Tracey Colacicco, LPC

Several years ago I received a gift from a parent of a child that I had seen through middle school and into high school.  It was a framed story called "The Starfish". The story in its frame can be seen in my office and is a constant reminder that there is urgency and importance in my work.

 THE  STARFISH  STORY

Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing.  He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day he was walking along the shore.  As he looked down the beach,he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day.  So he began to walk faster to catch up. 

As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing,but instead he was reaching down to the shore,picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.As he got closer he called out,"Good morning! What are you doing?"The young man paused,looked up and replied,"Throwing starfish in the ocean.""I guess I should have asked,why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?" "The sun is up and the tide is going out.And if I don't throw them in they'll die." "But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it.You can't possibly make a difference!"

The young man listened politely.

Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said-"It made a difference for that one."   

adapted from The Star Thrower, by Loren Eiseley (1907 – 1977) 

• Infants and Toddlers
• Children
• Teens
• Trauma
• Behavioral issues
• ADHD
• Attachment
• Parenting
• Depression 
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorder

I am a highly skilled therapist with over 10 years of experience working with a wide range of clients.  I am PCIT trained and have extensive experience and training in working with children and families, many with complex challenges that require a highly skilled clinician.  I love to work with clients with trauma and find this work some of the most rewarding work that I do.   

I provide individualized care, believing that each client that I see has a unique perspective that I first need to understand in order to provide help that will be useful beyond treatment. I most enjoy using creative interventions that are tailored to the individual. I appreciate and am fueled by meeting the needs of my clients when other attempts have been unsuccessful.