STACY Tarantino
I earned my master’s degree in counseling from the University of North Carolina Charlotte. I began my career at Hospice then went to private practice. I believe everyone deserves happiness and peace. With mutual respect, compassion, nonjudgemental curiosity, and motivation, counseling can build resilience, develop coping strategies, and propel the client into a happier, healthier life. The counselor/client relationship should be a collaborative effort. I am certified in women's mental health (including eating disorders), grief and loss and trauma I use evidence-based, trauma-informed modalities including CBT, DBT, CPT, EMDR, MI, Existentialism, Mindfulness, and other person centered modalities. I welcome adult clients of all genders, ethnicities, orientation and religions. I am passionate about partnering with my clients to identify issues, develop treatment plans, and move forward toward their goals. I will help you take meaningful steps toward finding your purpose, exposing your power and resilience and healing.
I specialize in grief and trauma. I am certified in both and trained in modalities such as DBT, EMDR and CPT.
First session
In the first session we will get to know each other and determine what issues you want to work on. I will ask you a lot of questions and listen to what it is you want to say.
Strengths
Having been a client/patient of mental health counselors, I am able to understand my clients better. I consider the therapeutic alliance an integral part of our work. With no fear of judgement, we will work together on issues and I will always hold space for your needs. I believe every person deserves peace and happiness and I want to help you get to a place that brings you joy.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is one who is ready for change and willing to do the work to achieve their goals. I would hope the client is open minded and will try new things and be prepared to try on new perspectives even if it feels uncomfortable. The ideal client is honest and doesn't hold back. The counselor/client relationship is important as we collaborate on your care.
Origin story
As an adolescent I suffered from anorexia nervosa. I was hospitalized for the condition and upon discharge I saw a therapist and psychiatrist for many years. These helping professionals made such an impact in my life that I wanted to do for others what they had done for me. As we know, life happens. I married at 24 and had an instant family with two children under 5. I went to college part time until I earned my bachelor's degree. In my early 30's I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and in my 40's I learned I had heart disease. At 49 I had my first open heart surgery. After 25 years of marriage, I got a divorce in 2021. and at 50 years old, I decided to go back to school to get a master's degree in counseling so I could do what I had always wanted to do - help others. It was the best decision I ever made. I feel that between life experience and education, I can offer adults the understanding and guidance they may need to improve their lives. I love what I do and am always learning new techniques to help my clients.
Ongoing work together
The sessions are yours. You are the expert on you, so you will guide the sessions and chose the topics you want to talk about. We will set goals that measurable and strive to achieve those goals together. Life happens, so we will deal with any challenges that come up along the way.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
This type of therapy is about changing your perspective/thoughts and in doing so, we change problem behavior(s).
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Cognitive processing therapy is used to help those with trauma overcome their fears and be more confident.
EMDR
Eye movement desensitization reprocessing is used for those clients trying to overcome trauma.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person-centered modalities are just that. The client is the center of the treatment. Motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, mindfulness therapy, supportive therapies and other modalities are all under the umbrella of person-centered therapy.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- North CarolinaLicense 19889