Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr Todd.
Hi Dr Todd, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a medical family, visiting my parents’ work and discussing medical issues at dinner. So in college I went pre-med, assuming I would work in some area of oncology. I took a pre-med class on the future of medicine and was struck by the impact of insurance, with physicians spending less and less contact time with their patients. That wasn’t what I wanted. And in that class we read a study by Spiegel that showed women with breast cancer who participated in group therapy had better survival rates. They weren’t cured, but talk therapy had an impact on cancer. So I pivoted to Health Psychology and Psycho-oncology. I got my PhD, worked for many years in hospitals, ICU, pain management, end of life care, adjusting to diagnosis, and teasing apart the mental and physical. Now I bring that perspective into private practice – where I treat not just the mental but we look at all the interconnected aspects of oneself in my Health 360 approach.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve been pretty lucky. I have had good mentors and family support, colleagues looking out for me. And I have taken a few leaps of faith that worked out! There are always moments of doubt, especially since mental health is not an exact science, and some days I question if I helped that patient in the way they needed. But the work is so rewarding that the hard times feel worth it, and things always work out the way they were meant to.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dr Todd Giardina aka Therapy, Without the Couch. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a psychologist but you can call me therapist or coach. There are lots of mental health professionals out there, but I do a few things a little differently. First, I consider the whole person, not just the mental – we look at the physical, spiritual, social, sexual, political, interpersonal and so on. Mental health is more than mental. Secondly, I “speak” both male and female language, which helps me in my work with couples in “translating” what he or she was saying. This skill also helps me role play with women patients how their male partners may think or respond in certain situations. Finally, I offer concierge style care – we can have extended sessions, virtual sessions when you travel, I provide text support as needed, and tailor the treatment to fit your needs and personality. (I also have a blog and podcast, and forthcoming book, “Therapy, Without the Couch,” as a way of giving away some of my advice and tips, knowing not everyone can financially access my services.)
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people are surprised to hear that in my personal life I can by shy, introverted, and socially anxious. It’s so different being in the therapist’s chair or speaking on a stage, because my role is clear, and I know you came to speak with me. At cocktail parties and networking events, I often worry if I am bothering people, are they even interested in what I’m saying, am I being annoying?
That, and I have been in and out of my own therapy for many, many years. For the aforementioned anxiety, but just because life throws things at you and I take my own medicine. I can’t recommend therapy if I’m not willing to do it myself. But so often people are surprised because the belief is that the doctor should not need treatment. But we ALL can benefit from therapy, and it’s long overdue to put aside that stigma.
Pricing:
- Session fees range from $250-350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.drtoddgiardina.com
- Instagram: @drtoddgiardina
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrToddGiardinaPsychologist/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-giardina-phd-8b380512?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/therapy-without-the-couch/id1775722410
