(she/her)
Hey there, I’m Dr. Gittelson (you can call me Dr. G. for short) and I'm a licensed clinical psychologist. I know how difficult it can be to start therapy, and if you are reading this then you have already taken a step to getting started and that is a huge win! Whether you are seeking therapy in-person or from the comfort of your couch (pet cameos are always welcome), I aim to create a space that is grounded, supportive, and free of judgement. I am so glad that you are here! If you’re interested, below is a little more about how I developed my clinical background and areas of training: My path in psychology began at Florida International University, where I earned my B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. I later completed my Psy.D. at Nova Southeastern University, with training in neuropsychological assessment as well as clinical work in foster care and the dependency court system. During my doctoral internship at the Mental Health Center of Florida, I worked across community mental health, family court, and private clinical settings with a wide range of individuals and families. I went on to complete my postdoctoral fellowship at Alliance for Psychological Services, where I provided therapy and psychological assessments in forensic and high-intensity settings, including court-mandated work involving family court, dependency court, and the Department of Corrections. Today, I provide both therapy and psychological assessment. My clinical work often centers around anxiety, depression, trauma histories, life transitions, and complex family dynamics. I also have a strong interest in sports and performance psychology, particularly in supporting athletes and high-performing individuals who want to strengthen the connection between mental and physical performance.
Our first session will focus on what brought you to therapy and getting a clear understanding of your history, current concerns, and goals. This helps us begin building a treatment plan that feels personalized and aligned with what matters most to you. While the first session is often more exploratory in nature, it is also the start of the work where we begin identifying patterns, clarifying goals, and introducing tools that may be helpful right away. In our ongoing sessions, we continue putting that plan into action using practical therapeutic skills both in and outside of sessions. Some strategies will resonate more than others, and that’s part of the process; we work together to find what actually fits you. Many of my clients find that the progress they make between sessions becomes an important part of their growth.
My greatest strengths as a therapist are my ability to quickly create a grounded space and help clients move beyond insight into meaningful, practical change. I take a straightforward, collaborative approach that blends clinical structure with flexibility, so sessions feel both supportive and focused without being rigid. I care deeply about my clients, but I also believe that meaningful change requires more than validation alone. Sometimes therapy involves having conversations that are uncomfortable, noticing patterns you would rather avoid, or hearing feedback that challenges your perspective. I won't be harsh, but I also won't dance around the things that matter. Together, we'll focus on understanding what's keeping you stuck and identifying practical steps toward change. I also recognize that life moves quickly and what feels urgent today can shift by tomorrow, and new stressors or challenges can show up just as you are starting to make sense of the last one. Because of that, I focus on meeting you where you are in real time, helping you address what needs attention most right now while still keeping an eye on the bigger patterns underneath it all.
I have worked with both voluntary and court-mandated clients, which has shaped my ability to meet people wherever they are in the self-development process; whether they feel ready for change or still unsure. I also have experience in psychological assessment and a strong interest in working with athletes and high-performing individuals who are looking to strengthen their overall performance, both mentally and emotionally. At the same time, I work with a wide range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, and life transitions. Whether someone is navigating a specific challenge or seeking general growth, I aim to provide a space that is both supportive and practical, helping clients build insight while developing tools they can use in their everyday lives.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I frequently draw from CBT to help clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. Together, we identify unhelpful thought patterns, challenge cognitive distortions, and develop more balanced, realistic ways of thinking.
Forensic Psychology
I have experience working with both voluntary and court-mandated clients in community mental health, private practice, and forensic settings. Through my training, I have provided therapy and psychological assessments for individuals involved in family court, dependency court, and correctional systems. My forensic psychology background has strengthened my ability to help clients navigate accountability, behavior change, interpersonal conflict, and major life transitions while maintaining a supportive therapeutic environment.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use mindfulness-based approaches to help clients build a stronger connection between their mind and body. This means learning to notice thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations as they happen, so clients can better understand how stress shows up in their body and mind. Over time, this awareness can support calmer responses, improved emotional regulation, and a greater sense of balance in daily life.
Motivational Interviewing
I use MI to help clients explore their goals and get unstuck when they feel uncertain about change. This approach is collaborative and focuses on helping clients clarify what matters most to them and what might be getting in the way. Rather than pushing for change, I support clients in building their own motivation and confidence so they can make decisions that feel meaningful and sustainable.
Eclectic
Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. As such, my approach is eclectic in nature, and I pull from these different methods as needed.