11 Oct Hoboken Girl of the Week: Talia Filippelli of Starr Therapy

This post originally appeared on Hoboken Girl

Mental health is something that is often stigmatized — both in the media and in real life. But when you meet a therapist whose goal is to end stigma, you want to listen {and shout it from the rooftops!}. And while Hoboken Girl isn’t necessarily a rooftop, we’re hoping that it can be the second best thing. Meet Talia Filippelli, of Starr Therapy, our HG of the Week — whose goal was just that — she’s on a quest to end mental health stigma.

“I never really understood what the big deal was with getting support for something that was difficult. It seemed so illogical. But I knew there was this invisible barrier that kept people away,” Talia shared. “I thought if I could help just one person have an ‘a-ha’ moment, I could change their perception of therapy forever.”

Since opening the doors of Starr Therapy in Hoboken in 2011, Talia received a Health Coaching certificate in 2012 and became a Certified Personal Trainer in 2013 — so that she could help her clients with emotional eating and weight loss as well 9now if that isn’t dedication to get yourself to the gym, we’re not sure what is0. Now she has a staff of four therapists who share her passion for “a-ha” moments and have a mutual obsession with ending stigma, and has been voted a “Top Kids Doc” by NJ Family Magazine 2014, 2015 and 2016. “We have the coolest and most courageous clients who let us into the deepest corners of their lives every week. It’s truly an amazing job that we all feel privileged to do everyday.”

It’s a pretty noble quest — to re-brand the idea of therapy and make it something people brag about — but we’re loving it.

Of course we had to ask this fearless femme our HG questions of the week. So here goes:

What is your favorite restaurant in Hoboken?

I’m usually only in town for lunch and have pretty specific requirements because my schedule is usually really tight with no room for delays. I became obsessed with Honeygrow this year. I love that everything is super fresh and made-to- order. Not to mention it’s only 2 blocks from my office and even when the lunch line is out the door, it’s still only a 10-minute wait.

What is your favorite boutique in Hoboken?

I have been obsessing over interior design this year and gravitate to so many amazing pieces at Luna Rosa Home (uptown on Wash).

What do you love most about Hoboken?

I love that Hoboken is so community-oriented. It’s great bumping into people on the street and seeing familiar faces at all the stores and restaurants I go to. It feels like one big family here.

What is your favorite thing to do in Hoboken?

Honestly, my favorite thing to do when I end up with a free hour between sessions is to get a mani/pedi. When I’m home I never have time to do it because I’m usually chasing my 2-year- old around!

How long have you been in Hoboken?

I started my psychotherapy practice, Starr Therapy, in Hoboken in 2011. At the end of August I’ll be celebrating 5 years in business! I couldn’t imagine myself working in a better town.

What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hoboken?

Pier A for sure! It’s so relaxing out there and it doubles as a route for my “walk and talk” sessions on sunny days. The view, the breeze, the sun…what could be better for mental health?!

What is your favorite place to work out in Hoboken?

Is it weird that I avoid working out in Hoboken? I always wonder if my clients would feel like I was invading their personal lives if we ran into each other at the gym. I’m not sure anyone wants their therapist running on the treadmill next to them! I live in Bergen County, so I go to a gym close to my house.

Where do you go out with friends in Hoboken?

During the summer there’s no better spot than Pier 13. It’s a mini-escape from my usual work day which keeps me indoors for most of the year…and the sangria is well worth the walk uptown!

What is something you think needs to come to Hoboken?

An Italian small-plates bar/restaurant. When I lived in Milan, my friends and I loved going out for “aperitivo.” It’s basically the Italian version of pre-dinner drinks and bite size dishes that help stimulate your appetite for dinner. Hoboken definitely needs a casual place like this for the 30s-40s crowd! (We’re thinking Sorrellina is a good fit for small plates, no!?)

It’s pretty noble to inspire clients to create necessary change in their lives — without fear of criticism or judgement, and instead, to confront their problems with a sense of courage and pride that will allow them to evolve into the best possible version of themselves. “We envision a future community of people who brag about being in therapy!” she said with a smile. For more info on Talia and Starr Therapy, head to her website here.