Meet Tina Vitolo | Doctor of Social Work, LCSW, and Empowerment Coach for Unconventional Mental Health Therapists

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tina Vitolo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tina, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for The Black Sheep Therapist emerged from my own journey as an unconventional therapist. Throughout my career, I found that traditional therapy models often didn’t resonate with the deeper, more holistic approaches I was drawn to. As I integrated nontraditional and spiritual modalities into my practice, I realized there was a gap in the support available for therapists like me—those who wanted to align their clinical work with alternative methods while remaining ethically sound and professionally competent.

To address this, I created The Black Sheep Therapist, a platform that empowers therapists who don’t fit the traditional mold to confidently integrate their unique approaches into clinical practice. As part of this initiative, I also developed the Innovative Practitioner Accelerator Program. This program is designed to teach therapists how to ethically and effectively merge nontraditional modalities with conventional clinical theories, helping them reach professional freedom while staying true to their values.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, The Black Sheep Therapist, is all about helping unconventional therapists integrate nontraditional and spiritual modalities into their clinical practice in a way that is ethical, effective, and aligned with their values. What sets us apart is our commitment to bridging the gap between conventional clinical approaches and the powerful, often underutilized, alternative practices that many therapists are drawn to. We provide the tools, guidance, and community support needed for therapists to confidently navigate this integration.

I’m incredibly proud of the Innovative Practitioner Accelerator Program, which I created to teach therapists how to ethically merge these modalities with traditional clinical theories. A key component of this program is teaching therapists to build a personalized informed consent, ensuring they protect themselves, maintain transparency with their clients, and uphold integrity in their practice. This program not only equips therapists with the knowledge they need but also empowers them to reach professional freedom and make a greater impact in their clients’ lives.

A big part of my story is that I was my own ideal client—I saw a gap in the resources available for therapists who wanted to venture beyond the traditional path, and I knew I needed to fill it. The unanswered questions and the areas where the board and academy failed us as therapists drove me to create something that would provide the support we all needed.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I faced significant challenges, particularly in gaining the confidence to step outside the traditional therapeutic box and trust in the value of my approach. Overcoming these challenges required persistence, self-reflection, and a lot of trial and error. I had to learn how to build a business that stayed true to my vision while also meeting the needs of the therapists I wanted to serve.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are invaluable. I’ve learned the importance of staying authentic and aligned with your core values, even when it feels risky. I’ve also learned that building a community of like-minded individuals is essential—not just for business growth, but for personal and professional fulfillment as well.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that The Black Sheep Therapist is more than just a business; it’s a movement. It’s about empowering therapists to embrace their uniqueness and to practice in a way that is true to who they are. My journey has been one of stepping out of the shadows, overcoming self-doubt, and creating something that allows others to do the same. I’m excited to continue supporting therapists as they blaze new trails in our field, and I’m honored to be part of their journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of the best things about living in this area is the proximity to the mountains and trails—I love connecting with nature, and there are so many stunning spots just a short drive away. Within the city, one of my favorite seasonal delights is the pop-up Christmas bars in Atlanta; I look forward to them every year. Being originally from New York, I’m all about good food, and one of my top dining experiences here has been at Bastone. I even got to blow out my birthday candle on a homemade mozzarella ball! After honeymooning in Barcelona, I also developed a love for Spanish cuisine, so The Iberian Pig quickly became a favorite as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give a huge shoutout to the incredible therapists in my Facebook group. They’ve not only supported me but have also created a vibrant community where I’ve been able to teach what I’m truly passionate about. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to explore new ways of integrating unconventional modalities into clinical practice have been nothing short of inspiring. These therapists are the real trailblazers, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our field, and I’m incredibly grateful for the platform they’ve given me to share my knowledge and passion. Their commitment to growing as professionals while embracing innovative approaches is what makes this community so special. They truly deserve all the credit and recognition for being at the forefront of this movement.

I also want to give a special shoutout to Carly Hill with the Therapist to Coach Accelerator Program. Carly’s consistent support was instrumental as I trailblazed my vision for The Black Sheep Therapist. Her encouragement and the resources she provided were invaluable in helping me turn my ideas into reality.

Website: https://www.theblacksheepguide.com

Instagram: @the_blacksheep_therapist

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blacksheepguide

Other: Tik Tok: @theblacksheeptherapist

Image Credits
Taylor Faith Photography