LCSW, 9 years of experience
Hello and welcome! I'm Gassia. I graduated with my Master's in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2016. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, one of my main goals as a therapist is to empower individuals, parents and teens, and couples to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives by fostering positive connections and enhancing emotional well-being. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and work toward personal growth and relationship improvement. By promoting open communication, empathy, and understanding, I aim to help clients develop healthier coping skills, gain insight into their challenges, and build stronger connections with themselves and others. Ultimately, I seek to be a catalyst for positive change and empower my clients to navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence. When I'm not working, I like to spend my time in nature, at the gym, or with my friends and family. I love to travel and explore new places. Over the last few years, I have realized how important grounding myself is for my mental health, so I try my best to incorporate mindfulness practices in my day to day.
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin building a foundation of trust. I’ll ask you some questions to understand what brought you in, what challenges you're facing, and what goals you may have for therapy. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with—there’s no pressure to have everything figured out. We’ll also go over confidentiality, what therapy can look like, and how we can work together. This is your space, and I want it to feel safe, supportive, and tailored to your needs. You can also use this time to ask any questions you may have about the process, my approach, or anything else on your mind. Above all, this session is about beginning a collaborative relationship—one that supports your growth, insight, and healing.
I am passionate about fostering positive relationships between teens and parents. My focus is on building strong connections that empower both teenagers and their families to navigate the complexities of adolescence together. With a deep understanding of the challenges young minds face in today's world, I'm committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment. My approach is rooted in compassion, communication, and understanding, as I firmly believe that open dialogue is the foundation for growth and transformation.
I am interested in working with couples, or teen/parent relationships.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.