Hola! Hi! I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. My name is Perla Girardo, a Licensed Professional Counselor passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where we can work together to help you reach your personal goals. As a therapist, my focus is not only on providing guidance but also on equipping you with the tools and strategies you need to feel empowered and independent in your journey toward healing and growth.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session is a time for us to get to know each other and begin building a collaborative, trusting relationship. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, explore current challenges, and identify what matters most to you right now. This is a space where you can share at your own pace, and I’ll be there to listen without judgment. We will also begin clarifying your goals for therapy, whether that involves managing stress, navigating emotions, improving relationships, or finding clarity during life transitions. Together, we’ll outline a direction that feels both manageable and meaningful. Most importantly, the first session is about creating a foundation for the work ahead. You can expect open, supportive communication and a focus on helping you feel heard, understood, and empowered as we move forward.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a therapist, my strength comes from aligning my personal values with the work I do. I believe meaningful therapy begins with authenticity and connection, and I aim to bring both into every session. I value family, deep relationships, self-care, and spiritual beliefs, and these guide how I show up with clients. I understand how vital connection is, both with others and with yourself, when it comes to healing. That awareness helps me create a space where clients feel safe exploring their emotions, challenges, and personal growth. I also emphasize the importance of self-care as part of overall well-being and encourage clients to care for their mental, emotional, and physical health. I honor each person’s spiritual beliefs, recognizing they often provide strength, purpose, and direction. My passion for this work is rooted in these values, and I believe therapy becomes truly transformative when it aligns with what matters most to you.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I believe you already have strength and resilience within you. My role is to come alongside you, helping you tap into that strength, work through challenges, and create meaningful change. Whether you're facing stress, relationship struggles, low self-esteem, or life transitions, we’ll work together to help you feel more confident, clear, and empowered to move forward.
About Perla Girardo
Perla Girardo offers therapy covered by Husky Health and Medicaid in Connecticut.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Through the use of CBT I help clients identify automatic negative thoughts that arise in response to specific situations. These thoughts are often irrational or distorted and can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, or stress. In therapy, we work together to recognize these patterns by examining the thoughts that precede emotional responses and behaviors. Other components of this intervention I find helpful are psycho-education of coping skills, behavioral activation, graded exposure, and cognitive restructuring.
Christian Counseling
In my therapeutic practice, I incorporate Christian counseling as a holistic approach that integrates therapeutic techniques based on Christian values. This method provides a faith-centered pathway for healing and transformation, while also addressing the psychological, emotional, and relational aspects of mental health.
Strength-Based
I use a strength-based approach to help clients tap into their inherent strengths, resilience, and resources to foster healing and personal growth. Rather than focusing solely on problems or challenges, this approach emphasizes the positive qualities and life skills that clients already possess. Together, we identify your unique strengths—whether they are personal traits, skills, or support systems—and build on them to overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and improve your overall well-being. By focusing on solutions, empowerment, and self-efficacy, I work with you to develop a deeper sense of confidence and agency in your ability to create lasting change.
EMDR
I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients heal from past traumas and distressing experiences. EMDR is a proven, evidence-based therapy that helps reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and enabling clients to integrate these experiences in a healthier, more adaptive way. Through guided eye movements and other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR facilitates the brain’s natural healing process, allowing clients to move past emotional blockages and gain relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other trauma-related conditions. Together, we work to resolve the root causes of emotional pain and empower you to live a more balanced, peaceful life.