Thomas “TJ” Carani, MSW
TJ is a counselor dedicated to serving individuals struggling with substance misuse and/or trauma. His approach centers on helping clients discover their true needs and strengths.
Specializing In:
Clients struggling with substance misuse and/or co-occurring mental health challenges rooted in trauma. TJ also specializes in working with first responders, their families, and the unique challenges they face. TJ is a former third-generation first responder with military history and experience working with the VA.
Treating:
Substance Use Disorders (drugs/narcotics, alcohol).
Mood Disorders (Depression, Anxiety)
PTSD, Complex Trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences
Trauma is a big word. It may mean the “shock” trauma often associated with military and first responders (which may manifest as PTSD) or it can be the chronic, complex trauma experienced through distant or difficult relationships with the people closest to us in childhood. TJ treats all types of trauma and is ready to help you process this and move into a new stage of your life’s journey. Learn more.
Using:
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a treatment modality designed to help clients move through the process of change, rooted in the belief that clients are capable and experts of their experience. People tend to think of change as an on-off switch and our culture constantly promotes this idea. The truth is, that change is a process that includes emotional and behavioral states like ambivalence, preparation, action, relapse, and maintenance. Motivational interviewing focuses on increasing your internal motivation to keep moving through the process. It is an evidence-based treatment modality for treating substance use disorder and other behavioral dilemmas.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evolution of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This treatment focuses on behavior change as the catalyst to recovery and adds Eastern traditions such as mindfulness, acceptance, and meditation practices to enhance traditional CBT. The goal of ACT is to promote psychological flexibility, or the ability to cope healthily, with stressors and is an evidence-based treatment for numerous conditions including anxiety and depression.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a clinically-proven method and framework to treat trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, adverse childhood experiences, or toxic stress. EMDR clinicians understand the nature of trauma as memories that didn’t get processed when they were fresh and use bilateral stimulation (tapping, eye movements, etc..) to engage and re-create the brain’s naturally present system of processing and storing experiences in long-term memory (where the body knows the experience is in the past and can move forward). Normally, the brain does this while we sleep, essentially processing the day’s events and filing them away for future reference. EMDR is a tool built to help you RE-process traumatic memories so they can be filed away adaptively and reduce distress in your life.
I believe everyone can benefit from processing the challenges and trauma they have faced in life. The question is; who do you trust to walk with you through discomfort, change, and healing. I’m dedicated to meeting clients where they are, understanding their needs, and helping them develop long-term well-being using evidence-based care. Clients who are most likely to benefit from working with me are struggling with substance misuse, trauma, or both. I also have a passion for supporting first responders and veterans.
Miyamoto Musashi, a classical Japanese philosopher, once said “You must understand there is more than one path to the top of the mountain.” This simple phrase speaks to me on a fundamental level and describes how I will work to help you in your recovery journey. I am here to help you find your authentic path while making sure you feel in touch with yourself, in touch with the world around you, in control, and above all safe and happy. My own recovery journey related to professionally-prescribed medications provides me with an up-close and personal understanding of what variables can lead to a substance use disorder. I know that this disorder does not discriminate, and we are all vulnerable in some way. I found that the environment I was in and how I reacted to it were intricately connected to my recovery challenges and successes. I’m inspired to create safe recovery spaces and make use of my personal experience to truly see you as a person, and not just another addict. Each recovering person deserves a trusted guide to help them map out challenges, stuck points, and opportunities. If you decide to work with me, you should feel deeply seen and understood, know that your unique experiences are important, and have a good sense of direction and purpose.
Education & Experience
My experience has been valuable in informing how I work to help people find their paths forward. I have worked with veterans, first responders, and recovering people for two years, supporting them in every stage of the recovery process.
I am a pre-licensed professional with my Master’s degree from The University of Georgia, where I learned from educators and clinicians at the forefront of recovery and therapy research. I provide therapy using a variety of approaches and tools, including Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Motivational Interviewing is designed to support you in finding what you may want to change and how to set realistic, attainable goals to affect that change. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps you find what is meaningful to you, provides resources to cope with stress, and focuses on continuing to move forward. Somatic and Attachment-Focused EMDR is a treatment protocol that helps you use your brain’s built-in healing mechanism to re-process and heal trauma. I will likely use these interventions in combinations designed specifically for your symptoms.
What to Expect From Me
Honesty: I’m not going to tell you comforting lies. You deserve the truth, and you deserve to have it delivered in a way that eliminates harm. I will strive to do this in a kind and helpful manner. At the end of the day, I will tell you the truth in order to help you find the pearls of wisdom you already possess.
Goal-Centered and Results Oriented: I’m going to help you find goals you are ready to work toward. Then, I will help you meet them and be accountable for your progress. These goals will be realistic, achievable, and supported by the most current models of recovery and support. I will also help you notice your gains. Sometimes, when you are living in the work, the results can seem to go unnoticed. I will help you celebrate your progress as we go.
Joyfulness: A life without joy is an unpleasant situation. For that reason, I find little moments of humor and happiness throughout the day. The reality of life is that even in the darkest times, you may find something to laugh about. I will be there with you, helping you experience that humor and find joy and relief in your life. I may laugh along with you, I may ask why something is making you laugh because there’s a feeling you can notice. I will always be happy to see you.
Zen and Spirituality: While I do not subscribe to the tenets of Zen, I find certain concepts in Zen to be valuable in therapy. Zen focuses on being mindful of how you react to and engage with the world. I will encourage mindfulness and will use spiritual concepts and language to help you find the balance, comfort, wellness, and safety you may be seeking.