Therapists in Durham County, NC

I enjoy working with people who love a challenge and want to learn and grow together. Change, similar to life, can feel like it is not for the faint of heart and sometimes we learn maladaptive ways of coping that are no longer serving us. Together we navigate substance use, relationship issues, life transitions, identity development, codependency, and anything else you want to work through. I am here to gently push you while being supportive to your needs in a genuine authentic space. I will encourage you to be a person who is here to take up all the space you deserve.

Are you overwhelmed with the complexities of life that you feel an urge to shut down? Do you find yourself constantly reevaluating your decisions to get on the “right track”? As a therapist, it is my goal to assist clients in unpacking their trauma, challenges of daily living, and overarching negative thoughts to identify healthy ways of coping yielding a positive way of navigating through life. With over two years of experience working in various mental health settings such as outpatient therapy, psychosocial rehabilitation, and intensive in home, I have developed a passion for empowering adult women to work through trauma.

*Please email me for info.* Dr. Giordano's sister Maryann died in 1986 after a 3.5-year struggle with cancer. After Dr. Giordano's last cancer treatment, he began his undergraduate in psychology. Dr. Giordano is the grateful father of two adults. These and many other experiences help Dr. Giordano understand first hand the impact of living with and losing a terminally ill sibling, the effects of losing a child on parents, being diagnosed and treated for cancer, and the challenges related to marriage, divorce, remarriage, raising children, blended families, caring for aging parents, and LGBTQ issues including transgender transition.

I have over 20 years of experience working with clients of all ages. My treatment approach combines empirically-based interventions with each individual’s unique set of strengths and areas for growth. I collaborate with clients to identify specific treatment goals with the aim to reduce distress by addressing challenges in emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal functioning. Therapy sessions are structured to help each client develop a deeper understanding of their struggles, think creatively to adapt their strengths, and develop new skills to better manage life’s obstacles.

*Please note: I am currently unable to take new clients.* I understand the ways in which trauma and distress lead to suffering and blocked goals. With over 10 years as a mental health professional, and a deep commitment to my own healing and growth, I offer a space for therapeutic work that is both well-informed by research and training, and personally connected. I work with clients to feel more authentically aligned with self, and to address the ways past trauma, loss, or instability might be causing conflict or distress in your life.

The goal of Psychotherapy is to feel and function better in the world. That's what I help my clients do. I have been in practice for 40+ years, and have trained broadly and deeply in experiential, interpersonal and couples therapy. Before I was a psychologist, I was a nurse, and offer that background in helping as well. I bring the wisdom and insight of years of practice and life experience.

Have you ever felt stuck, or that you have lost yourself along the way? Is it your first time seeking therapy or have you tried therapy in the past and continue to feel stuck? Are you having a hard time finding the right therapist? Let me help. I am focused on working with individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, Trauma, transitions, life evaluation, grief and loss, family conflicts, and relationship issues. I strive to create a safe and supportive space to allow all my clients to heal, grow, increase self-awareness, and be confident in their identity. I work with teens, adults, couples, and families.

Your life may not be what you want it to be. You may be struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, past or present trauma. You need someone to talk to, who will listen, not judge, who wants to help you find a way to a better life. I subscribe to the wise words of Viktor Frankl: "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." Let me help you meet that challenge. I strive to create a trusting relationship with my clients, which is the foundation that allows a successful outcome. I have extensive training in trauma and the symptoms that often result from these experiences.

Are you struggling to understand or cultivate your identity? Are past instances of trauma and painful experiences fueling current self-doubt and negative self-talk? Do you find yourself turning to outside means to fill an inner void? Whether it’s substances, romantic connections, fleeting physical encounters, or a combination of things – I can help. Together we can work to identify where that inner void came from and how you are currently attempting to fill it. Next we get to find new, constructive ways to solidify your sense of self and empower you to become a version of yourself that you may have never even known was possible.

I think most psychological issues are related to our identity--growth, change, understanding, acceptance, etc. Whether you're young or old, unconscious attitudes, habitual behaviors, and basic character traits lead to interpersonal 'success' or 'failure'. I can help you to understand these basics. It's up to you to implement the interventions.

First, I would like to thank you for taking the time to visit my site. Visiting this site means you are probably experiencing one or more of life's challenges. I commend you for having the will to seek help. This is a personal decision that requires someone with compassion, insight and skills to assist you in acquiring a more satisfying quality of life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and I truly care about the individuals I serve.

What do I do for a living? I meet with people and talk about the most intimate aspect of their lives. It's not a bad job and I love the work I get to do. While I often draw from a variety of psychological techniques, I am firmly rooted in psychodynamic/psychoanalytic theory which is a really fancy way of saying I believe authentic relationships bring about sincere change in people. As such, I work hard to create a trusting, comfortable space to help clients explore their goals and experience sincere growth.

Assistance in breaking-through emotional blocks that are keeping you from achieving your goals. • Assistance with getting rid of irrational fears that block your success. • Assistance with issues of transition; employment and relationship • Assistance with internalizing recovery for yourself, not for others • An opportunity to be an active participant in your coaching experience • Consultation on general matters as needed (decision-making) • Additional support along with community recovery meetings and Sponsorship • Available beyond the traditional 9-5