LMSW-C, 4 years of experience
Hi there, and thank you for visiting my profile. My name is Gabi, and I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). During my graduate training, I focused on mastering Aaron Beck’s CBT approach, which continues to guide my work in helping clients develop insight, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful change. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling and am credentialed to provide Substance Use Disorder (SUD) therapy. I completed advanced Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) training through the Dialectical Behavioral Institute in Michigan, and I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I also hold specialized certifications in ADHD (CCSP), anger management (CSAM), anxiety treatment (CCATP), and mood disorders. My clinical experience includes work as a residential therapist, in a faith-based private practice, facilitating counseling services in correctional facilities, and in hospital emergency psychiatric units supporting individuals in crisis. I also provide clinical supervision to other therapists. I primarily work with adults 18 and older, offering a safe, supportive, and professional environment. My approach is collaborative and evidence-based, integrating CBT and DBT techniques to promote balance, resilience, and personal growth.
In our first session, we’ll spend about an hour to an hour and a half completing a psychosocial assessment. This will help me learn about your background, current challenges, support system, and any pressing matters you’d like me to know that day—essentially, what brings you to therapy and what you hope to work on. The information we discuss helps me understand your needs and provide the most effective care possible. At the end of the session, we’ll identify the main goals you’d like to focus on—typically two to start with. From there, I’ll create your master treatment plan and send you a draft to review before we finalize it together in your second session. Because I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), sessions are structured, goal-oriented, and designed to help you make meaningful progress, typically following a 12-week treatment framework tailored to your individual needs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.