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.
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.
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.
I am best positioned to serve adolescents, adults, and couples who are navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship stress, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, life transitions, family conflict, and the impact of difficult past experiences. I work well with clients who desire a supportive, honest, and collaborative space to better understand their emotions, build healthier coping skills, strengthen communication, improve relationships, and reconnect with their sense of identity and purpose. I especially enjoy supporting clients, couples, and families who are ready to explore patterns, develop insight, and take practical steps toward healing and emotional wellness.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $150 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Husky Health
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Medicaid
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
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.
Christian Counseling
I provide Christian counseling that integrates biblical principles, faith, and evidence-based therapy. I support clients in exploring emotional healing, identity, and life challenges through a Christ-centered and compassionate lens, while also using clinically sound approaches to address anxiety, trauma, relationships, and personal growth.
Relational
I work from a relational and attachment-informed lens, helping clients understand how early relationships shape their emotions, boundaries, and sense of safety. I support clients in developing healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
1 rating with written reviews
January 23, 2026
This is my first session with Perla and I felt at peace! I’m excited for what is to come from these sessions and my healing journey!