Terra Alagna-Cole, LCSW, EMDR-C, CAGCS, DBT-C

Counselor/Therapist | Mental Health

3140 Chaparral Dr Building C, Suite 109 Roanoke VA, 24018 Show map

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About

I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, complex trauma, grief, and parent-child interaction therapy. I use a client-centered approach informed by dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to enhance acceptance of current situations and increasing the motivation to change. Family therapy and parent coaching available.

Board Certification

Board of Registration of Social Workers

Provider Details

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Terra Alagna-Cole, LCSW, EMDR-C, CAGCS, DBT-C

Terra Alagna-Cole, LCSW, EMDR-C, CAGCS, DBT-C's Expert Contributions

My Answers

How should I raise my adopted child?
With adoption, all people involved need to focus on attachment. This will be a new normal for you and your husband and give yourself some grace when this becomes difficult. It's also important to keep your marriage effective: alone time with your husband is still important. If the child that you're adopting is more than 3 years old, it wouldn't be a bad idea to seek out a counselor that's adoption literate to evaluate how the family is currently and ways to make it better for all in the family. There may be some support groups in your area or families that have formed a community that you can search for in your area. If you're in VA- we see families that have adopted! READ MORE
Where can I start getting custody back of my daughter?
I would advise you to contact a lawyer as your first step. In order to regain custody, you will need to demonstrate your ability to provide for your child emotionally, physically, and financially. It will be crucial to provide evidence of your progress in sobriety, such as statements from professionals who can attest to your commitment and continued participation in support groups and therapy. Maintaining consistent documentation, like signed attendance sheets with dates, will be beneficial. If a significant amount of time has passed since you've been able to build a strong attachment with your child, co-therapy may be necessary. Depending on your child's age, behaviors, emotions, and any traumatic experiences they may have had, therapies like PCIT, CALM, TF-CBT, EMDR, ABA therapy, Play Therapy, or Parent Coaching could be recommended. Additionally, you may want to explore resources available through your local Community Services Board. They often offer home visiting programs for parents of young children who have struggled with substance abuse. These programs can assist with job readiness, parenting skills, and child development. READ MORE
Are children who came from foster homes more likely to become addicts/deviant as adults?
Not necessarily. Unfortunately, coming from foster homes tends to come with some type of trauma with attachment, along with others at times (sexual, physical, medical, neglect, etc.). I would encourage you to have a talk with this friend and verbalize your observations, your concerns about their behavior, and provide support if they decide they need professional help in their life. Ultimately, it's their decision to get help or not. READ MORE
Can a social worker help improve my son's behavior?
Absolutely! I'm surprised they haven't mentioned that before as well. I would ask that the school complete a child study (at least that's what they call it in VA). With that, they may be able to get a 504Plan or, even better, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that can give him a little more flexibility when he is triggered at school as well as hold the school accountable if they're unable to provide accommodations. Some of these accommodations could be: smaller class sizes, being able to leave the room for a 5 minute break, leaving class early or late so they're not in the hallways with all the other children during transitions, noise canceling headphones, a paraprofessional to keep him focused during instruction times, etc. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Eating DisordersBorderline Personality DisorderDialectical Behavior TherapyEye Movement and Desensitization and ReprocessingParent-Child Interaction TherapyGrief Specialist