Community Newsletter
July 2024 at Tree of Hope Counseling
A Decade of Supporting Change, Purpose & Healing
A History of Tree of Hope Counseling
Tree of Hope Counseling was founded in 2014 after a year of planning between Pete Navratil, Kara Juszczak, and Sharon DiTucci. Pete and Kara had been exposed to the institutional trauma of large mental health systems, as well as very skilled clinicians that had significant value to offer. They asked the question, βHow do we create a collaborative network of clinicians that can do what they do well, and where clients can get the therapeutic services they need... and thatβs not a public mental health clinic model?β Autonomy of providers, quality specialized care, and professional education became foundational values of the vision of Tree of Hope Counseling. An affiliate business model was determined to be most consistent with these values, where providers could make their own business decisions, with support if they wanted it. Sharon DiTucci joined in the conversations to develop the model and considerations for Kara and Peteβs leadership roles.
Kara and Pete created a partnership agreement and legitimized Tree of Hope Counseling as a PLLC in 2014, which led to a recruitment effort for those clinicians that were known to them. By July 2014, 11 clinicians joined Kara and Pete to establish Tree of Hope Counselingβs presence. Provider types ranged even in this small group from social worker to mental health counselor to creative arts therapist to psychiatrist. Once Tree of Hope was introduced to the community, referrals flowed in consistently, and Kara used a handwritten notebook to track inquiries and calls. Streamlining the referral/connection process was a benefit for affiliates from the beginning. Many referrals were on waiting lists at MH clinics or had experienced frequent turnover in clinics, and were seeking accessible, reliable care. Many felt that seeing a private practice therapist meant paying out of pocket, but some clinicians were able to bill directly to insurance.
The word spread to both potential clients, and to other providers. Inquiries came in from clinicians desiring to be connected to Tree of Hope and/or to start a practice with the support of Tree of Hope. Pete and Kara welcomed those providers that had an awareness of the business commitment of private practice as well as had a passion and expertise for a special population or issue. The number of providers continued to increase as skilled clinicians from different settings learned that Tree of Hope Counseling was meeting a need for the community, and that clinicians were able to specialize in a particular area to offer high quality care. Pete and Kara actively developed Tree of Hope, while also offering training in the community, which further spread the word about the growing service. The more exposure, the more interest and the more connections that were made.
After 10 years of Tree of Hope evolution with Pete and Karaβs leadership, the current state of the business has grown in amazing ways!
Current services/collaborations are as follows:
Affiliates: 55 total
- 9 men, 46 women
- 6 providers of color
- 4 providers are bilingual
- 33 providers are able to bill some insurance, 22 providers are self-pay only
8 different licensure/professional types
40+ areas of clinical expertise
30+ approaches/modalities utilized
4 Community Partnerships
1 Practice Administrative Support Person
Other Services offered by TOHC providers:
- Group Therapy and Retreats - Trauma Recovery, Grief/Loss, LGBTQ teens, Parent Support
- Individual and Group Clinical Consultation
- Business Consultation
- Professional Education
- Tree of Hope Counseling is an approved provider of NYS SW continuing education
- Sponsor 12-15 trainings per year
2300 East Avenue
- Moved into main building in 2019
- Moved into carriage house in 2021
- 32 providers with office space at 2300 East Avenue
- Multipurpose Room (3rd floor main building) is utilized for group therapy, meetings, and trainings by both affiliates and other providers
Tree of Hope Foundation incorporated in 2023
- The mission of the Tree of Hope Foundation is to support the offering of therapeutic and healing services to reduce the pervasive collective impact of trauma on individuals, families & communities. Make a donation here!
10 Year Anniversary Open House πππ³
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9TH 3PM-5PM
Please come to our 2300 East Avenue location on August 9th from 3pm-5pm for an anniversary celebration! All in our community are invited! We want to thank you for supporting Tree of Hope Counseling for 10 YEARS!
Introducing New Affiliate Victoria Gerhardt, LMSW!
Victoria Gerhardt, LMSW, a Licensed Master Social Worker, has been practicing for 20 years. She has extensive experience working with children both in pediatric medicine and as a school social worker. Her passion is equipping children with tools, resources, and strategies to meet their tomorrows with hope, confidence, and health. Victoria specializes in pediatric clients ranging in age from lower elementary to upper middle school, and has expertise in working with children with chronic illness, grief and loss, anxiety, stress, learning disabilities, self-esteem, coping skills, and ADHD. Utilizing strength-based approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and mindfulness, Victoria partners effectively both with her clients as well as with parents/caregivers to enable and empower her clients. In addition to individual clients, Victoria leads therapy groups addressing a range of topics/coping skills. Victoria also works with parents who are navigating the stress and overwhelm of parenting amidst the pressures of raising children in our world today! Faith-based counseling upon request.
CEU Trainings
Tree of Hope Counseling, LCSW, PLLC SE CPE, is recognized by the New York State Education Departmentβs State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0322. We have also partnered with 716 CEU to offer LMHC CEUs.
NEW Group Offerings!
Just copy and paste group info to share directly with your eligible clients! All group info can be found on our website at: www.treeofhopecounselingrochester.com/trainings-groups
Coming in Fall 2024
Movement and Mindfulness with Carly Ianuzzi, LCSW
9/11-10/16 on Wednesdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Tree of Hope Counseling
Movement and Mindfulness is an 6-week support group designed to support survivors of trauma with trauma sensitive yoga, mindfulness practices and group processing. Advanced poses will not be practiced in group. This is to ensure safety and to encourage members to stay present in the moment.
To register, please reach out to Carly at carlyianuzzilcsw@gmail.com
Children of Divorce with Victoria Gerhardt, LMSW
Divorce support group for children grades 1-3
Tuesday evenings in October 2024
Children are welcome to group who have parents that are currently divorcing, newly divorced, or who are adjusting to life after divorce. This is a group where we all have something in common β our family has had a change, and everyone is no longer under one roof. The curriculum includes whole group and small group discussions and activities, journaling, mindfulness practice, identifying stressors and building coping strategies.
Registration details coming soon.
Parent Group of LGBTQIA+ Youth and Young Adults
This group is to provide information and resources on all things LGBTQ+ for parents/guardians and allies of LGBTQ+ youth/young adults. We will address any related parenting stressors and find support so that you can better understand and support your LGBTQ+ loved ones.
When: We will meet once a month on the second Saturday from 9-10am. Next meeting date: 7/13/2024
Where: Online
Cost: $20/group meeting. (Reduced fee for more than one person per family.)
For more information or to attend please contact Gem for the link at gemkorman@gmail.com.