Oliver-Pyatt Centers IOP/TLP Clinical Director Giulia Suro, PhD gives an inside look into her work at OPC. In her post, Giulia shares her personal journey to OPC and how she and her team support women on their journeys to full recovery. Read on to learn more about Giulia and the IOP/TLP team…
What is your name and what are your credentials?
My name is Giulia Suro and I am licensed clinical psychologist.
Please give us a brief description of your background.
I completed my undergraduate degree, receiving a BA in Psychology at University of Southern California and went on to pursue my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Colombia University in New York City. It was during this program that I exposed myself to a wide range of clinical experiences including non-profit community mental health, inpatient psychiatric settings and even spent two years working in Rikers Island Jail. I realized I most enjoyed working with individuals experiencing severe symptoms of psychological distress and pursued my Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at University of Miami. I spent my third year as a doctoral student working in OPC’s Intensive Outpatient Program as a “prac” a few days a week. I really fell in love with OPC as a setting, its treatment philosophy as well as the meaningful work we’re able to do with the women who come here for care. I returned as a Postdoctoral Resident and spent two years as a primary therapist in the Comprehensive programs before transitioning to Clinical Director of IOP/TLP.
What does a typical day look like for you at OPC?
One of the things I love most about my job is that there is no real typical day. Time is divided between running groups, individual client sessions, supervision, family calls, seminars and administrative meetings. I recently established a weekly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) consultation group with the other clinicians conducting ACT groups, and that has quickly become my favorite hour of the week.
In your own words, please describe the philosophy of OPC.
I think there are several threads that come together to create the OPC philosophy. The first is a commitment to individualized care and treating the unique needs of each woman who comes here for help. Along these lines, I believe we are very open to thinking outside the box in our effort to fully eradicate the eating disorder. This may include specialized therapeutic approaches, passes and exposures. Additionally, I believe all of our providers convey the message that the women are deserving of a meaningful life free of shame and suffering. This is conveyed in therapy, groups, meals and all interactions with staff.
How does your team work together? How do your roles overlap and differ?
I am constantly blown away by the IOP team. We are small but mighty! Each of the therapists, dieticians and recovery coaches are so very passionate for and committed to their job. We are consistently discussing how we can creatively continue to support our clients in their recoveries and I love that every member of the team sets a bar of full recovery for each woman we treat. We often come together as a well-oiled machine in multidisciplinary treatment teams to tackle the ED from all angles and push our clients toward recovery as a united front.
What is your favorite thing about OPC?
What first inspired me about OPC was the staff who work here and the culture they created. It is a daily gift to be able to work alongside brilliant, bold, women who are dedicated to helping those with eating disorders. We support one another in achieving our professional goals as well as in having a healthy work-life balance.
What are three facts about you that people do not know?
I usually wake up before the sun comes up to do yoga and meditate.
I love tomatoes so much I designed a garden where I could grow my own.
I have dog named Jack and he is truly magical!
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