“The irony is that we attempt to disown our difficult stories, to appear more or less acceptable, but our wholeness - even our wholeheartedness - actually depends on the integration of all our experiences, including the falls.”

Brené Brown, Ph. D., LMSW, Author

 
 
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Ann Spataro LCSW

I believe we all struggle with something...it is part of our human experience. In moments of struggle, we can feel alone and forget that life offers all of us difficulties and suffering of one kind or another. You don’t have to go it alone.

In our sessions, my goal is to hear your story, understand your perspective, and work to build a collaborative, trusting relationship. We will work together to establish goals with a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. 

Recovery is possible! My role as Family Therapist at The Council on Recovery’s ‘Center for Recovering Families’ fueled my passion for working with individuals, couples, and families hijacked by addiction. I witnessed powerful changes in the lives of whole family systems as a result of one person’s willingness to make positive change for themselves. My training with the Gottman Institute fits well to support couples and families in the midst of struggle.

 
 

In addition to my clinical training and work experience, I bring life experiences. I am familiar with how messy families can be! I am part of a large family of 7 siblings and for the past 30+ years, I have been the mother to 8 children in a blended family. I have 13 grandchildren. Additionally, I have lived overseas and in different parts of the USA. In my free time, I love to play tennis with my husband, read, quilt, travel, and connect with my friends and family.

 
 

Professional Development

Couples/Relationships

  • Gottman, Level 1 training

  • Gottman, Level 2 training

  • Gottman, Couples and Addiction Recovery

  • Gottman, The Art and Science of Love, (done as a participant with John and Julie Gottman)

  • Emotion Focused Therapy 4-day Externship with Dr. Sue Johnson

Shame

  • Daring Way™/Rising Strong facilitator certification training (CDWF), created by Dr. Brene Brown

Trauma

  • Somatic Experience Institute: year 1 and year 2 training, created by Dr. Peter Levine, trauma specialist

 
 

I consider myself a life-long-learner and throughout my career, I have intentionally sought advanced training with expert leaders in the fields I am most interested in: addiction, couples/relationships, shame, mindful eating, self-compassion, and trauma. My clinical experience and frequent training opportunities at The Council On Recovery provided a foundation of knowledge about the disease of addiction. Together, these learning opportunities have benefited my clients and helped me be a better therapist.

 

“I have journeyed with Ann as a colleague over the past 9 years, and she has consistently shown up with genuine empathy and desire to understand her clients. This has allowed her to develop strong therapeutic relationships, which have led to healing for many individuals and families. Ann has found her calling, and I hear that echoed in the multitude of voices of those she has helped. As a colleague, she shows up in the same way for her fellow therapists. Without reservation, I would recommend Ann to anyone struggling with addiction, co-dependency, grief, and complex family dynamics.” - Viola Chavez, LCSW