Gianna Catania - Thomas
Hi! I am an LCSW with 4 years of experience. I received my Bachelor of Social Work degree from Mars Hill University in 2021. I earned my Master of Social Work degree with a focus in clinical social work from East Tennessee State University in 2022. I have worked in variety of settings including private practice and agencies.
First session
After our first session, I hope you feel heard, respected, and comfortable being your authentic self. Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, so my goal is for you to leave feeling that you have found a safe, judgment-free space where your thoughts and feelings are welcome. You don’t need to have everything figured out—we can take things one step at a time. Most importantly, I hope you leave with a sense of connection, hope, and confidence that you don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
Strengths
As an LCSW, I take a warm, client-centered approach to therapy, creating a space where you can feel safe, supported, and truly heard. I draw from evidence-based practices including CBT, DBT, EMDR, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to tailor our work to your unique needs and goals. Whether we’re building coping skills, processing past experiences, or helping you reconnect with your strengths, my goal is to support meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with clients who are ready to better understand themselves, work through life’s challenges, and create meaningful change. My ideal clients may be navigating anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, low self-esteem, or difficult past experiences, and are looking for a safe space to process what they’re going through. I especially value working with clients who want a therapist who will listen without judgment, meet them where they are, and work collaboratively with them toward their goals. Whether you’re taking your first steps into therapy or continuing your personal growth, I welcome you exactly as you are.
Origin story
I chose to become a therapist because I’ve always been passionate about helping people feel seen, heard, and supported through the challenges life brings. I believe that having someone who truly listens without judgment can make a meaningful difference, especially during times when you may feel overwhelmed or alone. Being able to walk alongside clients as they gain insight, build confidence, heal from difficult experiences, and create a life that feels more fulfilling is incredibly meaningful to me. I feel honored to be trusted with each client’s story and to be part of their journey toward growth and positive change.
Ongoing work together
Ongoing therapy sessions will be a collaborative space where we can slow down, check in, and focus on what feels most important to you. Each session may look a little different depending on what you’re experiencing and the goals we’re working toward. We’ll talk through challenges, explore patterns and emotions, build practical coping skills, and celebrate your progress along the way. My goal is for therapy to feel supportive and purposeful, while giving you the space to grow at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Together, we’ll regularly check in on your goals and make sure our work continues to feel relevant to where you are in your life.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, we identify patterns that may be contributing to stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, or other challenges and explore more balanced and helpful ways of thinking. Sessions may include identifying unhelpful thought patterns, challenging negative self-talk, developing practical coping skills, and setting small, realistic goals between sessions. I use CBT collaboratively, tailoring the approach to each client rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. My goal is to help clients develop tools they can use both in and outside of therapy to feel more confident and empowered in managing life’s challenges.
EMDR
I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients work through distressing or traumatic experiences that may continue to affect how they feel, think, or respond in the present. EMDR is a structured, trauma-focused approach that helps you process difficult experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Together, we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you and focus on building a sense of safety and stability before processing more difficult experiences. My goal is to help you develop a healthier relationship with your past experiences so they feel less overwhelming and have less power over your present.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into my work to help clients build emotional regulation skills, increase distress tolerance, and strengthen interpersonal effectiveness. I support clients in learning practical strategies to manage overwhelming emotions, navigate challenging relationships, and respond to stress in healthier ways. Through a compassionate, collaborative approach, I help clients develop mindfulness, increase self-awareness, and balance self-acceptance with meaningful change. My goal is to empower clients with tools they can use in their everyday lives to foster resilience, improve relationships, and enhance overall well-being.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I help clients learn to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and feel more present in their everyday lives. Using mindfulness-based strategies, we explore ways to manage stress, navigate overwhelming emotions, and become more aware of thought patterns without getting caught up in them. I encourage clients to approach themselves with curiosity and compassion as they build skills to feel more grounded, respond to challenges intentionally, and create greater balance in their lives.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
I use a solution-focused approach to help clients identify their strengths, explore possibilities, and create realistic steps toward their goals. Rather than focusing only on problems, we work together to recognize what is going well and build on the resources and abilities clients already have. My goal is to empower clients to recognize their potential, build confidence, and create meaningful, lasting change at their own pace.
Location
Virtual sessions