New to Grow
My name is Toni Ann Fontana, LCSW, and I bring over a decade of social work experience, including four years as a clinical therapist. I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of populations across diverse settings—hospital systems, intensive outpatient programs, and general outpatient care—which has shaped me into an adaptable, open-minded, and culturally responsive clinician. My experience includes supporting individuals with autism, children and adolescents, trauma histories, co-occurring disabilities, chronic illness, dementia, and caregivers, among others. This breadth of experience allows me to meet clients where they are, tailor evidence-based strategies to their unique needs, and hold space for growth in a way that feels collaborative and human. I’m passionate about helping clients navigate complex life challenges, build practical coping skills, and feel understood, all while honoring their individual experiences and identities.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Early sessions focus on understanding your experiences, identifying goals, tailoring support, & creating a safe space just for you. You are the expert in yourself—even when that feels messy or confusing. Together, we’ll explore what’s going on inside that beautifully chaotic brain of yours. My practice is genuine, flexible, and sometimes a little busy - because, well, that’s life. I’m curious by nature, value authenticity over perfection, and I’m passionate about this work because life can make us feel small, but genuine connection can make it lighter. If you’re ready to understand yourself better, navigate the chaos, and feel more like you, please reach out. Book with me now by clicking on my website.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths as a therapist are my ability to create a collaborative, flexible, and deeply supportive environment where clients feel truly seen, heard, and understood. I’m skilled at taking evidence-based strategies—CBT, DBT, ERP, mindfulness, IFS, relational therapy, and somatic approaches—and adapting them to each client’s unique needs, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all model. I excel at helping clients navigate complex patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior, and at translating therapeutic concepts into real-world tools that make daily life feel more manageable. I also prioritize building trust and safety from the very first session, so clients feel empowered to engage authentically and explore even the messy, uncomfortable parts of their experience. More importantly, I will never forget that you are an expert in you.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
What sets my approach apart is that I meet each client exactly where they are and co-create therapy that truly works for their life. I combine evidence-based strategies like CBT, DBT, ERP, mindfulness, and relational techniques in a flexible, tailored way that addresses both symptoms and underlying patterns. Sessions are active, collaborative, and experiential—we may laugh, cry, or even get a little uncomfortable, and that’s part of the growth process. The results I see most often are clients gaining clarity about their thoughts and behaviors, developing practical coping skills, improving emotional regulation, and increasing resilience, all while feeling validated and understood in a way they may not have experienced before.Therapy with me is collaborative, flexible, and grounded in real life—you are the expert in yourself, and together we’ll figure out what tools, strategies, and approaches actually work for you.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use ACT to help clients notice and accept tough thoughts and feelings without letting them get in the way of what matters most. We figure out together what values and actions feel meaningful, so it’s always personalized.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
I use ERP to gently guide clients through anxiety-provoking situations or compulsions in a safe, supportive way. The approach is always paced to their comfort and we adapt it together so it’s realistic and effective.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients spot and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, replacing them with strategies that actually work. We work together to make sure the tools feel practical and relevant to their own life.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I bring in DBT skills to help clients manage strong emotions, handle stress, and improve relationships. I tailor the skills mix with each client, so it fits their life and feels useful rather than rigid.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness is a tool I use to help clients stay grounded, calm, and aware in the present moment. We explore different techniques together to find what feels natural and actually helpful in their daily life.