I approach every client from a trauma-informed perspective, which means asking the question, “What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?”. Specializing in trauma and PTSD means that I choose from several processing techniques to help clients gain skills and understanding to help them cope with difficult experiences allowing them to view events as distant memories. Feel free to ask about the various stages of, and techniques used, in trauma processing.

Now offering Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

I believe that exploring the relationship between physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being is an essential part of achieving positive therapeutic outcomes. Individuals dealing with chronic pain may experience roadblocks to optimal functioning that prevent them from being their authentic selves. Using a variety of evidence-based techniques, we will explore the relationship between your unique experience of chronic pain and the barriers to the life you want to live. My goal is to help you change your perspective from making the pain “better” to viewing your pain differently, as a part of you.

I am proud to announce a collaboration with the amazing team at Elite Spine and Extremity Physical Therapy to help you manage the emotional effects of chronic pain through a holistic perspective. Our collaboration is one-of-a-kind in the Western New York area and designed to benefit the entire Western New York community  
Click here to learn more.

I have received extensive training in crisis counseling and suicide prevention. Using a multi-stage, data-driven model, I am experienced in de-escalation and crisis management. Moreover, I work extensively with passive suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors by creating coping and safety plans that consider individual strengths and circumstances. Crisis counseling usually revolves around a specific issue, is short-term, and solution-focused in nature.

Everyone experiences grief and loss at one time or another. Therefore, just as I have worked with chronic medical conditions, I have assisted people in navigating their unique grief journey by providing a space for hope and healing. Grief and loss counseling often involves exploring uncomfortable feelings and traumatic events. Coping skills, such as journaling and self-expression, will be encouraged as you learn to navigate a new way of living.

Approximately 40% of adults experience anxiety and depression; you do not have to suffer alone or in silence. Using a variety of behavioral approaches, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), we will explore the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. We will work together to identify what is not working and preventing you from viewing yourself as the person you want to be in an effort to help you change your perspective. Coping skills will be discussed, and self-care will be explored, to manage stress and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

I specialize in working with people who have developmental disorders and chronic medical conditions. Drawing from my personal and professional experience, I hope that I can relate to you on a different level than counselors who do not possess this particular specialty. There is a unique impact on an individual’s mental health, as well as his or her support system, that many cannot understand without lived experience. As such, I offer comprehensive case management that involves exploration of services, information and referral, advocacy, and systematic navigation.

Once again, personal and professional experience gives me unique and relatable insight into the special education system. Although I cannot offer evaluation and testing, I collaborate with individuals, families, and school personnel to help clients gain equal access to achieve educational success. Understanding the accommodations offered during K-12 education and in the post-secondary environment is important. Therefore, I am committed to assisting clients in achieving positive outcomes by offering advocacy and helping clients and their support systems develop the necessary skills to be advocates themselves.

People can grieve losses other than the death of a loved one. Losing a job, changing careers, and starting a family are all examples of life transitions that can cause uncomfortable emotions to arise. As we explore life transitions, I will provide you with tools to develop decision-making skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem.

People often struggle with career decision-making and seek career counseling as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Individuals who desire career counseling can expect to explore interests and values as well as potential barriers to satisfaction in a current career, if applicable. When considering individual circumstances and needs, we may also discuss disability accommodations that can enable you to perform a particular job successfully. We can also discuss creating a marketable resume and cover letter, as well as job-readiness skills, such as interview preparation, if desired. Career counseling may also involve learning strategies designed to help you learn effective communication and self-advocacy skills. 

Each type of relationship is different; however, most relationships are based on three central building blocks: honesty, trust, and effective communication. If one or more is missing, the relationship may become strained or even non-existent. As we explore relationships and how they integrate into your lifestyle, I will provide you with techniques to develop assertiveness skills, effective communication, and resilience based on your values.

I am a firm believer in the spiritual component of well-being. If desired, Christian, faith-based counseling can be incorporated into treatment. If requested, techniques and approaches will be tailored based on individual circumstances and biblical teachings. However, spirituality is present for everyone regardless of faith, and I welcome discussions surrounding existentialism and the development of one’s identity. Here we can explore how past experiences influence present challenges and reactions. Each perspective will be welcomed without judgment, a listening ear, and a compassionate hand to guide you toward healing. My goal is to help you find meaningful purpose and inner peace designed to help you become the authentic person you were meant to be. 

In today’s society, an unintentional emphasis is often placed on gender roles. Women have unique experiences that others may not understand. While I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming counselor, the issues experienced by women in particular can greatly influence the challenges they encounter. For example, they may experience depression and anxiety differently, view their bodies differently, and the impact of cultural demands can be a unique challenge. I pride myself in helping women gain an understanding of who they are by developing a sense of belonging and authenticity.

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Guiding you to peace and healing by bringing you from darkness and silence to hope and voice.

HOLLY TOMASELLO