Hi there! I’m Gabriela. I’m so pleased you stopped by.
One of the most meaningful roles in my life is being a mother. My daughter inspires me daily to pursue growth, resilience, and purpose. She reminds me why courage, healing, and self-belief matter not just in words, but in action.
Growing up often near the ocean or on bike trails shaped my love for the outdoors. Whether it’s walking a wooded path, sitting by the ocean, or enjoying a quiet bonfire in my backyard, nature helps me reset and reconnect.
In recent years, I’ve also discovered a love for baking, which, while not “picture-worthy,” is very tasty. I’m always open to learning something new in the kitchen, which reminds me that growth can be both humbling and joyful!
Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Lewis University
…about my favorite hiking experience.
…what I’m currently learning to bake.
…about the next place on my nature travel list!
Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Lewis University
Truly impactful therapy begins with a strong relationship. Healing happens within connection, and the relationship between client and therapist serves as a safe, consistent space where trust develops over time. As a trauma-informed counselor, I recognize that many individuals may not have experienced relationships rooted in safety, respect, and emotional attunement. As a partner to my clients, I strive to model a healthy, well-defined, and compassionate therapeutic relationship supporting growth, self-understanding, and empowerment.
My goal is to create an environment where clients feel seen, heard, and supported as they move toward healing at their own pace. My work is guided by a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centered approach. I integrate an understanding of attachment patterns and somatic responses, helping clients make sense of how past experiences shape present challenges.
A session with me is collaborative, conversational, and intentional. I hold a calm and steady space for clients where we can speak openly without fear of judgment. At times, I may gently challenge patterns or offer observations to deepen insight. Other moments may feel reflective and exploratory, allowing space for emotion and processing. I balance warmth with structure, helping you build practical tools while also understanding the deeper roots of what you’re experiencing. Above all, you can expect authenticity, professionalism, and a therapist who is fully present and human with you.
I earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis University. My training emphasized ethical practice, diagnostic assessment, trauma-informed care, and clinical treatment planning. I work with adolescents (13+) and young and older adults navigating trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, and life transitions. I also specialize in supporting survivors of trauma in rebuilding safety and self-worth. My approach integrates trauma-informed care, person-centered therapy, strengths-based practices, and attachment-informed work.
Reaching out for therapy takes tremendous courage and can feel vulnerable for even the strongest person. Whether you are navigating a recent challenge or carrying experiences from long ago, you do not have to do it alone.
I look forward to getting to know you. Not just your struggles, but also your strengths, values, and hopes for life. As your therapeutic partner, I will be with you every step of the way to support your journey with humanity and commitment as we work together to write your next, best chapter!
Here are answers to questions I hear from clients most often!
Therapy provides a space to slow down and better understand what’s contributing to anxiety or emotional overwhelm. This may include identifying patterns in thoughts, stress responses, or life circumstances. Over time, therapy helps you develop more effective ways of coping, feel more grounded, and regain a sense of control.
Trauma-informed therapy is an approach that recognizes how past experiences can impact how you think, feel, and respond to the world. It emphasizes safety, trust, and collaboration, allowing you to explore your experiences at your own pace without feeling pressured or overwhelmed. The goal is to support healing in a way that feels manageable and empowering.
Yes. I offer bilingual therapy services in both English and Spanish for clients in Naperville and the surrounding western suburbs of Chicago. For many individuals, being able to express themselves in their preferred language can make therapy feel more natural, comfortable, and effective.
You might benefit from trauma therapy if you notice ongoing patterns such as feeling on edge, emotionally numb, easily triggered, or stuck in certain reactions or memories. Trauma doesn’t always come from a single event—it can also develop over time through repeated stress or difficult experiences. Therapy can help you better understand these patterns and begin to work through them safely.
Yes. Many people seek therapy during times of change, such as starting a new job, ending a relationship, moving, or navigating identity shifts. These transitions can bring uncertainty, stress, or self-doubt. Therapy can help you process these experiences, clarify your goals, and move forward with greater confidence.
After difficult or overwhelming experiences, it’s common to feel stuck in certain patterns, whether that’s anxiety, avoidance, or emotional numbness. These responses are often the mind and body’s way of trying to protect you. Therapy can help you understand these patterns and gently begin to move forward.
Absolutely. Therapy moves at your pace. You’re not expected to share anything before you feel ready. Building trust and safety is an important part of the process, and over time, many people find it becomes easier to open up.
Many people notice patterns in adulthood—such as anxiety, difficulty trusting others, people-pleasing, or strong emotional reactions—that don’t fully make sense in the present. These patterns can sometimes be connected to earlier life experiences. Therapy can help you explore these connections and better understand how your past may still be influencing your current life.
Yes. Childhood experiences can continue to impact thoughts, emotions, and relationships well into adulthood, even if they occurred many years ago. Trauma therapy focuses on helping you process those experiences safely and at your own pace, so they have less impact on your day-to-day life over time.
Healing from childhood trauma is a gradual process that often involves building a sense of safety, understanding how past experiences shaped current patterns, and developing new ways of responding to stress and relationships. Therapy provides a supportive environment where this work can unfold in a way that feels manageable and empowering.
Muchas personas consideran la terapia cuando se sienten abrumadas, ansiosas, tristes o simplemente “atascadas.” No es necesario estar en crisis para buscar ayuda. La terapia también puede ser un espacio para conocerse mejor, entender sus emociones y desarrollar herramientas para manejar el estrés de la vida diaria.
En la primera sesión, hablarán sobre lo que le está preocupando, sus metas y lo que espera del proceso terapéutico. Es un espacio para conocerse y comenzar a construir confianza. No hay presión de compartir todo de inmediato—usted puede avanzar a su propio ritmo.
Sí, la terapia es confidencial. Esto significa que lo que usted comparte en sesión se mantiene privado, con algunas excepciones legales relacionadas con la seguridad. La confidencialidad es una parte fundamental para crear un espacio seguro y de confianza.
La terapia puede ayudarle a entender cómo experiencias pasadas siguen influyendo en sus pensamientos, emociones y relaciones. Con el tiempo, puede aprender a procesar esas experiencias de manera segura y desarrollar nuevas formas de responder que le permitan avanzar con mayor tranquilidad y bienestar.
La terapia ayuda a comprender mejor las causas de la ansiedad y a desarrollar herramientas para manejar el estrés de manera más efectiva. Con el tiempo, muchas personas se sienten más tranquilas, seguras y en control de sus emociones.
Sí. Ofrecemos terapia en español para personas en Naperville y los suburbios del oeste de Chicago. Poder expresarse en su idioma preferido puede hacer que el proceso terapéutico sea más cómodo y efectivo.
