About me

Therapy is a collaborative process that requires safety, transparency, non-judgement and creativity; within this context, I believe we can become curious and open to shifting the way we respond to discomfort and hardship. 

Most of the clients I see are experiencing some type of adjustment or life event that challenges what once felt familiar or they may be seeking tools to process events in their past. I often see my role as reminding others of their innate capacity and strength. One of my favorite quotes by Buddhist activist, author, poet and teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, sums up how I feel about orienting others to their own strength, their own light. 

“In a time of anger or despair, even if we feel overwhelmed, our love is still there. Our capacity to communicate, to forgive, to be compassionate is still there. You have to believe this. We are more than our anger, we are more than our suffering. We must recognize that we do have within us the capacity to love, to understand, to be compassionate, always.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh

I currently enjoy working with kids, adolescents, teens, young adults/adults, and collaborating with parents who are looking for new ways to support their children/family. I also enjoy working with children five years and older.

*My approach with young children (starting at age 5) is to work in the family context, so if we decide to work together with your child, this therapy will be mostly family meetings and parent guidance. I believe in this approach based on the success I have seen incorporating parents and families over many years of work with children.

I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities based on presenting concerns, communication style, and developmental stage. Exploring the ‘pillars of health’: the relationship we have with the self (mind/emotions), our community, movement, and rest, also informs my approach to working with clients. 

When I am not at work I am striving to balance my desire for order, whimsy, and learning. I love spending time with my family (and pets!), my friends, my plants, and in silence with nature.

Areas of focus

• Adjustment to life event/stage of development
• Anxiety Disorders
• Autism
• ADHD/executive function and organizational skills
• Behavior support/parent coaching
• Chronic Illness
• Depression
• Identity issues
• Interpersonal effectiveness skills
• OCD
• Relationships
• Stress management
• Transition to adulthood
  

Modalities

• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
• Positive Parenting
• Structured Teaching (TEACCH method)
  

Certifications

Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS)

Contact

itala@newriverwellnesscollective.com

Pronouns:

she/her

Licensed in:

North Carolina

Works with:

*Kids (5+)

Tweens

Teens

Adults

Relationships

Families