Meet Gabriela Giuggioloni MA, LCSW-R | Psychotherapist- Relationship Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriela Giuggioloni MA, LCSW-R and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriela, how does your business help the community?
As a psychotherapist, my primary goal is to promote emotional well-being and foster healthier relationships among individuals, couples, and families. Through my practice, I have the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of therapy and the positive ripple effects it has on the broader community. When it comes to helping individuals and couples with their personal and relationship issues, the social impact is far-reaching. By providing a safe and non-judgmental space, I empower individuals to explore their emotions, challenges, and aspirations. Through compassionate listening, clients gain greater self-awareness, develop coping strategies, and improve their overall mental health. As individuals heal and grow, they often experience enhanced productivity, improved interpersonal skills, and a renewed sense of purpose. These positive changes extend beyond the therapy room and positively impact their families, workplaces, and social networks.
The impact of relationship therapy on couples is equally significant. By addressing underlying issues, facilitating effective communication, and promoting understanding, couples can rebuild trust, strengthen their connection, and nurture healthier dynamics. Stronger relationships contribute to more stable families, creating a nurturing environment for children and future generations. In turn, this fosters stronger communities and a more harmonious society.
Also, as an immigration psychosocial evaluator, I play a vital role in supporting immigrants as they navigate the complexities of the immigration process with USCIS. By conducting psychosocial evaluations, I assess individuals’ emotional well-being and the potential impact of migration on their mental health among many other factors. Besides the legal aspect, these evaluations are essential in ensuring that immigrants receive the necessary support and resources to successfully integrate into their new communities. By facilitating this process, I contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of immigrant populations, helping them build fulfilling lives and contribute to the cultural fabric of society.
The social impact of my profession is multi-faceted. By empowering individuals, couples, and immigrants with the tools to navigate personal and relationship challenges, I am not only enhancing their lives but also contributing to the overall well-being of the community. Through therapy, we promote resilience, enhance healthier relationships, and create a more compassionate and empathetic society. It is truly an honor to be part of this transformative journey and witness the positive impact it has on individuals and the broader community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I migrated to the United States from Argentina more than 20 years ago. I was a young psychologist who wanted more from myself and my environment. It was a bold decision to leave my country, but my desire and curiosity fueled my decision making process. Nevertheless, adapting to a new culture and language proved to be a challenging endeavor for a long time. Upon arriving, the language barrier became an obstacle. While I had studied English in my country, using it in everyday conversations was a whole new experience. Gradually, I gained confidence in my language skills by practicing and taking English classes.
Among the many challenges I endured, I couldn’t shake the longing for my family and friends back home. The absence of my family members weighed heavily on my heart. However, I persevered, finding solace in regular video calls and making the most of my time in the United States. Their absence also pushed me to be more social, make friends and acquaintances.
To further my professional aspirations, I decided to pursue a degree in Social Work at NYU. Balancing my studies with work at a mental health nonprofit organization presented its own set of challenges. Yet, this experience proved immensely rewarding. Working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, I witnessed the tra power of therapy and support.
The path was not without its difficulties, but the opportunity to fulfill my dream of becoming a private practitioner in New York motivated me. The combination of practical experience and theoretical knowledge gained through my studies at NYU propelled me towards my goal of becoming a clinical social worker.
Looking back, I am proud of the choices I made and the challenges I overcame. The journey of cultural adjustment and professional growth helped me develop a sense of satisfaction and reward. I am grateful for the opportunities that came my way, and I am eager to continue making a positive impact in the lives of others through my work as a therapist in New York and Florida.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
New York City is an exciting, multifaceted and dynamic destination. It is impossible to be bored here. There is always something to do or to discover. Personally, I enjoy the multiple ethnicities and races co-existing in this city that create its outstanding personality and vibrancy. If I were to recommend places to visit in New York City, I would suggest the following attractions for a well-rounded experience. Central Park: It offers a tranquil oasis with beautiful landscapes, walking paths, lakes, and recreational activities. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or even renting a boat on the lake. I love it for people watching!
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: They are historic landmarks, symbolizing freedom and the gateway to America for millions of immigrants. You can take a ferry to Liberty Island, explore the Statue of Liberty Museum, and then continue to Ellis Island to delve into the country’s immigration history.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met): This is one of the world’s largest and most renowned art museums. The Met houses an extensive collection spanning thousands of years, including works from various cultures and eras. It’s a cultural gem that art enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy.
High Line: This elevated park built on a historic freight rail line offers a unique and refreshing experience. It is a beautifully landscaped pathway where people can enjoy art installations, greenery, and city views. It’s a delightful combination of nature, urban design, and public art.
Brooklyn Bridge: This iconic suspension bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. Crossing it over offers stunning views of the city skyline, the East River, and the bridge’s intricate architecture. It’s a great spot for memorable photos and a leisurely walk.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): This is the house of contemporary and modern art. MoMA showcases an extensive collection featuring works by renowned artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, and more. It’s a must-visit for art lovers.
Chinatown and Little Italy: People cannot miss their bustling streets, delicious cuisine, and experience the unique blend of Chinese and Italian heritage. These neighborhoods offer a fascinating glimpse into New York City’s diversity.
Broadway: From musicals to plays, Broadway offers a wide range of shows that showcase top-notch talent and unforgettable performances. Catching a live performance is a truly New York experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When you are an immigrant, your friends become family. Therefore, the bonds are deep, strong and long lasting. I am proud and grateful for all the people I have met along my life. I am incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system comprising friends and family who play an integral role in my work as a psychotherapist. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. My loved ones provide a listening ear and a safe space for me to share my experiences and reflections. They understand the emotional demands of my profession and offer a non-judgmental environment where I can be myself, verbalize my sorrows and celebrate my successes. Their empathy and understanding help me maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevent burnout. I am nourishing myself with them and the space they make for me to be there if they need me too. Relationships are always a two-way street.
Furthermore, my friends and family actively participate in my professional development. They encourage me to pursue continuing education, attend workshops and conferences. Their belief in my abilities and their motivation to see me thrive inspire me not only to continually refine my clinical skills but also to work on myself and to feel satisfaction with my life.
The emotional support and guidance from my loved ones extend beyond my personal life. They often serve as sounding boards for new ideas, offering valuable insights and perspectives. Their input helps me approach my profession with a fresh mindset and encourages me to think outside the box, ultimately benefiting my clients.
We all need the support of friends and family. We are social beings, we need people and good connections. I deeply believe, we support ourselves in our relationships with ourselves and others. Perhaps, this is why I focus my practice in relationships and immigration. I am grateful for my loved ones, they inspire me to evolve and help me grow continuously.

Website: www.grgtherapy.com

Instagram: NYCtherapist_Gabriela and Evaluaciones para Inmigracion

Image Credits
These are my own pictures