Hello and welcome! I’m Gassia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California (2016). I provide a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop healthier coping skills, and build resilience. I have extensive experience working with teens, couples, and student-athletes; helping teens manage life stressors and develop healthy coping strategies, supporting couples in building stronger relationships and navigating life transitions, and working with student-athletes on the unique challenges and pressures faced by individuals who are expected to excel in their respective sports while simultaneously managing their mental well-being.
During your first session, I’ll ask some questions to better understand what brought you here, the challenges you’re facing, and the goals you’d like to work toward. We’ll also review confidentiality, what therapy might look like, and how we can best work together. Remember, this is your space, and my goal is for it to feel safe, supportive, and tailored to your needs.
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is my natural ability to create a warm and welcoming environment. I like to build a strong, trusting relationship first, as I believe meaningful change happens when clients feel safe and understood. From there, I tailor therapy to each person. With teens, that often means helping with stress, emotions, and finding healthier ways to cope. With couples, it’s about improving communication and working through patterns that keep them stuck. With student-athletes, I focus on things like performance pressure, anxiety, focus, and learning how to balance sport with everything else going on in life.
I’m especially passionate about working with couples as well as teens. Specifically helping parents and teens build healthier connections.
Attachment-based
I use an attachment-based approach to help clients understand how early relationship patterns influence their current emotions and relationships. By creating a safe, supportive space, we work to heal past wounds and build healthier ways of connecting with others and with yourself.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. Together, we develop practical tools and strategies to create lasting, positive change.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help clients understand the deeper emotions and attachment needs driving their relationship patterns. By identifying negative cycles and creating space for new, more vulnerable ways of connecting, EFT supports healing, emotional safety, and stronger, more secure relationships—whether in individual or couples work.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
In my practice, I integrate mindfulness-based therapy to encourage clients to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice enhances self-awareness and helps them develop healthier coping strategies for stress and emotional challenges.
Motivational Interviewing
In my practice, I use motivational interviewing to actively listen and engage clients in conversations that explore their personal motivations and barriers to change. By supporting them to articulate their own goals and values, I help increase their confidence and readiness to take meaningful steps toward positive transformation.