Perla Girardo, LPC - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Perla Girardo

Perla Girardo

LPC
3 years of experience
Virtual

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?

During the first session, it will be a time to get to know each other and begin building a trusting, collaborative relationship. We’ll start by discussing what brought you to therapy, exploring any current stressors or challenges you're facing, and identifying the things that are most important to you right now. This is a safe space where you can share at your own pace, and I’ll be there to listen without judgment. We’ll also begin to explore your goals for therapy. Whether you're looking to manage stress, navigate difficult emotions, improve relationships, or make sense of life transitions, we’ll start to outline the areas where you’d like to see change. Together, we’ll identify concrete goals and create a plan for how we can work towards them in a way that feels manageable and meaningful to you. Above all, the first session is about laying the foundation for our work together. You can expect open, supportive communication, and a focus on creating a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to take steps toward healing and growth.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a therapist, my greatest strength lies in my deep passion for aligning my personal values with the work I do. I believe that the most effective therapy comes from a place of authenticity and connection, and I strive to bring these qualities into every session. I hold family, meaningful connections with others, self-care, and spiritual beliefs at the core of my values. These principles guide my approach to therapy and allow me to build strong, trusting relationships with my clients. I understand the importance of connection—both with others and with oneself—when it comes to healing. This helps me foster a safe, supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their emotions, challenges, and growth. I also value self-care as a vital aspect of well-being. I encourage my clients to prioritize their own mental, emotional, and physical health, so they can feel more balanced and empowered in their lives. Additionally, I respect and honor my clients’ spiritual beliefs, recognizing that they can be an important source of strength, purpose, and guidance. Ultimately, my passion for helping others achieve personal growth is rooted in these values. I believe that when therapy aligns with what truly matters to you, it becomes a powerful tool for transformation.

Appointments

Virtual

My 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.