Gerizim Perez

My professional background as a former special education, teacher and personal background of being a first generation, American, has led to my interest in counseling individuals who may have experiences with adjusting to environment, identity in all its forms, behavioral challenges, belonging, shame, trauma, overwhelm, OCD- tendencies, mood changes, anxiety, depression, experiences with bullying and more. At the foundation of my clinical interests and work is development (social, emotional and behavioral) and attachment focused counseling models, collaboration with my clients networks including other care providers, trauma informed care and compassion. 

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My therapeutic orientation is integrative and flexible. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to understand the correlations and function of thoughts, behaviors and emotional patterns; solution-focused therapy to clarify your desired future and what you want; strength based therapy to identify strengths rather than analyze the past; trauma informed care to address past trauma which affects and informs you currently and multicultural/identity counseling approaches that account for race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and socioeconomic status.

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I understand that life stressors often do not exist in isolation.  I work with clients to create a supportive space where these experiences can be explored openly, at a pace that feels safe and manageable. My goal is to help clients strengthen coping skills, build emotional resilience, and develop greater balance and self-understanding in their daily lives.

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I provide therapy in both English and Spanish. I approach therapy with an identity and development focused lens. I am attentive to how language, culture, family systems, immigration experiences, and social context shape emotional well-being. I value cultural humility and strive to honor each client’s lived experience, recognizing both individual and collective influences on mental health. I am particularly mindful of the ways clients may feel caught between cultures, expectations, or roles, and I work to validate these experiences while helping clients identify sources of strength and grounding.

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In sessions, I am warm, attentive, and grounded. I offer a steady and supportive presence while remaining thoughtful about when lightness or humor may be helpful, always prioritizing emotional safety and the depth of the work. I approach each client’s concerns with care and respect, creating space for a wide range of emotions, including stress, sadness, frustration, and uncertainty. I am especially mindful of pacing and safety, recognizing that meaningful progress often begins with feeling understood, supported, and not rushed. I encourage clients to acknowledge their experiences without judgment and support them in developing more compassionate and intentional ways of responding to their thoughts and emotions.

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My therapy style is adaptable and client-centered. Sessions may range from structured and skills-based to conversational or reflective, depending on what feels most helpful at a given time. I value flexibility and see adaptability as an essential component of resilience, particularly when clients are navigating ongoing stress or change. My work emphasizes collaboration, curiosity, and empowerment, helping clients feel supported while also recognizing their capacity for growth and self-direction. 

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Above all, I believe that therapy does not need to begin at a breaking point in order to be meaningful. I view mental health care as a proactive and supportive resource that can enhance overall well-being, self-awareness, and emotional balance. Through a wellness-oriented framework, I help clients identify both areas of challenge and existing strengths, emphasizing growth, sustainability, and self-care rather than perfection or urgency. This perspective allows clients to engage in therapy as an ongoing investment in their emotional health, whether they are navigating acute stress or simply seeking greater clarity and stability in their lives.

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I am pursing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marymount Unversity. I provide mental health diagnosis, assessment and treatment under clinical supervision