Niva L. Correa, LMHC, First Step Therapy Group 28 East Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY 11801

"I saw Theresa Milano for family therapy with my parents. I had hoped that when I told her privately about the physical and emotional abuse going on behind closed doors (complete with photographic proof) that she would take me seriously and perform her occupational obligation to protect me. Instead, *every session* became about what I was doing wrong, and how I was provoking my parents into mistreating me and my sister, and what I should be doing differently. I kept careful track of how she assigned blame during sessions, and at least 80% of problems were laid at my and my sister's doorstep. When my mother called me a curse word, she had nothing to say, but when I did the same right back, I immediately got called out. When I stood up for myself, she apologized and said that as a parent herself, she's more inclined to sympathize with my mother. My time with this therapist marked one of the darkest periods in my life, where once a week, I would be shut down and belittled by three people at once. At least at home, I could try to leave the room. The level of bias and disrespect was absolutely appalling. Theresa Milano is not at all trained in identifying or defusing abuse, even when it is occurring right in front of her. I can't speak for how she is individually, but for couples and family counseling, STAY AWAY, because she will readily and openly take sides, and God help you if that side isn't yours."