“We all live with pain. We lose. We hurt. We grieve. We suffer. I am just like you. I have not lived this life unscathed.” – Toni Teixeira, LCSW

In my journey, I have realized there is so little we actually have control over. We twist the thoughts and worry over and over in our minds as if we can change something if we hold tight to our thoughts. In some ways, it may feel like that’s all we have. But the worry, the sadness and the rumination can take the joy of life away from us. You deserve to feel more connected to yourself and others. You deserve to move forward from pain.

I believe in treating the whole person, mind, body and spirit. I value and honor the unique needs of each client and want them to know they are seen, valued and heard. The road to healing starts inside of you, so it is important that you are an active part of your healing process.

When I became a therapist, I decided to learn as many tools as possible so I could personalize and tailor therapy to each client’s needs. I use Cognitive Behavioral Techniques and draw from Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and since feelings live in the body, I have also done training to enhance my ability to work holistically with my clients, using Internal Family Systems, Emotional Freedom Techniques/Tapping, Heart-Assisted Therapy, Focusing, and other somatic techniques. I also believe my background as a Life & Health and Wellness Coach, Fitness Nutrition Specialist and personal trainer contribute to my ability to work with the whole of the individual.

The interconnectedness of mind, body spirit is at the core of who you are and that is place I strive to help you strengthen. So if you were wondering about the name of my practice, Strong at the Core, it is deeply connected to my belief about people and how I practice.

Life is scary sometimes, but it is possible to live in alignment with your values and move towards your goals. I love working with clients and seeing how their lives are forever changed as they become hopeful about the future. We can work on this together. I would be honored to walk beside you on your journey and support your growth.

Associations

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
• World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)

Florida Out-of-State Telehealth Provider: https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/

Instructor, Self-Care Course, Donor U

Toni is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years in the field of social work. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults and elders doing individual, family and group therapy. She has worked in inpatient and outpatient care and has also worked with individuals with co-occurring disorders, mental illness and addiction. She has also taught college psychology and has worked in the field of sexual assault prevention and support for the military. She is committed to the mental health and overall well-being of her clients.

Toni specializes in the treatment of PTSD and complex trauma. She is a Level 1 & 2 Certified Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP/CCTP-II). She uses a holistic approach to help her clients become grounded and learn how to regulate their autonomic responses. She blends elements from different modalities in order to tailor treatment to clients’ individual needs. Some of her psychological approaches are Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness Based and Somatic Techniques. She believes we each have an amazing inner strength to draw from that can be used to get us through the toughest of times.

Toni has a Master of Psychology from City University of New York and a Master of Social Work from New York University.

• UMDNJ/Rutgers-UBHC
• Shoreline Behavioral Health
• 2nd Floor Youth Helpline
• Brookdale Community College
• Elder Life Management
• US Navy