Accepting new clients in person and telehealth
she/hers/her
Gianna Rico, LCSW-C
Are we a good fit?
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Adults only
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LGBTQIA+
Perinatal mental health
Body image/fat liberation
Consensual/ethical non-monogamy
Gender affirming surgery evaluations and letters
OCD
EMDR therapy for trauma
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I’m a good fit for clients that are ready to embrace their vulnerability and are not afraid to step outside their comfort zone through self exploration. As your therapist, I will always be in your corner rooting for you but I will also help you learn to root for yourself. Through humor, self compassion, and collaboration we can work together to rediscover your authentic self. I’m not a cookie cutter therapist and would not be a good fit for clients that are looking for rigid or highly structured models of therapy.
When working with me you can expect a laid back and gentle approach fueled by my genuine curiosity to get to know you. My sessions are casual, interactive, warm, and always affirming. I center my care around building a safe and strong therapeutic relationship with each individual that I work with. I firmly believe that human connection and support can be the first step in healing and self exploration.
Although I work as therapist, I am still a human that feels deeply and is on my own path of self acceptance. I strive to show up as my authentic self and I want you to know that there's no pressure to act a certain way in therapy. Therapy should be a place to celebrate and discover the complexities of being a human!
Lastly, I firmly believe in working towards dismantling the power dynamics that can exist between therapist and client. I have found that this can be done through intentional disclosure, shared experiences, laughter, and story telling.
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MSW from Catholic University of America
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Some of my specialties are working with queer, transgender, and gender nonconforming individuals that may be experiencing depression, anxiety, OCD, relationship struggles, life and identity exploration, and religious trauma.
I feel passionate about working with queer, transgender, and non-binary individuals who are on the path to parenthood. This includes those who may be carrying a child, thinking about conceiving, as well as non-birthing partners. Taking that step can feel scary and particularly polarizing in our binary filled world and I am here to hold and honor your space.
Finally, I also have a particular interest working with individuals in the areas of shame, self-esteem, and body image. Our world is designed to actively shame fat bodies and demand they take up less space. Together we can begin to recognize the harm those messages have caused and move towards release.
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I operate from a humanistic and person-centered approach. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFiT), and elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) to address OCD.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma treatment.
I also incorporate mindfulness, expressive arts, inner child work, motivational interviewing, and socratic questioning. I believe in the value of finding joy in everyday, and recognize that sometimes we have to work to create that joy. I encourage my clients to be curious about themselves and their thoughts and feelings.
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I am a queer, cisgender, white woman, that exists in a bigger body. I am also in a long term, non-traditional relationship with two partners. All of those identities impact me in multiple ways.
I ensure that I check in with my biases and privilege while always working towards educating myself on issues or legislation that affect my clients. I know that I will never truly understand what it is like to exist in a body other than mine and welcome those discussions in my therapeutic space.
I have a deep commitment to continuing to learn and grow within my profession. As I have grown as a therapist, I’ve been able to pinpoint specific areas of interest and seek out educational resources. I will be a life long leaner and am always excited to further my skill set.
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Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFiT) - Level 1 - ICEEFT, December 2022
No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard C. Schwartz, PHD, February 2023
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders - Postpartum Support International, April 2023 Perinatal Mental Health: Culturally Informed Approaches to Assessment and Treatment - Postpartum Support International, July 2023
Courageous Conversations: Navigating Trans & Queer Perinatal Health - Maternal Mental Health Now, July 2023
Body Aware: Rediscover Your Mind-Body Connection, Stop Feeling Stuck, and Improve Your Mental Health with Simple Movement Practices by Erica Hornthal, July 2023
Queer Conception: The Complete Fertility Guide for Queer and Trans Parents-to-Be by Kristin L. Kali - August 2023
“As your therapist, I will always be in your corner rooting for you, but I will also help you learn to root for yourself. Through humor, self compassion, and collaboration we can work together to rediscover your authentic self.”
— Gianna
Areas of Focus
PSYchotherapisTHey! I’m Gianna.
My home consists of my two partners, three cats, one dog, and about 85 plants. I like to spend my personal time honoring my body through intentional movement such as weight lifting and hiking.
I feel most at home when I am in nature, even if I’m just spending time in my tiny backyard garden. Other things that bring me excitement and joy are cooking and baking for my loved ones, marveling at Mother Earth, reading, listening to podcasts, creating art, getting way too into reality dating shows, and eating ice cream.
she/hers/her