Road to Resilience
Psychotherapist, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher,
Equine Assisted & Nature Based Therapist
Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us. ~ David Richo
About Laurie Giannola, LCSW-R
Hello and welcome to my website. I believe the first step toward healing takes courage and making a connection with the right therapist is the most important part in beginning that journey. Now that you have made it this far, I can tell you about myself. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 year of experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with various mental health issues. Throughout the years, my focus has been on helping clients to better understand self-limiting beliefs, emotions and behaviors, while offering evidence based strategies and skills to overcome them.
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I have extensive experience working with a wide range of disorders, including individuals who experience significant difficulty regulating emotions, thoughts and behaviors, trouble navigating relationships, uncontrollable anger, chronic suicidal thoughts and self-harm, impulsive behavior, dysregulated moods, anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress and PTSD.
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I am passionate about supporting each individual I work with, to ultimately experience positive change and growth and develop resilience to lead a more peaceful, balanced and fulfilling life. My goal is to provide a warm, safe and validating environment to help clients increase self-awareness to overcome challenges, experience positive change and resilience and find meaning in their lives.
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On a personal note, I have a genuine love for nature, hiking and traveling while living full-time in my RV with my dogs Tula and Kai. I believe in the healing power of movement and connecting with Earth and Animals.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
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Master's Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University in New York with a license in Clinical Social Work, 2000.
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Intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) through Behavioral Tech 2007
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Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher with former Monk, Sean Fargo, founder of Mindfulness Exercises and trainer at Google's mindfulness program, 2017
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Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Certification 2017
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Certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist, EAGALA 2004
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Certified Hypnotherapist through the National Guild of Hypnotists 2009
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Volunteered with Suffolk County World Trade Center Crisis Response Team providing crisis intervention to survivors and families of victims of the World Trade Center tragedy, 2001
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EXPERIENCE
My experience began in 2000 at a national outdoor wilderness program for adjudicated adolescents where I worked closely with the Crow Tribe of Montana and became certified in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. I assisted in developing and implementing programs in AZ, FL, PA and MD where I was promoted to Clinical Director. After realizing that my skill and expertise is working directly with clients, I continued my career in various outpatient settings, including Kaiser Permanente before opening my private practice in 2018. Throughout the years, I realized my passion in working with individuals extended out into group work. I have facilitated Mindfulness workshops and meditation groups throughout the country for various organizations, incorporating nature and Horses.
SPECIALTIES
- My practice focuses on assisting adults and adolescents, as well as working with couples. I specialize in addressing relationship issues, stress and trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, BPD and ADHD.
Services
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidenced-based treatment for those who struggle with regulating their emotions. It is a type of behavioral therapy deeply rooted in mindfulness and eastern meditative practices as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Typically, individuals who seek out DBT therapy, struggle with higher emotional arousal which is likely to lead to behaviors that are ineffective (e.g., avoidance, substance abuse, self-injury, interpersonal conflicts, negative thoughts about oneself and others).
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that can be cultivated in our day to day lives, not just on a meditation cushion. Mindfulness is the awareness that emerges through paying attention to what is happening in the moment, both internally and externally, without getting caught up in thoughts about the past, worries about the future and without judgement. By increasing awareness of the present moment, we are better able to respond, rather than react, to difficult life situations. See "book online" to sign up for Wednesday's drop in Mindfulness Meditation Group.
Equine Assisted Meditation
Horse are emotionally intelligent animals that mirror human emotions and act as a form of biofeedback. When we show stress, nervousness or strong emotions, horses respond similarly. When the presence of horses are use in meditation, anything can happen. They can teach us how to increase self-awareness, trust and confidence as well as reduce anxiety, slow emotional reactivity and stabilize our busy minds to develop a deep sense of calm. Horses offer us an opportunity to recognize, adjust and regulate our internal bodily experience. When we are able to regulate our emotions and behavior , we respond more effectively to the world around us. Equine Assisted Meditation Clinics coming soon...
CONTACT ME
If you are ready to take the next step towards healing and well-being, feel free to reach out to me. I am here to support you on your journey towards emotional wellness and personal growth.
PHONE
631-629-5252
ADDRESS
375 W. Main Street #501
Huntington, NY 11743
