“Vulnerability is not weakness, it is our greatest measure of courage” -  Brené Brown

Hi, my name is Gia!  I’m a graduate student at Bushnell University’s Clinical Mental Health counseling program with an estimated graduation date of December 2027, and I’m thrilled to be here as a Mental Health Intern. While my race is White, my Ethnicity is Latina; growing up between these two cultures has taught me the value of community, what it means to hold space, and that there is so much growth in learning to listen without judgment. I work to acknowledge both my privileged and marginalized identities, and I invite you to bring your own complex identities into our work together. It is deeply important to me that you feel as safe as possible in the space that we co-create so you can bring your whole self, without any fear of judgement or shame. We will work at a pace that is comfortable for your mind and body, and identify a path forward that supports healing and growth. 

I hold these values so strongly because I was born and raised in a lower middle-class family that featured complex relationships and taught me the power of resilience, vulnerability, and grief. This background led me to initially focus my studies on family and human services, and I have worked in the mental health field with children, parents, and whole family systems. As a counselor, I am interested in exploring Person-Centered theory as it is a reflection of the idea that you are the expert in your life and my value of connection with others. I work with adults and young adults who are often managing the emotional and mental overwhelm of life transitions, stress, burnout, and/or complex relationship dynamics. I invite you to bring these experiences into this space and know that I will meet you with understanding, compassion, honesty, and sometimes comedic relief. I believe that while harm can happen in relationship, so can healing. I look forward to fostering a healing therapeutic relationship within this space and I cannot wait to meet you. 

If you were looking for me on a day off you would likely find me on a hike envisioning my life as a woodland creature or nestled up on my couch reading a good fantasy or romance book. My favorite season is the rainy one which is fitting having grown up here in what I lovingly call the Pacific ‘Northwets’.