Giancarlo Pia , LMSW, LCSW

Giancarlo Pia is a licensed clinical social worker with nearly two decades of experience supporting people through life transitions and mental health challenges. He holds licensure in Michigan as an LMSW-Clinical (licensed master social worker, licensed in 2014) and in California as an LCSW (licensed clinical social worker, licensed in 2008). With 19 years of practice, he has worked with individuals and families facing anxiety, trauma, depression, grief and loss, family conflict, parenting difficulties, and substance use and recovery.

He has provided substantial clinical support to members of the LGBTIA+ community and to people who identify as gender fluid or non-binary, bringing sensitivity to identity-related concerns alongside experience addressing relationship issues, anger, self-esteem, and mood disorders. His work also extends to areas such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, chronic illness and pain, and blended family dynamics, reflecting a broad clinical focus on both individual and family systems.

Pia approaches therapy from a strengths-based stance, emphasizing that clients are the experts on their own stories and possess resources to help them change. He frames the choice to seek support as an act of courage and aims to empower clients as they pursue more fulfilling, resilient lives. He positions himself as a collaborator and supporter in the process of change.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Giancarlo Pia draws on several evidence-informed approaches to tailor care to each person he works with. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients clarify their values, develop psychological flexibility, and take committed action toward meaningful life goals; it is often useful for anxiety, avoidance, and challenges related to life change. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating an empathic, nonjudgmental space where the therapist reflects and supports the client's own problem-solving, which can be especially helpful for relationship concerns, self-esteem, and identity exploration. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) addresses the links between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through practical strategies for managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Pia works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods fit best with their needs, goals, and personal preferences. He adapts techniques over time as priorities and circumstances evolve.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for many clients, allowing sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different schedules and communication styles. These options can make it easier to maintain consistent care and to integrate therapeutic work into everyday life with greater accessibility and convenience.