Tava Auslan, MS

Tava (she/her) holds an MS in Counseling and is currently completing a Counseling Certificate of Advanced Study as she pivots fully into mental health counseling after 20+ years in career counseling. Her background includes working at The New School in Manhattan, where she coordinated accommodations for students with learning disabilities and provided comprehensive career counseling. She also served as the Senior Coach at Careerfolk, LLC where she supported teens through the college application process, guiding students in crafting admissions essays, developing résumés, and strengthening their confidence as emerging adults. 

Throughout her career, Tava has partnered with clients of all ages and stages from around the world, including those navigating complex trauma, active crises, and systemic barriers. Witnessing the transformative impact of counseling—particularly in building resilience, increasing distress tolerance, and improving key relationships—continually restores her commitment to the field of mental health. She was drawn to Wonder’s family systems approach and its emphasis on connecting with teens in real-life environments that foster trust and authentic rapport. She values the model’s multi-level support, where teens and parental figures each have a dedicated coach, and where consistent collaboration helps families move forward together. 

Tava’s clinical foundation integrates Family Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT),  and a trauma-informed approach. She brings authenticity, trustworthiness, and a non-hierarchical presence that helps families feel safe, respected, and understood. Her areas of focus include trauma, anxiety, grief, career exploration, and gender identity. With young people, Tava offers a nonjudgmental space to explore who they are, how their emotional and relational patterns impact their family dynamics, and the communication skills needed to create more harmonious relationships. She also helps teens clarify their goals and identify tangible steps that move them closer to goal fulfillment. 

As a parent coach, Tava draws on her experience working with diverse professionals to explore multigenerational themes, family projections, and communication patterns. Her style emphasizes active listening, curiosity, and collaborative problem-solving, helping caregivers better understand their relationships with their teens and adjust strategies in ways that support shared connection and growth. 

Outside of work, Tava enjoys hikes and trails with her two rescue dogs. As a longtime lover of the arts, she believes the key to happiness is a home filled with music, art, and dance. Tava's goal is to remain forever curious, grounded, and passionate about continuous learning.