Gianna DeGrace, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Gianna’s office is located in Carrollwood, Tampa at:
13801 N Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33618
Anxiety, Depression, Couples Counseling, OCD, ADHD, Grief, Trauma, LGBTQ+, Life Transitions, Stress/Burnout, Fear of Flying, and more..
About Me
My name is Gianna, and I am a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) in Florida. I strive to create a warm, collaborative, nonjudgmental, and accepting space where my clients feel comfortable showing up as their authentic selves.
I have a particular passion for working with adolescents, college students, young adults, and adults. I especially enjoy supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and athletes as they navigate identity, relationships, belonging, self-esteem, performance pressures, and the many transitions that come with different stages of life.
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy playing various sports like pickleball and softball, going to the beach, reading, and spending time with loved ones and my cat, Maple.
Why I Became a Counselor
I became a counselor because I believe that having a space where you can be genuinely heard and understood can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Throughout my own experiences and education, I became drawn to the ways that our relationships, experiences, environments, and beliefs shape how we understand ourselves and navigate the world.I wanted to become a counselor so that I could provide others with the kind of supportive, judgment-free space where they can explore who they are, work through challenges, and feel empowered to make choices that align with the life they want.
I feel privileged to walk alongside my clients as they navigate these experiences. My goal is not to tell you who you should be or what decisions you should make, but to help you better understand yourself, connect with your strengths and values, and feel more confident in deciding what is right for you.
Education, Experience, and Approach
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2023 and my Master of Arts in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida in December 2025, with specializations in Marriage and Family Therapy and Integrated Behavioral Health.
My clinical experience includes working with college students in a university counseling setting, as well as providing behavioral health services within a primary care setting and counseling in private practice. These experiences have allowed me to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and support clients experiencing concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, academic and performance stress, relationships, life transitions, ADHD, identity development, and various other concerns.
My approach to therapy is primarily grounded in person-centered therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I believe meaningful change begins with feeling understood and accepted, so I tailor these approaches to each client’s unique experiences, needs, goals, and values.
Through ACT, I help clients develop psychological flexibility, connect with what matters most to them, and learn how to move toward their values even when difficult thoughts, emotions, or situations arise. I also incorporate CBT techniques to help clients recognize patterns in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and develop practical tools for navigating challenges. I am also trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), which allows me to incorporate an attachment-focused perspective when working with couples and exploring patterns of connection, communication, and emotional needs.
As I complete my clinical licensure hours, I practice under the supervision of a qualified clinical supervisor. I am committed to continuing to grow as a counselor and providing thoughtful, ethical, and individualized care to each person I have the privilege of working with.