About Giovanna
I’m a First-Gen Mexican American, teen Mom, and a local to the Seattle Area. Growing up, I was a child of a dysfunctional family. As a result of the dysfunction and trauma, I became independent from my parents and, eventually, a teen mom at 14. Many years have passed and I am now a full time therapist. My son has grown up and will soon be starting his adult life at college. Thanks to luck, the determination of my younger self, and the unwavering support of my community, my life has been transformed in the best way possible.
I share my personal story with intention because clients share their most personal stories in therapy. I also share this because my experience informs my practice. Clinical skills and life experience is what all therapists bring to their work—and we strive to have it enhance our work rather than to muddy it. My hope is that all clients feel comfortable in owning their truth. Because therapy is about giving space to the parts of us that have been silenced, ignored or have yet to be uncovered. It can feel like a long journey no matter the place you’re at, but you are deserving of care, support and healing. Whether it is together or on a different path, I wish you the best of luck on your journey moving forward.
Therapeutic Approach
I pull from a variety of therapeutic modalities in my work with clients. I lean heavily on Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Relational-Cultural Therapy, and Trauma Informed Mindfulness Practices. In session, I intend to walk alongside my clients and collaborate with them on their process of healing all while making space for choice, exploration, wonder and joy. I strongly believe my work with clients is reciprocal, which is why I strive to challenge power dynamics and honor difference throughout treatment. Our relationship will be the foundation of our work together. It has been through a relational approach where I have witnessed healing in a way that is authentic and deeply impactful.
I provide structure and freedom for clients to define what therapy means for them. This creates a conversational and free-flowing overtone in therapeutic sessions. This allows therapy to go beyond one-sided ‘venting’ (Relational)
I encourage clients to share their cultural values, identity and experience in the world to inform our work (Cultural Relational)
I ask clients about their day/week and also dive into past experiences, such as childhood— to understand how the past informs a client’s present (EFIT, Cultural Relational)
I ask clients to engage in mindfulness practices. This allows clients to locate sensations/emotions in their body, as well as ground self in session, and process what is being discussed in therapy (Somatic Therapy)