Dr. Giardina utilizes an integrative or holistic approach to psychotherapy. Simply put, the doctor addresses emotional wellness by connecting and promoting the health of the mind, body and spirit, while combining traditional psychological therapies. Dr. Giardina believes all humans have an abundance of healthy resources within them, which he will help you discover. Holistic psychotherapy emphasizes balanced living, inner strength, and self-awareness. But Dr. Giardina recognizes that we do not live as monks in the mountains, and life is not a yoga retreat every day - practical application of psychological and spiritual insight is key!
Dr. Giardina treats patients as couples or individuals, in weekly one hour sessions at his Coral Gables office.
Distance counseling or tele-therapy can be arranged via Doxy.me or FaceTime. The Doctor MUST perform an initial, in-person evaluation before distance counseling will be considered. This service is reserved for certain clientele only.
Dr. Giardina’s treatment style is conversational but also based in years of training and clinical experience. It feels like you’re talking to a friend but there is always an intention behind what Dr. Giardina says in session. With Dr. Giardina, you get an experience that is more expert than your typical life coach, more personal than the average psychiatrist or psychologist, and more holistic than many other therapists. You may get cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, health education, existential debate, a homework assignment, a warm embrace, and a cup of tea all in a one hour session with Dr. Giardina. You will learn techniques that are based in science and research, but are applicable to daily life, and may stray outside the boundaries of cold, hard medicine. You will work together to create lasting, sustainable changes. You will walk away from each session with practical, personalized solutions!
Dr. Giardina’s approach coordinates with other treatment modalities from physicians as well as professionals in the domains of yoga, meditation, nutritional guidance, physical activities, wellness retreats, homeopathic medicine, reiki, and other outside of the box methods of healing.
Ultimately, all of those who seek coaching or therapy with Dr. Giardina will be impacted by the necessary components of the Dr. G Method. In addition to these standard aspects of treatment, sessions with Dr. Giardina may address one or all of the following:
MINDFULNESS
You will learn how to live fully present in the moment - no judgment, no distress, just being.
Choosing consciously becomes the goal - choose to eat broccoli, choose to eat cake - there is no right answer, just so long as you knowingly chose. (Part of consciousness of choice is recognition of patterns of behavior across your lifespan).
In a broader sense, spirituality is often a component of Dr. Giardina's work with patients.
GRIEF COUNSELING
Coping with losses matters, but losses must be viewed as more than just death of a loved one. (Obviously, such grief and loss is the most severe and necessary to address).
Dr. Giardina aids in recovery from the loss of identity, phase of life, physical appearance, finances, relationships, physical health, and so on.
A great emphasis in therapy is placed on the concept of moving forward by accepting and letting go.
IDENTITY EXPLORATION AND SELF ESTEEM
Who am I? Why am I this way? What is good about me? Am I living the life I want or deserve?
Dr. Giardina assists his patients in answering these questions. Together you will explore early relationships, significant life altering circumstances & societal roles and pressures.
You will find a means to give voice to all parts of your identity. You will come to value your health and your body. You will develop assertiveness skills to communicate your needs and wants.
Under this domain is also the understanding that your (mis)communication with others matters - in which case, couples therapy may be recommended.
EMPOWERMENT
Dr. Giardina uses a feminist therapeutic model, a large component of which is empowerment of patients to find their voice, to take life into their own control. He will help you develop your own power and agency to change your reactions, your relationships, or your day to day routine. The first step is accepting your role in the problem; the second step is recognizing what societal, financial, cultural or other factors limit your ability to change. The final step is taking action to improve your situation, given all of the above facts.
Dr. Giardina works with the "teach a 'man' to fish..." approach to therapy. He has a goal of providing patients with insight, tools and confidence to then "fish" on their own, without requiring his services.
While this is probably not a smart financial choice, Dr. Giardina feels this pays dividends later in time, with patients referring their friends and family, or returning for a "tune up" when new life challenges arise.
MOTIVATION TO CHANGE
You can have an intention or idea that something needs to change, but without the necessary drive and motivation, success may be lacking. The "why" matters.
Why haven't you made this change yet? Why are you making this change now?
But sometimes the roadmap matters. Dr. Giardina shows his patients how to use their strengths, and plan for pitfalls.
What are your assets? What are your roadblocks?
And even more distressing, you will examine the motivation of your family and loved ones to help or hurt you in your change efforts.
Who undercuts your efforts? Who is your cheerleader?
Dr. Giardina has great success in helping patients make healthy behavior changes. He has given several lectures on this very topic.
ACTIVITY LOG
Dr. Giardina insists on patients keeping track of their habits - he often has people keep a journal or log. You may not see patterns in your behavior, but these often become obvious to the Doctor once the data is all laid out. This information may help with making healthy behavior changes regarding your diet, exercise, weight, sleep, smoking, drinking and so on. Relationship and communication patterns may be found as well.
"Homework" and "Psychological Prescriptions" are given at the end of many sessions - these include the activity log, as well as new thoughts, behaviors or habits the Doctor suggests toward your goal of happier living.
