My name is Alisa Spilkia “Gabbi”, a Native of Colombia South America. I have a BA from Hofstra University Long Island, NY where I majored in Mass Communications and continued a career in Audio Radio Broadcasting Media. Having worked for some of the largest record labels in the music industry of that time including Arista, Polygram and Universal Records in NYC and Warner Brothers. Here I learned how to find talent in assisting people with their goals and dreams and be the liaison for artists and repertoire development while dealing with the large demands of the corporate record labels. This moved me into a career in social work upon moving to North Carolina. My life’s passion became to empower others to find and utilize their strengths in the world using a vast array of interventions. Being an orphan myself, my heart resides with the children which is why I made my area of expertise in working with their parents and adults with often co-occurring disorders. I am proficient in working with marginalized populations with co-morbidities, BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and SPMI populations. I establish trust and rapport by expressing empathy and compassion while exemplifying boundaries using an integrative approach for optimum wellness of mind, body, and spirit. I enjoy assisting people who are challenged by anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and histories of abuse. I strive to be your guide on the side while helping you navigate your way to achieving the goals you set for yourself and to live a more fulfilling and rewarding life.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
We will do introductions, build rapport, and address any immediate needs.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
For over two decades using my Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Master level's degree in counseling I have empathetically utilized life's experiences and coaching styles while using various evidence-based techniques of acceptance and commitment therapy, DBT, CBT, and other various alternative modalities. I specialize in gender-specific trauma work, LGBTQIA sensitivities, addictions and other cultural diversity sensitivities. I have been specializing in persons with severely persistent mental illness for twenty years. I have used feministic theory and Gestalt. I am also a big fan of Jungarian work. I have both personal and professional years of experience as a person with long-term recovery and am clean and sober.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I specialize in gender-specific trauma work, LGBTQIA sensitivities, addictions and other cultural diversity sensitivities.I have been in the mental health substance abuse profession for the past twenty years in North Carolina. I have a BA from Hofstra University NYC and then graduated with an MSW, where I obtained my LCSW, LCAS, and MAC degrees. I have a range of experience in various settings in community mental health and private settings. In addition to my clinical training, I have expert training in holistic and ceremonial practices. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree from Western Carolina University as well I've obtained a National Master’s Addictions in Counseling certification. I have been practicing with a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Master's degree since 2014. I practice an outside-the-box craft while using strategies of non-judgment and unconditional positive reinforcement.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I specialize in gender-specific trauma work, LGBTQIA sensitivities, addictions and other cultural diversity sensitivities. I have worked with grief, family dynamic trauma work and I worked twenty years with addictions and SPMI.