Tonia A. Zarrella, LMHC: PRACTICE OWNER & Psychotherapist

About Me:

I'm a native New Yorker who put down roots in Massachusetts after receiving my Bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology from Tufts University, and my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology (with a focus in Mental Health Counseling) from Cambridge College.  I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 

I take pride in lifting up and encouraging women. I am passionate about and trained to work with and support pregnant/new moms experiencing perinatal mood disorders as well as individuals who have experienced trauma.  Throughout my clinical career, I have expanded my clinical expertise to include complimentary and alternative therapies including Reiki, Meditation and Trauma-Informed Yoga. 

Deciding to make life changes can be scary and intimidating, but you can do it! I invite you to resist the urge to wait, show up for yourself, and take a step toward creating the life that you want by engaging in therapy. Allow me to help you change the way you think about yourself, your circumstances, your future, and regain your clarity of mind and confidence.

When I'm not at Bloom Into Wellness:

As a wife and mom of three, I spend the bulk of my time focusing on the needs of my family, while making time for my own self-care, which includes meditation, writing, and enjoying a great meal out.

Hobbies/Interests:

I have a wanderlust spirit and enjoy exploring the world through travel, whether in-person, by the pages in a book, or research online. I admittedly binge-watch Reality TV for personal pleasure and to sharpen my psychoanalytical skills.

Fun Facts About Me:

I can't swim, but I love the water, and I'm determined to learn one day.  I love naps! 

About Me:

I am from Massachusetts and have learned to adapt to change as the weather is always changing. My favorite time of year is autumn because I love the changing colors of the leaves. I believe that my childhood years and early adulthood experiences were preparing me for my life’s purpose to be a mental health counselor. 

I spent twenty-five years as a Residential Director of a residential school for children with behavioral and emotional issues and gained a great deal of experience working with children and families in a therapeutic setting. I also learned how to navigate the academic world of writing Individual Educational Plans and helping parents to obtain the services that were needed for their child.  

I decided to return to college to complete my undergraduate degree at Worcester State College and while there I published and presented a research study on Successful Aging. I completed my graduate studies at Framingham State University and while working at a community mental health agency I became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and continued to work for that agency for the past seventeen years. I have a great deal of experience working with children, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds via in home family therapy, outpatient individual and group therapy. I have earned a certificate in the Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC) framework as well as in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have many years of providing trauma-informed care to children and adults using a strengths-based approach where I focus on developing a strong therapeutic relationship in which children and adults feel safe, respected, and are encouraged to collaborate on what works best for them. I also have many years of experience working with those in need of court ordered services and teaching groups related to substance use. 

I am experienced and trained in the areas of anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, substance use, and life phase changes. I use an eclectic therapeutic approach which allows for flexibility and allows me to use the most effective methods available to address each individual client’s needs. I am passionate about being a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and enjoy helping others to make positive changes during the many seasons of their life experience.     

When I'm not at Bloom Into Wellness:

I enjoy sitting down to a home cooked meal with my husband who can cook the best tasting Middle Eastern cuisine. Our house is always full of family when they know he is cooking. We also enjoy sharing our home with our five cats-Gigi, Sox, Boots, Misha and Sasha who bring us so much love and laughter. When we are not home we are out visiting friends and family enjoying our time together.

Hobbies/Interests:

I enjoy creating jewelry that represents a special occasion, motivation or hope for others. I also like to get lost in the pages of a good true crime story while baking chocolate chip cookies for my husband.

Fun Facts About Me:

I spent a week in the earthen sanctuary of Sedona Arizona traveling on a Harley Road King taking in the inexplicable beauty of the age-old-rock formations and brought one little red rock home with me.  

About Me:

My journey to becoming a therapist began after graduating from Framingham State University.  I was employed at a residential treatment program for at-risk teenage girls, and decided to return to UMASS Boston where I earned a graduate degree in Counseling Psychology.  For the past five years, I have worked at an outpatient community agency providing counseling and case management.

My clinical background includes working individually with clients of all ages as well as with entire family units. The majority of my clients seek out therapy for help with anxiety and depressive disorders, but I also have experience treating anger disorders, and substance abuse disorders.

When I'm Not at Bloom Into Wellness:

You can find me traveling to new places and trying new restaurants with my fiancée and family. When I am not on the go, I am usually at home cooking, watching a movie, or reading.

Hobbies/Interests:

I enjoy reading, movies, and music. I am an avid musician and have been playing music since I was 5 years old--starting with the drums and moving to the guitar. 

Fun Facts About Me:

I am an avid collector of various things from guitars to colognes. 

About Me:

Welcome to Bloom Into Wellness! My name is Adam and I am passionate about helping individuals learn, grow, and cope with the ever-changing challenges of life. I have experience working with a range of people and aim to help clients build upon their current strengths through acceptance, support and positivity. I have treated individuals challenged by issues including anxiety, OCD, phobias, ADHD and more.  I use a humanistic approach and apply Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) primarily as it is effective in helping individuals adjust thoughts, feelings, and behaviors over time to support their positive growth.

Thank you for considering me as your therapist.

When I'm Not at Bloom Into Wellness:

I enjoy taking walks with my Yorkie, trying new recipes, riding mountain bikes, exercising at the gym, and spending time with friends/family.

Hobbies/Interests:

Training martial arts, skiing, playing guitar, and drawing.

Fun Facts About Me:

I studied abroad in Madrid Spain and want to learn more about Spanish language, culture, cooking and flamenco music.

About Me:

I am a proudly sensitive therapist who works along with understanding racial, cultural diversity, and gender identity. I often work with clients as a team to help with disoriented and disconnected feelings of ourselves. I'm experienced in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, and other life transitions during early adulthood which could be affecting our life decisions. Understanding the root and dynamic of what currently brings us to disturbing thoughts leads us to finding fruitful coping skills. 

It is sometimes daunting to find a therapist, and take a first step to explore ourselves. I respect each of my client's decisions for therapy regardless of how we can have ambivalence towards treatment goals.

I'm currently a doctoral student in BGSP(Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis) working through my Psya.D program, as well as LMHC license.

When I'm Not at Bloom Into Wellness:

You can find me outside enjoying sport activities, traveling around learning about new places/cultures. Visiting new places connects me to new people and relationships. I am fully interested in listening to people's life stories. It is fascinating to know how each of us has different experience and understanding which is also a precious learning opportunity.

Hobbies/Interests:

Along with traveling, I love to cook. I've recently got interested in baking, which gives me a lot of joy deciding my own healthy ingredients, wonderfully turning to be baked goods for myself and my partner.

Fun Facts About Me:

I've been a yogi for quite a long time-really immersed in mastering Vinyasa, linking mind and body movements. How important it is to acknowledge the mind-body connection with following my own pace!