Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tonucci Therapy different from other therapy practices?

For more than 20 years, I’ve worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and families across a wide range of settings, including schools, outpatient therapy, homes, clinics, and residential programs. Those experiences have shaped a practical, flexible approach that goes beyond what happens during a weekly therapy session. My background as both a licensed therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst allows me to understand emotional well-being and behavior together, helping families develop meaningful, lasting change in everyday life.

Do you only provide weekly therapy?

Not necessarily. Every family’s needs are different, and treatment should reflect that. Some clients benefit from traditional weekly sessions, while others may need additional support during particularly challenging periods. Depending on your needs, services may include parent consultations, brief mid-week check-ins, school collaboration, behavior consultation, or more frequent therapy during times of increased stress. My goal is to provide the right level of support when it’s needed—not a one-size-fits-all schedule.

Do you work with parents as part of the treatment?

Absolutely. Parents are often the most important part of helping children succeed outside the therapy office. Depending on the situation, treatment may include parent coaching, family sessions, individualized home plans, school collaboration, or practical strategies that can be implemented between appointments. My goal is not only to help children during sessions but also to equip families with tools they can continue using long after therapy ends.

What type of concerns do you most commonly treat?

While I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns, my practice has developed particular expertise in anxiety, OCD, school refusal, ADHD, emotional regulation, disruptive behavior, parent-child conflict, and challenges that affect functioning at home or school. Every treatment plan is individualized, with the goal of improving daily functioning, increasing confidence, and helping clients build meaningful, lasting skills.

Why do you specialize in school refusal?

School refusal is one of my primary areas of expertise. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with students who have struggled with chronic absenteeism, anxiety, behavioral avoidance, emotional regulation, and returning to school after extended absences. Effective treatment often requires more than individual therapy—it may involve parents, school staff, and carefully coordinated planning. My goal is to understand why school attendance has become difficult and help families create a realistic, individualized plan for moving forward.

How does your background in both mental health and behavior analysis help clients?

Thoughts, emotions, and behavior are closely connected. As both a licensed professional counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, I bring two complementary perspectives to treatment. Sometimes therapy focuses on emotions, relationships, and coping skills. Other times it may involve understanding patterns of behavior, improving routines, strengthening parenting strategies, or making practical changes in daily life. This combination allows treatment to be tailored to each client rather than limited to a single approach.