A Compassionate Advocate at the Intersection of Military and LGBTQIA+ Mental Health
Maria Giuliana, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and Iowa, stands at the forefront of mental health counseling with a unique specialization in serving the Military and LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as individuals who identify with both. A retired Navy veteran and a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Maria brings a personal understanding and professional expertise that is both rare and invaluable in mental health care. Her commitment to providing informed, affirmative, and inclusive care is reflected in every aspect of her practice, from her approach to therapy to the design of her forms.
Military Specialty: A Veteran Serving Veterans
With 20 years of distinguished service in the US Navy, Maria's deep connection to the military community informs her therapeutic approach. She understands the unique challenges faced by military personnel and veterans, including the complexities of military trauma. Maria is an advocate for holistic well-being, employing an integrative humanistic experiential model of therapy that is evidence-based, trauma-informed, and cross-culturally competent. As the Military Services Committee Chair for the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association (FMHCA) and a Qualified Supervisor for Mental Health Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy, she is dedicated to advancing the mental health of veterans and their families, offering a safe space for healing and growth.
LGBTQIA+ Specialty: A Community Member and Advocate
Maria's advocacy extends to the LGBTQIA+ community, where she is not only a member but also a passionate ally. Her practice, Beyond The Matter Counseling and Consulting Services LLC, provides an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to explore their identities and navigate life's challenges. Maria's expertise is underscored by her contributions to professional publications and presentations, including works like "Beyond The Rainbow: Addressing Moral Injury in LGBTQIA+ Mental Health" and "Ethical Considerations When Working With LGBTQ+ Veterans." Through her presentations at local, state, and national conferences, Maria educates other mental health professionals on counselor competency related to LGBTQIA+ and Military populations, championing best practices and transformative change.
Integrative Approach to Healing
Maria applies an evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally competent model of therapy, integrating humanistic and experiential techniques to support her
clients' journeys towards healing. Her approach is personalized to meet the unique needs of each individual, fostering a therapeutic environment where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. Maria's practice is a testament to her unwavering commitment to both personal and professional growth, bridging mental health professionals with the nuanced experiences of veterans and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Maria Giuliana is not only a counselor but a beacon of hope, guiding her clients through their most challenging moments with empathy, expertise, and unwavering support. As the founder of Beyond The Matter Counseling and Consulting Services LLC and the President-elect of the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association, Maria's leadership and advocacy continue to make significant contributions to the mental health field, ensuring that every individual receives the compassionate and competent care they deserve.
All Creatures Great and Small
Maria's world is full of wagging tails and purring companions outside the virtual counseling room, with four dogs (often seen snoozing in the background), seven garage cats, and even the occasional opossum dropping by for a snack. She believes in sharing, caring, and creating a community, not just for people but for every four-legged friend that crosses her path.