Hello! I specialize as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) therapist. I believe in CBT’s effectiveness, which addresses the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By helping clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, CBT promotes healthier thinking and behaviors. It is effective for issues like anxiety, depression, and stress, providing essential coping strategies and problem-solving skills. My sessions are grounded in extensive training and an ethical framework, focusing on your progress and fostering a trusting environment for healing and personal growth.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our sessions, you will guide the direction of our discussions, which typically last about an hour. In the first session, we will explore your reasons for seeking therapy and share some personal insights to build rapport. My aim is to create a safe, non-judgmental space for you. I will conduct a comprehensive psychosocial assessment to understand your background, challenges, and strengths, which will help us focus on what matters most to you. If time permits, I will also begin preparing a Master Treatment Plan to present in our second session, serving as a roadmap for our therapeutic journey.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am dedicated to my work in therapy, guiding individuals through their unique challenges. I have seen the transformative power of therapy, which inspires my commitment to helping others find meaning and joy in their lives. As a Residential Therapist at Sacred Heart, I supported individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) through comprehensive assessments and personalized therapy and group sessions. My experience at Catholic Charities Services allowed me to incorporate a faith-based perspective in mental health, deepening my understanding of spirituality in healing. I also led group therapy education at Saint Clair County Jail, focusing on mental wellness. In addition, I worked in the Psychiatric Emergency Department at McLaren Macomb Hospital, where I developed rapid assessment and intervention skills. After gaining experience in private practices, I established my own practice, collaborating with Grow Therapy to create a supportive environment for growth and healing in our community.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Behavioral health focuses on improving mental well-being and addressing psychological issues. Clients with moderate symptoms often show significant progress, particularly with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which typically yields improvements within about 12 weeks. Active participation is crucial. My training enables me to customize therapy sessions to each individual's needs, creating a supportive environment that empowers clients on their recovery journey.
About Gabriela Vega (Gabi)
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110 S 3rd St, Saint Clair, MI 48079, Suite 120Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my early college years, I discovered my fascination with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which grew during my graduate studies. CBT is a practical approach that helps people reshape their thoughts and behaviors by exploring the connections between them. It provides tools to tackle negative thinking patterns, aiming to ease mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. Ultimately, CBT empowers individuals to develop healthier coping strategies and foster a more positive outlook, enhancing their overall well-being.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I find Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) particularly effective because it offers a compassionate toolkit to help people manage their emotional distress and regain control over their lives. Unlike Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on structured thought patterns, DBT embraces a holistic approach, including skills training, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. This empowers individuals to face challenges with resilience and fosters lasting personal growth, bringing hope and healing on their journey.
Grief Therapy
As a therapist, I understand the deep impact of grief, shaped by my own experiences, including the loss of my father at 11, my sister Julissa at 43, and my daughter, who tragically took her own life at 20. Initially, I didn't view Grief Loss Therapy as my calling, but after my daughter's loss, I found healing through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and the support of my family and a compassionate therapist. Now, I focus on helping others navigate their grief. In our sessions, we create a safe space to share pain, discuss memories, and face difficult emotions. Together, we develop coping strategies to manage triggers in daily life, with the goal of supporting your healing journey and finding meaning in your loss.
Supportive
Living with a mental health condition presents unique challenges that can be overwhelming but also foster personal growth. Daily obstacles such as anxiety, sadness, or anger can test resilience and encourage the development of coping strategies. Supportive therapy is vital, focusing on active listening and emotional validation in a nurturing environment. I strive to create a safe space for individuals to express their feelings without judgment. This empathetic connection allows for vulnerability, an essential part of personal development.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness therapy is an essential part of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as it helps to foster a strong mind-body connection. To effectively integrate mindfulness, I introduce clients to various practices that enhance their awareness. Deep breathing exercises help ground them in the present moment, body scans promote compassionate awareness of physical sensations, mindful walking encourages engagement with the environment, and mindful eating cultivates an appreciation for nourishing their bodies. These practices enable clients to observe their thoughts and feelings in real time, ultimately assisting them in managing stress, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation while building self-awareness and coping skills.