Skip to Content
Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

S

Sudha Purihella

Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
My path started when I started developing curiosity about Human emotions and behavior in my late teens. During my Bachelors in Home Economics, my curiosity increased and I started developing an interest to specialize in Psychology and proceeded to obtain my Master's in Psychology. Then after moving to the USA in the late '80s, pursued another Master's in Professional Counseling and specialized in Rehabilitation Counseling. Obtained my Licensure in Washington DC and was trained by a pioneer in the Psychosocial model of Rehab Theory. The rehabilitation of my clients to be normal human beings and integrating them back into the community fulfills my work. This is my motivation to see people bounce back into the community with enhanced performance after therapy. In general, helping all human beings attain their best possible performance level is my motivation.
Sudha Purihella, MA-Psychology; MA-Mental Health Counseling; LPC – (Licensed Professional Counselor). Psychotherapist, Individual and Group Specialist, Specialist South Asian Cultural issues. Sudha Purihella has two MA degree’s majoring in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling. She speaks fluent Telugu-South Indian language and understands Hindi. She has over 30 years of clinical experience in the field. She has worked in Clinical and Management positions in a wide variety of outpatient mental health settings and several levels of residential care from Crisis step-down, Transitional group home, Permanent Group Home and Independent Supervised Living at Woodley House, Inc in Washington, D.C. Due to her continued interest and passion for direct clinical services, she has entered the area of clinical private practice in 2003. Her approach is Eclectic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psycho-dynamic, Humanistic, Solution-Focused, Life Coaching, Existential, and Reality Therapy. She is very intuitive, caring culturally sensitive, and demonstrates a skilled ability to empathize and build a positive alliance with her clients. She works collaboratively with her clients’ inner chaotic nature and empowers growth as well as self-efficacy.
K

Katie Powers LCPC

Mental Health Therapist
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I decided to be a therapist because of my strong desire to help people improve their mental health and overall well-being. I am driven by a passion for understanding human behavior, empathy for those who are struggling, and a belief in the power of therapy to facilitate positive change. I find fulfillment in witnessing my clients' progress, growth, and recovery. Additionally, I feel a sense of purpose and satisfaction in providing support, guidance, and healing to individuals. 
One of the most important factors in therapy is the connection created between the client and therapist. Building a trusting foundation can be a critical component in an individual’s therapeutic journey. I thrive to give my clients a healing and nonjudgmental safe space that guides them through their challenges. It is my hope to help clients overcome their obstacles, gain insight, and celebrate their accomplishments they have achieved in therapy. My main goal is to create a therapeutic space to collaborate and work with my clients on overcoming and resolving life challenges or issues. I help my clients gain insight, improve their connection with others, and to deal with life stressors. In my work I treat mental health issues, problematic behaviors, relationships conflicts, and much more. It is your time for rise above your challenges, put yourself first, and become dedicated to your wellbeing.
P

Patrick Santilli

LPCC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I have always been an inquisitive person. Throughout my life, I have sought out a lot of answers to the many questions I had. One of my reoccurring ones centered around, "why?" Mainly pertaining to my own behaviors or thoughts. This focus on my own behaviors and thoughts brought me to the world of psychology and human behavior. Coming from a family of helpers (teachers, and nurses) I have always been around people helping people. My motivation to pursue a career in therapy has many layers to it. I love helping others and getting to know myself and others better. In a broad sense, I feel as though the way I look at myself and the world around me is very useful in helping others find their own path to an improved life.
I have training in dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. I use these approaches to help adults experiencing emotional, psychological, behavioral, career, and relationship issues. My gentle and introspective approach to therapy helps you gain an understanding of yourself and the connection between your thoughts and behavior. My prior experience in residential treatment facilities has helped me utilize a patient approach to my work in private practice. I believe focusing on taking life one step at a time and being mindful of how thoughts impact our behaviors and are vital in understanding ourselves. The first steps to wellness are an open mind and a desire to change!
L

Lauren Tinaglia

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I decided to become a therapist because I knew I wanted a career centered around helping people, and I was always drawn to understanding emotions, relationships, and what drives human behavior. Both personally and professionally, I've seen how powerful it is to understand yourself, have tools and skills to handle the challenges life throws at you, decide a course of action and intentionally move toward it, and prioritize your mental health. My primary goal as a therapist is to support, encourage, and empower my clients to do just that! What motivates me to continue is seeing both the ongoing widespread need for therapy and how deeply satisfying and healing it is for my clients. The past several years have been so deeply challenging for so many people, but I'm a big believer in the human psyche's infinite potential for growth and healing. I know that starting therapy can be overwhelming and intimidating, but it is also a gift, and it truly inspires me to see my clients gain self-awareness, increase self-esteem, learn ways to advocate for themselves or resolve conflict more effectively, feel less depressed or anxious and more in the driver's seat in their own lives, and enjoy deeper and more satisfying relationships. I can't imagine myself doing anything else!
I am a New York City-based licensed clinical social worker who believes that it’s powerful and healing to have a space to be heard and supported while addressing challenges and achieving goals. I work with adults of all ages and walks of life who want to live a happier and more satisfying and productive life. Many of my clients are navigating life transitions, trying to understand their career and relationship goals, learning how best to respond to daily stress, anxiety, and challenges, and striving to improve their relationships, mental health, emotions, and self-esteem. Together, we will clarify your goals and develop insight, skills, and self-compassion. I provide my clients with the tools and skills to better understand themselves and feel resilient, grounded, and empowered to make changes. My approach is empathic and exploratory and I draw from a combination of skills- and insight-oriented modalities including CBT, DBT, EMDR, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. I received both my undergraduate degree and Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and spent several years working in the Department of Psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell, where I treated individuals struggling with a range of mental health issues. Prior to that, I worked with individuals with chronic and progressive neurological illnesses at NYU Langone Medical Center. You are worthy of having a safe space to be heard, nourished, and supported. I know it can be intimidating and overwhelming to be vulnerable with a stranger, but I have every confidence that this journey will be beneficial and rewarding. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you and discuss how I can come alongside you as a support and a guide.