TESTIFY
“What sets Tauno apart is his ability to be fully present with each session.”
My husband and I had the privilege of working with Tauno Bilsted for eight months, and I can honestly say it was one of the most transformative experiences of our relationship. As therapists ourselves, we came to couples counseling with high expectations and a discerning eye—and Tauno exceeded them in every way.
From our very first session, Tauno established a safe, nurturing space where we could explore even the most difficult topics without fear of judgment. His tremendous knowledge of conflict resolution and Internal Family Systems (IFS) provided us with powerful tools and frameworks that we continue to use in our relationship today.
What sets Tauno apart is his ability to be fully present with each session. He listens intently, truly hearing not just our words but the deeper emotions and needs beneath them. If you're seeking a counselor who combines expertise with heart, presence with skill, and wisdom with compassion, Tauno Bilsted is a true gem.
Nadine Lucas, CAGS, LMHC, RPT
IFS Level 2 Clinician
“Tauno… brings kindness and empathy to the work he does. He is a great listener/observer, and made it possible for each of us to feel heard and seen.”
The work that my family did with Tauno had a very positive impact. The work gave us a way to talk about difficult things, old patterns of behavior and to recognize and practice how to communicate more directly.
Tauno, I think, above all brings kindness and empathy to the work he does. He is a great listener/observer, and made it possible for each of us to feel heard and seen. And to see and hear each other.
What I tell people about the work that we did with Tauno is that each member of the family felt safe with him, and that we all appreciated his approach a great deal.
Kate M
“Tauno’s skillful listening and thoughtful questioning created a guided and supported space in which I found clarity and decisiveness.”
Tauno’s facility as an engaged, nonjudgmental listener provided the space for me to parse the sticky issues that had become overwhelming and unmanageable. With tremendous calm and patience, Tauno carefully detangled knot after knot until we could look at the separate issues individually.
Tauno’s skillful listening and thoughtful questioning created a guided and supported space in which I found clarity and decisiveness. He helped me align my conflicting thoughts and feelings and in the process recover my agency in a fraught situation.
— Suzanne G, Artist/Educator
“..excellent listener and skilled at drawing out critical issues and asking the questions that lead to productive discussions.”
We reached out to Tauno to help us improve our conflict resolution skills and to equip our team with techniques and strategies for running productive meetings. Tauno spent a good deal of time before our training session listening to staff members concerns, and tailoring a program that met our needs. He is an excellent listener and skilled at drawing out critical issues and asking the kinds of questions that lead to productive discussions.
All the participants felt that they learned a great deal during the training, and one month later continued to incorporate aspects of the training into their work. Most of the participants had years of experience in running community engagement sessions, but benefitted as much as some of the newer members of the team.
Maddalena Polletta, NYC Playgrounds Program
Trust for Public Land
“Tauno facilitated our meeting, kept order, and guided conversation.”
My organization was having a lot of internal conflict. We had a very contentious election with a lot of name calling and smearing and we did not know what to do to move forward. As a “Hail Mary”, I reached out to the NY Peace Institute at the last minute and to my surprise, Tauno responded and offered his mediation services for our next meeting. Tauno facilitated our meeting, kept order, and guided conversation. I found it incredibly helpful for him to be there since I usually lead the meetings.
Sarinya Srisakul, President
United Women Firefighters
“Tauno successfully navigated us through the process…”
Tauno mediated a conflict for us that was over 20 years old. There was a high level of mistrust and hostility between the two sides, after all this time. Tauno successfully navigated us through the process with a final resolution that allows us to move forward with a shared desire for the financial health of both organizations.
Linda Levy, CEO
LES Peoples Federal Credit Union
To schedule a free consult please fill out the contact form or reach out directly by email at builtsteady@gmail.com