Hola! Hi! I’m Perla Girardo, a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where you can feel seen, heard, and understood. Therapy with me is collaborative and practical. My goal is not only to support you through challenges, but to help you build the tools and confidence you need to feel more empowered and independent in your healing and personal growth.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session is a space for you to show up as you are. You don’t need to have the right words or a clear plan. We’ll talk about what led you to therapy, what feels heavy right now, and what you’re hoping might change. I’ll ask thoughtful questions, listen closely, and help you make sense of what you’re experiencing. We’ll begin identifying patterns, strengths, and areas where you may feel stuck, while moving at a pace that feels safe and respectful to you. By the end of the session, my hope is that you feel grounded, understood, and a little clearer about what you need next.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a space where people feel safe enough to be honest. I approach therapy with warmth, curiosity, and respect for each person’s story. I believe healing happens through genuine connection, not pressure or judgment. I pay close attention to patterns, emotions, and the unspoken things that often go unnoticed. I help clients slow down, better understand themselves, and reconnect with parts of themselves that may have been ignored or pushed aside. My work is grounded in authenticity, emotional awareness, and practical support that helps clients grow not only in insight, but in confidence and self-trust.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work well with individuals who feel overwhelmed, emotionally stretched, or disconnected from themselves. Many of my clients are navigating stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or seasons of transition and are seeking clarity, balance, and emotional grounding. You may be someone who has spent a long time holding things together for others and now wants space to focus on yourself. You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. If you’re open to reflection, growth, and learning new ways to relate to yourself and others, we can work together to help you feel more confident, and aligned moving forward. I welcome clients who wish to integrate their faith or spiritual beliefs into therapy, as well as those who prefer a more traditional therapeutic approach.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients notice how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. Together, we explore unhelpful thinking patterns and work on developing more balanced, supportive ways of responding to stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. My approach is practical and collaborative, focusing on tools clients can use in everyday life.
Trauma Informed Care
I practice from a trauma-informed perspective, which means I prioritize emotional safety, pacing, and respect for each client’s experiences. I understand how past stress or trauma can shape current thoughts, emotions, and relationships, and I work gently and intentionally to help clients feel grounded, empowered, and supported throughout the healing process.
Strength-Based
A strengths-based approach helps clients reconnect with their resilience and inner resources. Rather than focusing only on problems, I help clients identify what is already working and build from there. This approach supports confidence, self-trust, and lasting growth by honoring each person’s abilities and capacity for change.