Becoming a Mental Health Counselor

Becoming a mental health counselor has been a journey shaped by education, professional experience, personal growth, and my own experience with recovery.

In December 2026, I will earn my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I also hold a Master of Science in Applied Nutrition, earned in 2020, as well as an undergraduate degree in Spanish/Pre-Medical Studies. My background in nutrition, health education, addiction recovery, and counseling has given me a unique perspective on the connection between our mental health, physical health, behaviors, and overall well-being.

Over the years, I have learned that meaningful change rarely happens overnight. There usually isn't a quick fix or one moment that suddenly makes everything better. More often, change comes from taking small, consistent steps—even when those steps feel difficult.

I've lived that experience myself.

I believe therapy should be a collaborative process. You know your life and your experiences better than anyone. My role is to provide a supportive space to help you better understand what you're experiencing, identify patterns that may be getting in the way, and develop practical strategies for moving forward.

At Gatti Counseling, I work with adults experiencing overwhelming stress, substance use concerns, work burnout, anxiety, life transitions, and personal growth challenges. I use evidence-based approaches, including cognitive-behavioral strategies, while tailoring therapy to each person's individual needs, goals, and circumstances.

My goal is not to tell you how to live your life. It is to help you develop the insight, skills, and confidence to make the changes that matter to you.

My Recovery Story

My decision to become a counselor is closely connected to my own experience with addiction and recovery.

For many years, I struggled with alcohol while also dealing with significant mental health challenges. I experienced depression, anxiety, panic attacks, low energy, and periods when I felt like I had very little motivation or direction. At the time, I wasn't ready to acknowledge that alcohol had become a serious problem in my life.

By the end of 2013, my physical and mental health had deteriorated significantly. I knew that something had to change.

I eventually made the decision to enter detox and treatment for 30 days. Recovery wasn't easy, and it certainly wasn't a straight line. There were setbacks, relapses, and plenty of lessons along the way.

On November 1, 2015, I had my last drink.

Recovery changed my life. More importantly, it changed the way I understood change itself.

I learned that getting better isn't about becoming a completely different person overnight. It is about showing up, making better choices, learning from setbacks, and continuing to take the next step.

After about a year in recovery, I began looking for ways to help others who were struggling with addiction. In 2016, I pursued graduate education in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention to deepen my understanding of addiction, health behavior, and effective education.

That experience ultimately changed the direction of my career.

I eventually found my way to clinical mental health counseling, where I could bring together my education, professional experiences, and passion for helping people create meaningful change.

Why I Became a Counselor

I became a counselor because I know what it feels like to be stuck.

I also know that asking for help can be one of the hardest—and most important—steps a person can take.

My experiences have taught me to approach people with compassion rather than judgment. Everyone has a story, and behaviors that may appear confusing from the outside often make more sense when we understand what someone has been experiencing.

Therapy provides an opportunity to slow down, gain perspective, and begin making intentional changes.

You don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy.

You just have to be willing to take the first step.

Gatti Counseling

At Gatti Counseling, I provide individual teletherapy for adults across Massachusetts. I strive to create a comfortable, collaborative environment where you can be yourself, talk openly, and work toward meaningful goals.

Whether you're dealing with stress, burnout, substance use, anxiety, a major life transition, or simply feel ready for something to change, therapy can provide a place to begin.

Change is hard work. But it can also be one of the most worthwhile investments you make in yourself.