The True Compass Team
Kathleen O’Rourke,
LMHC
(she/her)
I believe in the human spirit’s natural instinct for healing. That, coupled with support and compassion, I believe we can all reach new levels of understanding and self awareness.
When working with a client, I hold the safe space where this learning and growth occurs. With curiosity we begin the healing process or the journey to better self awareness. It is a collaborative experience and one I feel honored to share. Together we look for the strengths and life skills already in place and build upon them, challenging old unhelpful patterns and beliefs and developing new perspectives and ways of being in the world.
I hold a Master’s of Arts in Holistic Counseling and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Mental Health Counseling from Salve Regina University. I have been counseling as a solo practitioner since 2010 and in 2017, expanded to open the group practice True Compass Counseling, LLC.
Prior to my private practice, I worked for many years in community mental health. I have a competent knowledge base and experience treating adjustment disorders, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD and more specifically parenting and co-parenting counseling and coaching education, developmental trauma and post traumatic stress disorders.
I am trained in the body centered psychotherapy models of Hakomi Body Centered Therapy and Sensori-Motor Psychotherapy. I utilize the principals as well as the methodology of these practices in my work. I have been a trained facilitator for the Right Use of Power Institute since 2014, enabling me to teach others a more holistic and compassionate understanding of ethics and power. When working with couples, I utilize my training in the Gottman Method as well as Stan Tatkin’s work from the PACT Institute.
On a more personal note, I draw my strength, energy and passion for life from the outdoors; whether it be in my own backyard tending to my animals and garden or going a bit farther to the ocean, woods or mountains.
Lauren Cheng
LICSW
(she/her)
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Do you feel overwhelmed, lost or trapped ina cycle of negative thoughts and emotions?
I am committed to guiding you through your journey towards healing and recovery while meeting you where you are at in life.
I recognize that every individual is unique as are their struggles. I will help you develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs, concerns and goals. I believe in a holistic approach that encompasses therapy and evidence based techniques to ensure comprehensive care.
I specialize in helping people – just like you – struggling with life transitions, relationship difficulties, traumatic events, chronic illness and stress/anger management.
Personal stories can be rewritten. I will support you as you challenge the ones that have been holding you back and will nurture the ones that will help you grow.
I provide a safe and nurturing space where you can freely express yourself without judgment. We will work to equip you with the tools and strategies necessary to manage your symptoms effectively so that you can regain control over your life.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and received my Master’s degree in Social Work at Simmons School of Social Work in 1994. My treatment approach comes from my various trainings in Narrative, Person-Centered, Strength Based and PsychoDynamic Therapies. I have expertise in ADHD and Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Infidelity, Grief, Stress, Self-Esteem, Coping Skills. I work with people of all ages and offer individual, couples and family treatment sessions.
Morgan Garcia
LICSW
(she/her)
Are you looking to make some positive changes in your life that improve your day to day functioning and overall happiness?
As a therapist-client team we can work together to identify areas of difficulty and make a plan that will empower you to reach your greatest potential. I am a Licenced Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree from Rutgers University. I have 23 years of clinical experience providing mental and behavioral health services in various settings including outpatient, school, home, and treatment center/residential settings and enjoy working with families, couples, and individuals of all ages, races, backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations.
In our work together we will apply techniques and learn skills drawn from a variety of therapeutic approaches. I believe that as a client you are entitled to treatment that is guided by the most current research and utilizes up-to-date, evidence-based practices. I continually seek to expand my skills and knowledge base and tailor my interventions to your individual needs. I have experience in the areas of:
- Anxiety and Depression
- PTSD/trauma
- Attentional Issues/ADHD
- Emotional Regulation
- Parent-Child or Partner Relational Problems
- Teen Issues – Peer Pressure, Self Esteem
- Crisis Intervention
- Social Skills Development
- Phase-of-life Changes,Grief, and Loss
- Adjustment Disorders/Family Changes
- School Behavior/Learning Skills
- Mindfulness, Yoga, and Breathwork
As your therapist I will support you in your counseling journey by creating an environment where you feel comfortable, understood, and supported. I strive to be compassionate, direct, and non-judgmental. I consider myself an active therapist, combining experience, education, creativity, and sense of humor with a down-to-earth, realistic approach to counseling. I am passionate about helping you and the individuals and families I work with to increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, expand coping skills, reduce unwanted symptoms, and increase personal strengths to have a more meaningful life experience.
John Bitondo
LCSW
(he/him)
“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. If you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine then let’s work together”.
This quote attributed to aboriginal Australian activists defines my approach to this work. We all have trauma, outdated habits and attitudes that keep us from being our most authentic and liberated selves. I believe that thoughtful and ongoing dialogue is often the most effective process for addressing these issues.
I have worked for over a decade in various community mental health settings including crisis response and hospice. I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island in 2013 and my Master of Social Work from Fordham University in 2021. I have been with True Compass since November 2022.
I bring curiosity, humility, and a person-centered philosophy to the work I do. I am a student of modalities ranging from Internal Family Systems to Motivational Interviewing to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I appreciate working with people of all ages and backgrounds but I have particular interest in grief and loss, complex trauma. chronic illness, childhood development, parenting, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Lisa Trasatti
MA
(she/her)
Hello my name is Lisa Trasatti and I have a Master’s degree in Holistic Counseling from Salve Regina University and 20 years of diverse experience in the mental health field.
My passion for wanting to help people began when I was a young teen and has remained my life’s path ever since. I’m easy going, open minded and compassionate in my approach. I let my client’s set the pace of their healing while I hold a safe space to gently guide them through their process. I utilize a combination of skill sets including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Expressive Arts, Creative Art therapy and a Humanistic approach. I’m comfortable working with people of all ages, genders and ethnicities. I have experience working with a wide variety of challenges such as anxiety, depression, major mental health diagnoses, substance abuse, LGBTQ+, couples, families and individuals. I believe that the key to success in therapy is a strong therapeutic alliance, empathy and validation. I invite you to share your journey of health and healing with me through a supportive and collaborative approach to wellness.
Tara McAvoy
LMHC
(she/her)
Eugene Grossguth
MA
(he/him)
Eugene has worked in both education and health care for the past 30 years. Most recently, he worked with CVSHealth in their pharmacy benefit management division.
He continues to teach as an adjunct professor and is a tireless advocate for good mental health and supporting those who do that important work. You will receive an introduction letter from Eugene before your Intake Appointment and you may hear from him when your credit card needs updating in our system or if there are billing or insurance issues. You may reach out to him at any time if you have questions or concerns relating to your billing. Keep him updated on any changes with your insurance or payment method.
Sandra Potter
PhD
(she/her)
Welcome! I bring an extensive background in community mental health services to my work in private practice. My approach is warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental.
I work effectively with children, teens and adults facing a variety of physical and mental life challenges: depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, divorce, career crossroads, serious physical illness, and recovery from trauma. I believe there is great benefit to you, my client, in tailoring our work together to evidence-based modalities. My goal is that you acquire a toolbox of skills to utilize to live your best life. With CBT as my base modality, we will also utilize art and play therapy, nature-based therapy, mindfulness/relaxation training and trauma-informed care.
I hold a Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Development, an M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling, an MA in Organizational Development and an MBA in Management.
Brooke Conley
(she/her)
Welcome! My name is Brooke and I am completing my Masters Degree in Holistic Mental Health Counseling at Salve Regina University.
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Religion in 1997 from Columbia University. I have pursued these studies in order to make sense of my own experiences and difficulties with depression, anxiety and trauma. Now I have the opportunity to use what I have learned to support others who are struggling.
My goal as a counselor is to help clients to appreciate all the parts of themselves and find their inner voice to help them navigate challenges. I enjoy working with people across the lifespan, especially children and older adults. I believe people of every age deserve support along their journey towards self understanding, connection and fulfillment. I favor using a variety of modalities and interventions including CBT, existential and person-centered therapies as well as expressive arts. My foundational life experiences have led me to an anti-oppressive approach that strives to recognize and honor my client’s unique background, culture and belief system.
When I am not studying or working with clients, I find inspiration and strength in the company of my loved ones and cuddling with my bulldog, Cliff. If you are feeling stuck or in pain, struggling to manage moods, emotions or relationships, I hope you will reach out. You are not alone.
Alexia Nasatka
(she/her)
Are you looking to embark on a journey of discovery and healing forward? Together we will build rapport through a therapeutic alliance anchored in collaboration, empathic exchange, and trust.
I am passionate about supporting individuals through the process of change by implementing a person-centered approach that explores the human experience through a holistic lens. I utilize a multi-modal methodology that empowers clients to explore the core of their authentic identity and realization of their potential. Currently, I am a counseling intern attending my final year of the Holistic Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Salve Regina University. My goal is to be a catalyst of change in the perception of mental health awareness that bridges the gap to access across the lifespan.
If you are going down a road and don’t like what’s in front of you, and look behind you and don’t like what you see, get off the road. Create a new path!
~ Maya Angelou
