Gina Gaston, PhD
Hi I’m Gina! Do you know that everyone feels overwhelmed from time to time?
I am a strength-based practitioner that believes that every client has strengths that can be used to change and get better.
Balancing the demands of life, family, and work can be challenging. I have PhD and MSW from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I am a highly trained therapist with experience helping people recover and achieve their personal and professional goals. My approach is filtered through a diverse lens that views all clients as having the ability to work through challenges. Sometimes all you need is a little help to move forward. Building upon your strengths and past coping mechanisms will help you develop better ways of managing stress and conflict. There are many interventions such as meditation, cognitive behavioral, family systems and solution focused therapy that can be used to tackle the issues affecting your emotional wellbeing. I know seeking therapy can feel scary, but you are making the right decision. Contact me today so we can discuss how therapy can help you.
First session
I believe rapport building is ongoing and requires open and non-judgmental communication. I spend time getting to know every person in order to create an environment where they feel comfortable working through very sensitive areas of their life. I will work at your pace because I know you have to get to know me before you feel comfortable and supported in your life journey.
Strengths
I work well with clients who are seeking to heal from trauma and those who have anxiety and depression. I can also incorporate spirituality into the therapeutic process.
Ideal clients
Individual therapy, couples counseling, teenagers and adults of any age.
Treatment methods
Strength-Based
Throughout my career, my clients have taught me that strength and resiliency often develops from life challenges. Oftentimes, clients either forget or are unaware of their strength in times of difficulty. I spend time getting to know the problem issues of the client. Then I ask questions about ways they have overcome tough situations in the past. This information is used to create a holistic treatment plan that includes the clients own strengths to meet present challenges.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Black / African American
Christian
Person of Color (POC)
Woman
Top specialties
Addiction
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Other specialties
Anger Management
Grief
Mood Disorders
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Racism
Self Esteem
Sexual Abuse
Spirituality
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
IllinoisLicense 149009190