Talia m. Gonsalves MA, MFT Head Coach, Therapist, and Owner

My Ideology

I believe you are the best expert on your life. Society often conditions us to place our power in the hands of doctors, therapists, coaches, nurses, midwives, and other experts, expecting them to fix our problems. I challenge this belief system, both in therapy and coaching. Recognizing that you are the best expert on your life, my role is not to change who you are at your core but to help you uncover habits that no longer serve you, enabling you to truly live your best life.

Together, we will collaborate to create action plans centered on your objectives. This approach allows us to develop interventions tailored to your unique talents and characteristics, empowering you to build lifelong skills that will help you navigate future challenges and achieve your aspirations. My philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach, focusing on the whole person, and is grounded in establishing trust through deep, non-judgmental listening, authentic sharing, and direct feedback.

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our Approach

At Tikvah Counseling & Coaching Services, we recognize that no two people arrive with the same story, and no single approach fits every individual, couple, or family. Our work is collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in the belief that lasting change occurs when people feel genuinely understood, empowered, and equipped with practical tools for everyday life.

Rather than simply managing symptoms, we work alongside you to understand the deeper patterns, relationships, and experiences that shape how you see yourself and the world around you. Together, we'll build on your strengths, develop new skills, and create meaningful, sustainable change that aligns with your values and goals.

We Commonly Support Clients With:

  • Anxiety and chronic stress

  • Depression and mood concerns

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • ADHD and executive functioning challenges

  • Autism and neurodivergent identity

  • Relationship and communication difficulties

  • Couples and marriage counseling

  • Consensual non-monogamy and polyamorous relationships

  • LGBTQIA+ affirming care

  • Life transitions and identity development

  • Grief and loss

  • Self-esteem and self-worth

  • Family conflict and intergenerational dynamics

  • Chronic illness, caregiver stress, and disability adjustment

  • Career exploration and life direction

  • Emotional regulation and healthy boundaries

  • Personal growth and life coaching

What You Can Expect

Therapy and coaching are not about "fixing" you—they're about helping you better understand yourself, your relationships, and the patterns that have shaped your life. Our goal is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to grow, and challenged enough to create lasting change.

Whether you're taking your first step toward healing or continuing work you've already begun, we are committed to meeting you with compassion, curiosity, and hope as we help you build a life that feels more connected, intentional, and fulfilling.

Our Clinical Approach

Our work integrates evidence-based practices with relational, culturally responsive care, including:

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to strengthen attachment, deepen emotional connection, and improve relationship security.

  • Family Systems Theory to understand how family dynamics, roles, and intergenerational patterns continue to influence present-day relationships.

  • Psychodynamic Therapy to explore the unconscious patterns, early experiences, and relational templates that shape current emotions and behaviors.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthier perspectives and practical coping strategies.

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help resolve ambivalence, strengthen motivation, and support lasting behavior change.

  • Strengths-Based and Solution-Focused Approaches that recognize resilience while helping clients move toward meaningful, attainable goals.

  • Trauma-Informed Care that prioritizes safety, collaboration, empowerment, and respect for each client's lived experience.

  • Identity-Affirming and Culturally Humble Practice that honors the complexity of culture, race, gender identity, sexuality, spirituality, neurodiversity, disability, and family structure.