Peter Plishka, M.ed.

PRONOUNS: he/him

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.” -Rainer Maria Rilke

My approach to counseling begins with a simple but essential premise: understanding where you are right now. People often come to therapy during periods of uncertainty, transition, or emotional weight—especially in the face of grief and loss. Whether you are navigating the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another form of life disruption, my work focuses on helping you slow down, honor your experience, and make sense of what you’re carrying. Together, we reconnect with the values and inner strengths that can support your next steps, even in the midst of pain.

My therapeutic orientation is grounded in existential counseling and informed by the principles of Positive Psychology. This means we explore questions of meaning, identity, responsibility, and purpose, while also recognizing the very real impact of loss and the ways it can reshape your world. Alongside processing grief, we identify the resilience, capacities, and possibilities that still exist within you. Rather than focusing only on problems, we work to build a fuller picture of what a meaningful and engaged life can look like—one that makes space for both sorrow and growth.

I have experience working with individuals navigating complex life situations, including family systems challenges, neurodiversity, caregiving roles, and involvement with community and institutional systems. My work has included supporting individuals with autism, engaging adults with early-onset dementia through meaningful activities, and working with incarcerated individuals through psychoeducational groups focused on emotional regulation and values-based decision making. I also support clients coping with anticipatory grief, ambiguous loss, and the ongoing emotional realities of caregiving. I am working under the clinical supervision of Debbie Smith, LPC, CPCS, and the clinical direction of Meg McLeroy, LMFT.

In our work together, my priority is creating a space that is thoughtful, compassionate, and collaborative—one where grief is given the attention it deserves and growth is approached at your pace. My goal is to help you move forward with greater clarity, agency, and a renewed sense of meaning, even as you carry what has been lost.

404-514-4152

Peter.Plishka@MidtownPsychotherapy.org

Positive Psychology, Grief, Life Transitions, Senior Adults, Support for Caregivers, Family Systems Challenges