About Dr. Pia Holec
Dr. Pia is an acclaimed Clinical Psychologist, sex therapist, coach, and compelling media personality. She captivates audiences with her expertise and dynamic presence. Stepping into her fifth season as a distinguished expert on Lifetime Network’s top-rated television series, Married at First Sight, and with nearly 20 years of experience in mental health, Dr. Pia is a beacon of knowledge and inspiration.
Renowned for her insightful, “no-nonsense” approach, Dr. Pia specializes in guiding individuals and couples through various clinical challenges, with a keen focus on relationships, sexuality, and complex trauma. She is passionately committed to empowering Black women to balance their inner healing unapologetically and masterfully with their professional and personal lives.
Following in the footsteps of her late mother’s career as a social worker, Dr. Pia’s academic journey led her to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she obtained both her master’s and doctorate of clinical psychology. Dr. Pia is a proud “Illni” as she graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with her bachelor’s in psychology. Her expertise was further honed during a selective residency at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital System, where she deepened her wisdom at The Addiction Institute and the Center for The Intensive Treatment of Personality Disorders. Her prior experience at Rush University Medical Center’s, Marital and Sex Therapy Department in Chicago solidified her proficiency in couples’ therapy and sexual dysfunction treatment.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Pia’s dedication to spreading awareness on mental health and sexual well-being is evident through her engaging Instagram platform, “IamDrPia.” Her “Just the Tip” series breaks down topics related to relationships, sex, and all things mental health in accessible, relatable insights, making her a sought-after voice in these fields. Additionally, she is featured in media outlets such as The Washington Post, The Lily, Madame Noire, and the award-winning Therapy for Black Girls podcast.
Dr. Pia brings not just her professional expertise but also her life experiences into all her work. She embodies principles of resilience, balance, and gratitude, and is committed to inspiring and uplifting women through her transformative insights and empowering narrative.
When she’s not working, Dr. Pia treasures quality time with loved ones, embraces travel adventures, enjoys retail therapy, and incorporates spirituality and gratitude into her daily life. As a proud legacy, Dr. Pia is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Xi Nu Omega Chapter in Chicago, Illinois.
Get to Know Dr. Pia
Creating a legacy.
Sope Agbelusi reminds us that diamonds are built under pressure. Rather than solely expending a great deal of energy focusing on what happened to us throughout life, or focusing on all the negativity that might encompass us, I believe our power lies in what we
do with this information. It is important to me to create change in my life and thus powerful and positive change in all the lives that I touch. My legacy is following my late mother’s path by teaching others to be assertive, protecting the innocent, and guiding others to improve their
mental health.
It works if you work it.
Change can be hard and can take a long time. However, if you are diligent and consistent with the work you put it, your results will show.
Empathy and Compassion.
It is important for my clients and patients to be heard, seen, and understood. I work hard to ensure that I have clarity on their lived experiences to provide compassionate support and guidance along their healing journey.
Individualized Care.
My approach is not cookie cutter in that I do not believe that what works for one works for all. My client(s)/patient(s) unique needs, experiences, and goals are considered when I create their specialized treatment plan.
Evidenced-based practice.
I am not working from opinions here! I have years of education and training that guide my interventions. I also recognize, and utilize, the importance of anecdotal
experiential evidence and incorporate it into my daily practice.
Therapy is therapy.
TV, social media, entertainment, and coaching are not! I hold the therapeutic relationship with the utmost respect. Though I am always operating from a therapeutic lens which includes all my training and experiences; any advice, communication, suggestions, tips, guidance, etc. in the space of coaching, entertainment, TV, or social media, is
NOT to be considered a substitute for therapy with a professional licensed in the state in which you reside.