New to Grow
Hi my name is Maria Mercedes Giol, I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, California, Utah and Washington. I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and completed my Master's in Mental Health Counseling in Miami, Florida. I have lived in sunny (sometimes Florida, lol ) for 28 years and I am a devoted mother and girlfriend to a 16-year-old son and two small dogs. I enjoy boating with my family, watching sunsets, hiking, bicycling, singing, and making homemade soaps.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During the first session I would like to listen to you and see what brought you to seek therapy. We’ll review confidentiality, talk through your concerns and goals, and gather some background information to guide our work together. You’re encouraged to share at your own pace in a respectful, supportive, and non-judgmental space. I will ask you some questions and I would also like to hear what you would like to see happening as a result of us working together? what you would like to work on. I would like to build trust, and answer any questions you might have, let's understand your needs and come up with a plan.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I am passionate about empowering YOU with practical "tools for life" rather than therapy for life. I like to build trust through active listening, asking questions, and showing genuine interest to instill hope.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, self-doubt and emotional overwhelm related to relationships, work stress, or life transitions. Clients who are motivated for change, open to self-reflection, and willing to engage actively in the therapeutic process—even when it feels challenging. Professionals experiencing burnout, clients having People-pleasing tendencies, Perfectionism, overthinking, and difficulty setting boundaries and communicating assertively.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My approach centers on teaching Cognitive Behavioral Techniques to help clients reframe, replace, cancel and challenge negative thoughts, fostering real, hopeful thinking that positively impacts feelings and behavior.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I like to teach clients ways to reduce anxiety, stress and depression by being more present, using techniques like meditation, using their 5 senses and body scan.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I like to listen to my clients, find their strengths and ways to focus on how to come up with solutions to their challenges (not problems) and encourage, educate and empower them.