarmResponse® training program for health professionals that was developed by the AgriStress Response Network to address mental health concerns in agriculture. The training highlighted the Total Farmer Health model of providing farmer-specific counseling. Renae wants farmers to know that she understands the unique factors that can contribute to frustration, inadequacy, and worry and put farmers and farming families at risk for conflict, injury, and health issues.
Hobbies and Interests
In her personal life, Renae enjoys the peace and quiet of being at home and in the company of her youngest child, who has Down syndrome. When things get too quiet, they visit Renae’s older children and their families, where Renae’s eight grandchildren are sure to liven things up. On weekends, Renae heads to central PA to the farm of her significant other, where they enjoy cheering on Penn State sports teams, watching movies, mowing grass, gardening, and grilling.
How to Get Started
Renae provides services in-person at the Greensburg office as well as online. She accepts Highmark, United, and Cigna. Self-pay options are also available. To schedule with Renae, please call 412-322-2129 or contact us here.