I would describe myself as a goofy and radically empathetic therapist that struggles with severe ADHD and also anxiety. Not to mention the grief! I am big on being vulnerable myself. We must lead by example. I also am a strong believer in the power of connection. If you cannot connect with your therapist, research says that therapy is not likely to be effective. I prioritize the therapeutic relationship above all else. That is my foundation. That means I pride myself on not being a robot. I cannot believe I have to say this, but many students in therapy have told me that they have had robotic therapist. That is not me. I believe the most powerful therapeutic techniques are empathy and unconditional love, and those are the values I do my best to display consistently. I currently provide individual counseling to students at Miami Dade College and I have found that I really enjoy working with college students that recently graduated from high school. I find that the world treats them cruelly at such an overwhelming time of their lives and they deserve unconditional love, not tough love.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Well, I believe it would be hard to help a person without getting to know them. So I prioritize getting to know you first! And I move at your pace. I would never force anyone to share something they are not ready to share. I know this process is not easy, so I do all that I can to meet you where you are at.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I believe my greatest strength as a provider is my unorthodox, radically empathetic approach. I also believe that one of my strengths is my ability to get creative. I am good at collecting a persons beliefs, values, worldview and using all three to help them. That is because I believe another one of my strengths is my ability to think less of me and what I know. This benefits the people I help because I prioritize thinking more about them and what they know, and what they want. Another one of my greatest strengths is my ability to create powerful therapeutic relationships that make change more likely. I like to believe I am above average at creating a safe space that is free of judgement and stuffed with empathy. Lastly, I consider myself a solution focused guru. I was trained by a woman who was trained by one of the creators of solution focused therapy so I do believe that I was trained effectively.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I am best positioned to serve a client that is ready to examine themselves and believes in their capacity to change. Even within the hopeless there is still tiny glimmers of hope. All I need is that tiny glimmer of hope to make an impact. I work best with people with anxiety who overthink and struggle with fear/doubt. I say that because I am someone who overthinks as well, but have been able to use that struggle to help others. I also pride myself on being able to help those who have convinced themselves that they are incapable of improving. The type of person that has had a lack of success with multiple therapist. The type of person that has doubts when it comes to therapy and its effectiveness. Odds are they have doubts for a valid reason and I am good at exploring that reason and opening minds to a new perspective on therapy. My unorthodox approach may not be for everyone, but I have found it to be effective based on feedback I have received over the years. I would also say that I am big on cracking jokes even in dark times. Laughter is great medicine for the soul and it is ok to laugh it out from time to time! I would also describe myself as a therapist that prioritizes connecting with the people I work with. And vulnerability is the birthplace of connection so I do not shy away from getting vulnerable myself. If you are in therapy with me as your therapist, you will get to know me as a person if you want to. I do not shy away from sharing vulnerable parts of me because if you are expected to do that I believe that I must do it as well. I am also the type of therapist to keep it humble. My degree and license are not what makes me a good therapist and they are not something I enjoy showing off. I believe what makes me a good therapist is my burning desire to remain as empathetic as possible. And empathy has taught me that I am not better than anyone else. Learning to navigate life is not a competition or a race, and I am not afraid to admit that I struggle with navigating life as well. That does not mean I am lacking of joy. That does not mean I do not enjoy life. It means I am human. I believe I work best with people in the 12 to 30 age range, but I have worked with people of all ages and am open to all ages.

About Gabe Lamas

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