Lydia Ghinoo
Hello, my name is Lydia Ghinoo and I’m a licensed mental health professional with a passion for helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and build meaningful, lasting change. I specialize in working with clients facing anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, and substance use, using evidence-based approaches like DBT, CBT, and trauma-informed care. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, empowered, and equipped with the tools to thrive in your healing journey.
First session
In our first session, my goal is to get to know you—not just your struggles, but your strengths, your values, and what you hope to gain from therapy. We’ll talk about what brings you in, explore some of your history, and begin identifying patterns or areas you’d like to work on. I’ll also explain how I work, answer any questions you may have, and collaborate with you to begin creating a treatment plan that fits your goals. This is a judgment-free space where you can show up exactly as you are. You don’t need to prepare anything—just bring yourself.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a space where clients feel seen, safe, and deeply understood—especially those who may have felt overlooked or judged in the past. I integrate evidence-based approaches like DBT, CBT, and trauma-informed care, but I never lose sight of the person in front of me. I’m skilled at helping clients break through emotional numbness, regulate intense feelings, and reconnect with a sense of self-worth. With over 10 years of experience working in dual-diagnosis and high-acuity settings, I bring a grounded, compassionate presence into even the most challenging conversations. I’m not afraid to sit with pain or help you gently confront the patterns that no longer serve you. My clients often tell me they appreciate my honest yet warm approach, and how I help them feel both supported and empowered to grow.
Ideal clients
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in painful patterns, or exhausted from trying to hold everything together, you’re in the right place. I work best with individuals who are ready to look inward, even if it feels uncomfortable, and who are open to doing the deep work of healing. You may be struggling with past trauma, emotional dysregulation, relationship challenges, or the weight of addiction—but you’re also someone who wants more for yourself. I’m here to walk alongside you as you learn new skills, break old cycles, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that deserve peace and compassion. Together, we’ll create a space where change feels not only possible, but sustainable.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been utilizing CBT method to work with substance use disorder and mental health issues. CBT aims to help you deal with overwhelming problems in a more positive way by breaking them down into smaller parts. You're shown how to change these negative patterns to improve the way you feel. Unlike some other talking treatments, CBT deals with your current problems, rather than focusing on issues from your past.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I have been utilizing ACT to reduce anxiety and depression. ACT is a type of psycho therapy that helps people deal with negative thoughts, feelings, and circumstances. The goal of ACT is to live a meaningful life while accepting the pain that comes with it. ACT therapy focuses on accepting life experiences as they come, without trying to change or evaluate them. It encourages people to commit to healthy activities that align with their values and goals
Christian Counseling
I have been using Christian counseling to discuss Christian values and the role they might play in addressing the client’s challenges, work through any questions or contradictions the client sees in their faith, or help them uncover strategies to better express their faith or integrate it into their daily life. We will discuss biblical verses or parables, or other aspects of Christian teachings.
Motivational Interviewing
I have utilized MI to assist clients to find the motivation to change their behavior. It's a client-centered approach that's particularly effective for people who have mixed feelings about changing their behavior, not admitting they have a problem and they are resistant to treatment. Choosing Therapy MI is a short-term process that takes into consideration how difficult it is to make life changes. It's a way of communicating trust between two people involved in a conversation. The five pillars of MI are autonomy, acceptance, adaptation, empathy, and evocation. MI is focused on helping patients identify and resolve ambivalence about changing their behavior. It involves exploring their personal perspectives as well as perceived barriers. Some examples of MI include: Open questions: How can I help you with ___? Help me understand ___? How would you like things to be different? What are the good things about ___ and what are the less good things about it? When would you be most likely to___? What do you think you will lose if you give up ___? Therapeutic paradox: Statements made by the therapist that seem contradictory Compassion: An active commitment to pursuing and promoting the patient's welfare by giving priority to his/her needs Open-ended questions: Invite the person to answer in his/her own words The four processes of MI include engaging, focusing, evoking, and planning. These processes are not linear or a step by step guide to MI. What does the therapist do in motivational interviewing? What are the 5 principles of motivational interviewing? What are some examples of motivational interviewing? Ask a follow up...
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
In my clinical work, I frequently integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to support clients in managing emotional dysregulation and impulsive behaviors, particularly those with co-occurring disorders such as borderline personality disorder, PTSD, and substance use. One client, who struggled with intense emotional reactivity and self-harming behaviors, was introduced to distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills early in treatment. During sessions, I taught the client how to apply the TIPP skills (Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, and Progressive Relaxation) when experiencing urges to self-harm. We practiced paced breathing together in session, and the client was encouraged to use cold water immersion (a DBT temperature skill) to manage overwhelming emotional states. The client later reported that using TIPP helped her "ride out the wave" of emotional pain without resorting to self-injury. I also used chain analysis, a DBT behavioral technique, to help the client identify the sequence of thoughts, feelings, and events that led to a recent lapse. This allowed us to collaboratively problem-solve and build a more effective crisis survival plan. To enhance interpersonal effectiveness, we role-played using DEAR MAN to assertively communicate her needs in a strained family relationship. Over time, the client reported feeling more empowered and less emotionally reactive in conversations with her parents. Overall, DBT provided the client with a structured, skills-based approach to reduce self-destructive behaviors, increase distress tolerance, and build a more stable and fulfilling life. I continue to use DBT strategies in both individual and group settings to help clients develop mindfulness, tolerate distress, regulate their emotions, and improve relationships.