Toni Teixeira, LCSW

01/24/2026

Starting therapy can feel so awkward—like, “Hi, stranger… here are my deepest feelings.” 😅
If you’re feeling nervous about your first session, you’re not alone.

I just published a new blog post that walks you through what to expect, including:
✨ what the first session usually includes (confidentiality + logistics + getting to know you)
✨ what to do if you’re doing telehealth (tech tips + “turn off self-view”)
✨ how much you do and don’t have to share (yes, you can go at your pace)
✨ why fit matters—and how to speak up if something feels off

If you’ve been thinking about therapy but feel unsure, I wrote this for you.
Read it here: https://strongatthecore.com/what-can-you-expect-in-your-first-therapy-session/

If your new year's resolution was to start therapy, you might want to know what to expect in your first therapy session. Read on...

11/21/2025

If your heart has been whispering that it’s time for a pause… a deeper breath… or a moment to truly listen to yourself, I want to share something meaningful.

The Opening the Heart Workshop at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health (Jan. 9–11) has been one of the most impactful experiences in both my personal life and my work as a therapist. It offers a quiet space to explore what’s been held inside—grief, tenderness, unanswered questions, or simply the desire to reconnect with the part of you that wants to live more fully.

This isn’t a “fix yourself” kind of retreat. It’s a compassionate, spacious invitation to soften, to notice, and to be held in a community of people doing their own inner work.

If you’re longing for:

✨ A sense of meaning returning to your work or relationships
✨ A deeper understanding of yourself
✨ A safe place to tend to the feelings you haven’t had room to process
✨ A reset for your heart as you step into a new year

…this workshop might be exactly what you need.

You can read the full description at the link, and if you’ve been wondering whether something like this could support you, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to share my experience or help you figure out if it’s a good fit.

Your heart deserves this kind of care.

https://kripalu.org/experiences/opening-heart-workshop?sku=18434209

Find, Feel, and Release EmotionsThe Opening the Heart (OTH) philosophy sees true health holistically and uses an approach that includes the mind, body, and spirit. Positive change in a community where compassion thrives has been the key hallmark of the OTH workshop for almost five decades. Through a...

11/17/2025

Have you tried Google Ads but it didn't work for you? Hard truth. It's not Google Ads it's you. I know because it happened to me. Everything changed when I worked with Jamie. And I'm really bad at keeping secrets so I'm sharing him with you.

I teamed up with Jamie Reutershan of .marketing to talk all things digital marketing for therapists in this webinar.

If you want the link to this interview comment "SHARE" below and I will get it to you.

11/11/2025

Episode #10: Understanding Modern Masculinity: The Impact of Technology and Social Media on Young Men

💬 Ever wonder how social media shapes masculinity?
🤔 This week on the podcast, we dive deep into the impact of tech on our boys and how it can both harm and heal.

NEW EPISODE DROPS ON THURSDAY, 11/13

✨ Social media not only influences how boys see themselves but can also offer community and connection.

What are your thoughts on this? How do you think we can foster healthier spaces for our boys? Let’s talk!

10/23/2025

10/17/2025

There is a trend right now of people posting their "betrayal" list online. It is all tongue-in-cheek and seems like it is all in good fun. But I'm not doing it. I'm starting a Loyalty List Here's why...

1. I'm a trauma therapist. Look up who started the trend.
2. I'm a trauma therapist. I want to talk about and promote safety and trust.
3. I'm a trauma therapist and law of attraction nerd. Even tongue-in-cheek negativity attracts more negativity. I want to focus on the things I love so I can get more things I love in my life.
4. I'm a trauma therapist. I try to lead with an open heart so I can create a safe space for the people who need it the most.

09/24/2025

I'm excited to announce the soft launch of our Podcast: Therapy, Tech & Takeout!

Therapy, Tech & Takeout is a refreshing, boundary-blurring podcast that brings together the fast-paced, innovation-driven world of technology with the grounded, human-centric approach of mental health. Co-hosted by a tech entrepreneur with a sharp wit, honed on the stand-up stage, and a seasoned therapist, who mixes compassion with bold truths-and knows how to cut through the noise, this podcast offers a unique blend of humor, insight, and practical advice.

Episodes will drop every Thursday. Our first official episode will be out Thursday, Oct. 2nd.

Please take a listen, share and follow on your favorite place to listen to your podcasts. We are on YouTube, iTunes and Spotify. Here is a link to Spotify to check us out. We would love your feedback, too!

https://open.spotify.com/show/103AE5WYv6PlrtiwQ79pQr?si=df873a06bb0949a6

Podcast · Jackie Toale and Toni Teixeira · Therapy, Tech & Takeout is a refreshing, boundary-blurring podcast that brings together the fast-paced, innovation-driven world of technology with the grounded, human-centric approach of mental health. Co-hosted by a tech entrepreneur with a sharp wit, ho...

08/13/2025

Thank you to everyone who commented and messaged after my post about stress responses—it’s clear so many of us are craving calmer days and a little more nervous system support.

If you're a mom who often feels reactive, shut down, or just exhausted from trying to stay “regulated” while juggling everything, I’m hosting a live workshop on Friday, August 22nd:

🌀 The Body Knows: A Somatic Skills Workshop for Stressed-Out Moms
📍 90 minutes on Zoom
📚 Hands-on practices to help you feel less triggered + more grounded
❌ Not therapy—just real tools for real-life mom moments

If that sounds like something you’d want in your back pocket, I’d love for you to join me. Just comment or DM me and I’ll send you the link 💛

08/10/2025

Moms, can we normalize something?

You’re not broken because you get overwhelmed.
You’re not failing because your toddler’s meltdown makes you want to scream too.

Often, what we think is a “parenting issue” is actually a nervous system issue.
Your body is responding to pressure, noise, and chaos in the way it was wired to—especially if no one taught you how to reset it.

We can’t always control what our kids do…
But we can learn to work with our own nervous system so we show up the way we want to.

If this hits home, I have something beautiful I’m offering soon (specifically for moms who feel this). Let me know if you’d like me to tag you when I share more 💛

08/08/2025

One of my favorite “in-the-moment” resets when mom life gets loud:

🌬️ Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 counts
🫁 Exhale longer through your mouth for 6 counts
👣 Press your feet into the floor
🧠 Name 3 things you see in the room

That’s it.
Nothing fancy, no crystals or yoga pants required. Just a tiny check-in to let your body know: You’re here. You’re safe.

We talk so much about staying calm—but most of us were never taught how.
Want more tips like this? I’ve been putting together some ideas to share soon. Let me know if you’d want them!

07/29/2025

I love this quote. I believe in the drive we each have to move toward healing and flourishing. You are not your symptoms. You are wired for self-righting. This is the place to begin. Knowing this is at the heart of the work I do with my clients.