Giana Simonelli, MA, LAC, is a Licensed Associate Counselor based in New Jersey with extensive experience working across higher levels of care, including Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) serving adolescents and their families. Her clinical work is grounded in affirming, trauma-informed, and relational approaches, with particular emphasis on supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals, marginalized communities, and clients navigating identity development, anxiety and depression, emotional regulation, and complex life transitions. Giana integrates evidence-based modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and person-centered frameworks, while prioritizing authenticity, accessibility, and real-world applicability in both clinical and educational spaces. She is especially passionate about bridging the gap between theory and practice, helping clinicians build confidence in applying skills ethically, compassionately, and effectively with diverse populations. In addition to her clinical work, Giana is actively involved in professional education, advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She contributes to professional conferences, trainings, and clinician-focused programming. Her professional interests include mental health equity, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, reproductive and fertility-related mental health, and clinician sustainability. As an educator, Giana brings a warm, direct, and engaging style that centers clinical competence, ethical practice, and reflective growth. She is committed to creating learning environments that are inclusive, practical, and grounded in the realities clinicians face in their everyday work.