Stacie Costa

Life is really hard at times, and it is reassuring to know that you don’t have to navigate through the tough stuff alone. Choosing a counselor to assist you while in the midst of a struggle can be frightening. It is important to select someone suited to you personally and one who is experienced in helping with the type of need that you have. Please look through the provided information and know you are invited to contact me with questions or to chat in order to determine if I might be of assistance to you. I look forward to hearing from you. My best to you as you select your professional for individual counseling, marriage counseling, or Christian counseling. Thank you for taking the time to allow me to introduce myself. Post licensure, I continued my education and supervision in betrayal trauma, sexual addiction, and relationships. I am certified by IITAP* as a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT). This extensive training allows me access to excellent continuing education and some helpful tools for my clients in the form of formal assessments and recovery materials to aid in trauma recovery for both the betrayer and the betrayed. Additionally, I am a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist through APSATS* to provide trauma recovery services to the partners of those who struggle with sexual addiction and infidelity. I earned my Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Gaining experience toward LPC licensure, I worked in an inpatient mental health hospital and an outpatient practice setting. Since licensure, I have assisted clients in a private practice setting. I entered the counseling profession after many years in the business world. My earlier resume included corporate accounting, real estate sales, therapeutic services to children and adults with various challenges, and other business endeavors. As a result of a broad spectrum of professional experiences, I have accumulated a wealth of relationships with many types of people of all ages. I have enjoyed teaching, speaking, and facilitating groups in various settings, as well as mentoring others in their efforts. The culmination of all my past endeavors helped to prepare me for my entrance into the counseling field. Clinically, my work utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach, which has an underlying theory that a person’s beliefs affect feelings and behaviors. Many times, such beliefs were instilled in childhood or through experiences and may not even be something that the person is consciously aware of daily. These beliefs may be true, contain an element of truth, or be false. Once identified and appropriately adjusted, a person has the ability to make changes that can be sustained over time which results in more positive feelings and behaviors. In addition to this theory base, I utilize the tools of several theories to customize services to meet the needs of my clients. I apply Christian counseling principles and utilize biblical truths to those clients who request them. I am trained in EMDR, Eye Movement Desentitization and Reprocessing, which is an effective tool for trauma. On a more personal note, I am the mother of 3 grown daughters, and “Mimi” to 6 grandchildren and a new great-grandchild. I enjoy being outdoors, gardening, cruising on a 4-wheeler, camping, hiking, and laughing with family and friends. I embrace a Christian worldview; always seeking new growth in my relationship with God. I love to learn and look for lessons in all situations. I feel humbled and fortunate to work in a way that brings help to others. If I might be of help to you, I would honor the opportunity to talk with you. *International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals ( IITAP) *The Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS)