Leonardo Custidiano

I have experience in various settings in the field of counseling. I have worked in a residential program that provided housing to adults struggling with mental illness and addiction. I have also provided family counseling to parents and teenagers with behavioral issues. Currently, I provide family counseling and prevention services to families that have been involved with the Department of Children & Families. As such, I have experience working issues such as domestic violence, trauma, parenting, life transitions, addictions, and coping with mental illness.

My experience, education, and training has led me to adopt an eclectic and integrative approach to therapy. This is because everyone has different needs and flexibility and adaptability are important in therapy. For instance, I can employ cognitive behavioral techniques if there is immediate need for symptom relief, but would move towards psychodynamic principles if there is a need to address the root cause of a psychological and/or emotional distress. Having said this, there are universal elements in my approach to therapy. First, the relationship between the client and the therapist would be a crucial focus of therapy. Second, there is an emphasis on the here and now, but I would never neglect someone’s personal history, especially if they are effecting the present. Thirdly, goal setting would be a crucial part of therapy.