Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Krista Verrastro. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Krista, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I was in high school when I discovered drama therapy and immediately knew that it was what I wanted to pursue. I had already longed to be a therapist because of enjoying helping people and had recently discovered the healing power of theater, so using theater techniques in therapy appealed to me when I learned about drama therapy while researching for an essay for drama class. I studied psychology and theater at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study for my Bachelor’s degree, immediately got my Master’s degree in drama therapy at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Education, and then received my Registered Drama Therapist credential in 2007.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I already shared how I came to drama therapy, but I’d like to share a bit more about why it felt like such a good fit for me

I realized that I wanted to become a drama therapist when I was in high school. I had already planned to be a therapist due to always having enjoyed helping people and had recently discovered the healing power of theater, so I knew that I had to pursue drama therapy when I learned about it while researching for an essay for drama class. I thought, “I can combine my love of theater with my love of helping people!”. I studied psychology and theater at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study for my Bachelor’s degree. I then immediately got my Master’s degree in drama therapy at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Education. I received my Registered Drama Therapist credential in 2007.

Although music was actually my artistic medium of choice as a child, drama therapy appealed to me because we all naturally play different roles in our everyday lives. I love helping people explore the roles they get stuck in or want more of in their lives. I also love helping people explore difficult emotions in a playful way through metaphor, storytelling, and other creative methods. I have participated in drama therapy myself so know its healing powers. I even overcame my fear of spiders through it!

The tagline I use to describe my work in private practice is: I help people who feel used, abused, neglected, or rejected transform from surviving to thriving. Abuse-related trauma is one of my niches after being at the job I was at longest before going into private practice, which was at an agency that helps survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault, and human trafficking. I also enjoy helping people who feel different for various reasons. This includes people who have been bullied, people who have experienced religious/spiritual trauma, people who are not religious or practice a non-mainstream religion/spirituality, people who practice ethical non-monogamy, and people who are in the LGBTQ+ community.

I facilitate workshops in addition to doing individual work with clients in my private practice. I lead vision board workshops that help people actively tackle their goals and obstacles. Since starting to do them online during the pandemic, I’ve decided to provide them both online and in-person going forward. I have also led a self-care/burn out prevention workshop that used drama therapy and a focus on nature.

I have also lead presentations for various groups, including ones on self-care and healthy relationships.

One thing that sets me apart from other therapists is that I am trained in drama therapy and EMDR therapy, which focus on a mind-body connection more so than many popular therapies (like CBT). Another thing that sets me apart from other therapists is that I tend to be more directive and to give a lot of practical tools instead of just nodding in validation during conversation with clients.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Deciding to be a solo private practice therapist from the start of going into private practice was a difficult choice at times but has been very rewarding. I spent a lot of time in the first few years networking in various communities (with other therapists, with other physical and mental health professionals, with schools, etc.). I sent out many emails introducing myself, had many coffee meet ups, and attended many networking events. I created brochures to describe my drama therapy and EMDR therapy approach. I did several podcast and vlog interviews, and I wrote for several blogs. Though I continue to do these things, I don’t do them as often as I did when I was very actively trying to build my business. My business has thankfully been full for a few years without me having to try very hard for that!

Oh, I also want to share that I believe that part of what naturally built my reputation in my market is being an active part of multiple communities. I love to share resources and support other mental health professionals, and people have very much appreciated the energy I bring to the communities I belong to.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I think it’s important to know one’s limitations as a therapist, including knowing when to seek help for issues outside of one’s expertise and when to refer clients out. There is no reason for shame in admitting that no one can know everything or in asking for help. I think it’s also important to practice good self-care. Mental health professionals metaphorically can’t be empty wells giving out all of their water to clients and reserving none for themselves, so it’s imperative to tend to one’s own needs while helping others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristaverrastro.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristaverrastrotherapy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristaverrastrotherapy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdC3keT6ykV3KKzHgqGs2nQ