Carrita Counseling and Wellness
Nicole's Story
Every person has a story. My story began as a child when my family moved from New York City to central Pennsylvania, Loyalsock, which is a suburban community outside of Williamsport (well known for the Little League World Series). I experienced culture shock and trauma of 9/11, grew up in a military family, but combated these potential barriers by focusing on my passions of animals, gymnastics, cheerleading, art, music, and exercising. My dream has been to help individuals overcome obstacles or life's challenges by sharing tools and techniques I have used (or personalize techniques that will work for my clients) to help my community and surrounding communities.
Meet The Team
Nicole Carrita, MS, LPC, CCTP, C-DBT
Founder and CEO
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Nicole Carrita has over twelve years of Mental Health experience in a vast array of environments including group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses, residential homes for teenage girls of sexual abuse, inpatient hospitals, IBHS (formerly BHRS), Family Based, juvenile detention centers, community mental health, and several private practices. It was through this experiences, Nicole developed her passions of working with trauma and thus created the practice of Carrita Counseling.
Educationally, Nicole attended Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with two emphases on Exercise Science and Special Education in 2011. She then attended Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, where she received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Counseling. She is also a Doctor of Philosophy student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she is in the Counselor Education and Supervision program, aspires to provide consultations to counselors, and provide supervision to those who wish to pursue their LPC. Lastly, Nicole is taking courses at California University of Pennsylvania to obtain a graduate certificate in Sexual Assault Investigation and Victimization.
Nicole participated in a training for Internal Family Systems (IFS). Nicole is taking courses with STAR Behavioral Providers and is registered to complete her Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) certificate in September 2022. Nicole is passionate about the work she does and hopes that she can continue making an impact on large populations of people to promote healing from traumatic events, particularly gun violence, war/combat, and sexual abuse/assault/harassment.
Nicholas R. Carrita
Co-Founder, Assistant Manager, and Financial Bookkeeper
Please meet Nicholas Carrita, Nicole Carrita's father. He was born and raised in Brookyln, New York before moving to Central Pennsylvania to raise his children in an area he projected to become unsafe. He comes to Carrita Counseling with a great moral compass and will give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need. He was raised by his father, who served in World War II and has a passion for helping veterans. He is excellent with managing money, navigating through insurance claims, and has been a great help to Nicole as she has started Carrita Counseling. He has recently retired from his 30 year career with Federal Express after serious injuries. Upon retirement, he opened his own car racing company, Carrita Racing, and enjoys working on cars, watching hockey, spending time with his grand-pup, and traveling in his spare time. His loyalty to his family, especially Nicole, is a great asset to Carrita Counseling. Nicole cannot wait to see all the success he will bring to the team!
Simba
Therapy Canine
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Please meet Simba, a boxer shepherd mix at the present time the only canine employed at Carrita Counseling. He was rescued in 2016 from Haven to Home when he randomly jumped into a truck. Simba has kept Nicole busy with training and made an enormous amount of progress. He is such an intelligent young man. However, through testing, it was determined he would not be a great candidate to become a therapy dog, he still attends volunteer events to show his support for his mommy's passion. He can occasionally be seen on video or on TikTok goofing off. He will always keep you laughing. We are so grateful to have him as an asset to the team!
Pumbaa
Therapy Feline
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Please meet Pumbaa, one of the therapy cats at Carrita Counseling. Pumbaa was rescued from Indiana County Human Society and is a great addition to the practice. Pumbaa likes to make his grand appearances in sessions for a short couple minutes. If he over hears a client in distress he immediately comes over and lays on the computer keyboard as a means of comforting the client. Pumbaa has an intuition and ability to de-escalate and comfort clients. Carrita Counseling is grateful to have him on the team!
Timon
Therapy Feline
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Please meet Timon, one of the therapy cats at Carrita Counseling, LLC. Timon and Pumbaa were rescued from the same litter at Indiana County Human Society Timon is the newest addition addition to the family and practice. He provides a lot of comfort and compassion when he warms up to someone. Although he rarely comes out and onto the video, his purr is so loud and can warm your heart. We are hopeful you will love him just as much as we love him on the team!
Nala
Therapy Canine
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Please meet Nala, the newest addition at Carrita Counseling, LLC. She will be picked up from a breeder from Nicole's hometown area, Middleburg. She is an English Cream Golden Retriever and will be starting puppy classes August 24. Golden Retrievers is one of the perfect breeds for therapy dogs. Nicole's plan is to have her attend training for PTSD. We cannot wait to see what happiness, healing, joy, and zest Nala will bring to the practice.
Michelle Sonmez
Technology and Marketing
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Please meet Michelle. Michelle currently resides in Florida. She has experience working in technology, managing a tattoo parlor, and attended Valencia Community College for Technology.