Clinician Spotlight: Teresa Iapalucci, LICSW, RYT

Clinician Spotlight: Teresa Iapalucci, LICSW, RYT

​For over a decade, Teresa has been a steady and trusted presence at Castlebrook Counseling. Since joining the team in 2015, she has brought a deep sense of purpose, integrity, and compassion to her work with clients. 

With a background in health and wellness and training in CBT, Motivational Interviewing, ACT principles, and DBT, Teresa approaches therapy through a holistic lens - honoring the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Known for her intuitive and empathetic style, she is especially passionate about helping adults navigate trauma, addiction, and meaningful life change. 

I sat down with Teresa to learn more about her approach, what inspires her, and what new clients can expect when working with her.
  
Nicole: You’ve been with Castlebrook since 2015- what has kept you here for over a decade?

Teresa: So many things. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team whose values, devotion, and commitment to clients feel truly unparalleled. There’s a strong sense of integrity here, and I’m proud to be part of that. I also find deep satisfaction in the work itself- witnessing growth and seeing meaningful change unfold over time. It gives me a real sense of purpose.

Nicole: What inspired you to become a therapist?

Teresa: I’ve always been the person others naturally came to for support. Even early on, it felt clear that this was the direction I would ultimately go in. Combined with my passionate commitment to health and wellness, becoming a therapist felt like a natural path for me.

From my earliest memories, people always seemed to talk to me about their problems. I was riveted and curious. I was intrigued and interested in hearing more. I sensed I had the ability to "bear witness" to sadness and suffering.  That has never left me. Additionally, my dad had a tremendous influence on me. A wise and empathic man, I still hear him say, "If you don't have your health, you don't have anything." This led to my passionate commitment to health and fitness. Life has taught me that health includes the heart (love) as well as the body. In one way or another, my drive has been to seek wellbeing in life. Becoming a therapist felt like a natural path for me.


Nicole: How would you describe your style as a therapist in three words?

Teresa: Curious, empathetic, and determined.

Nicole: You’re trained in DBT. What drew you specifically to Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Teresa: Long before I formally learned about DBT, I was philosophically living it.  I also have an interest in philosophy and spirituality. DBT's emphasis on wisdom and a non-judgmental stance resonates strongly with me.  I love that DBT is holistic while also focused on behavior change. It gives clients tangible skills while honoring the complexity of being human.

Nicole: What types of clients or concerns do you feel most passionate about working with?

Teresa: I work with a variety of adults, though I don’t typically work with children or teens. I’m especially passionate about supporting individuals with trauma histories who are ready to change the trajectory of their lives. I also care deeply about working with those struggling with addiction. Helping someone create impactful, lasting change is incredibly meaningful to me.

Nicole: You come from a health and wellness background- how do you incorporate mind-body awareness into your sessions?

Teresa: I truly believe everything is interconnected. When I’m working with someone, I’m looking at the whole person and how they’re living day to day. Mind, body, soul, and spirit all influence one another. The more balanced those areas become, the happier and more fulfilled someone tends to feel. I approach therapy with that broader lens.

Nicole: How do physical health, movement, or lifestyle habits impact mental health in your experience?

Teresa: They’re inseparable. I spent many years in the fitness field, and I’ve seen firsthand that physical and mental health cannot be separated. Everyone has power and choice in how they care for themselves, and even small shifts in daily habits can have a meaningful emotional impact.

Nicole: What would a first session with you typically feel like?

Teresa: I consider myself intuitive in my approach. I want clients to feel hopeful and that they can trust the process.  Most importantly, I want them to feel understood and to believe change is possible. 

Nicole: How do you help clients who feel hesitant or nervous about starting therapy?
Teresa: With gentleness and patience. Starting therapy takes courage, and I respect that vulnerability.

Nicole: What do you hope every client feels when they leave a session with you?

Teresa: If they’re feeling comfortable, I hope they also feel gently challenged. And if they’re feeling challenged, I hope they feel comfortable. Ideally, they leave motivated to reflect and continue the work between sessions.

Nicole: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

Teresa: I want to hike the Camino de Santiago in the fall (500 miles!). And on a lighter note, I work pretty hard at limiting my ice cream consumption.

Nicole: Outside of being a therapist, what recharges you?

Teresa: Having fun! Hiking, backpacking, cycling, pickleball, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Being in nature and exploring new places is rejuvenating for me. 

Nicole: What’s one wellness practice you personally swear by?

Teresa: Starting each morning with loving-kindness meditation (a Buddhist practice for cultivating compassion for ourselves and others through directing loving, friendly phrases and goodwill)- and moving my body in some way every single day.

Nicole: If you could give one piece of advice to someone struggling right now, what would it be?

Teresa: Don’t go it alone.