Gabriella Zelaya

Meet Gabriela

Practice Philosophy

I believe that embarking on a journey of growth and healing is paramount in our lives. When individuals strive to become their most healed selves, the positive effects cascade into all aspects of their relationships, whether with partners, children, family, or colleagues. Life inevitably presents challenges, and as a psychotherapist, I am devoted to aiding individuals in discovering their inner strength and resilience to overcome these struggles. Guided by a person-centered approach, I focus on addressing individual client needs and considering the whole person. Utilizing modalities such as CBT, EMDR Therapy, and a solution-focused approach, my work is specifically tailored to concentrate on client goals, assisting them in reaching their desired state of well-being. 

  Therapeutic Approach & Specialties

Individual Therapy

I believe that cultivating self-compassion and embracing constructive accountability are essential for fostering self-esteem, personal growth, and a life aligned with one's values. I advocate for active forgiveness as a powerful tool to remove barriers to healing. Empowering clients with a resilience mindset, I collaborate with them to establish optimal patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Tailoring the therapeutic process to individual needs and strengths, we identify coping skills, self-regulation techniques, and problem-solving strategies to overcome challenges and achieve desired outcomes. My approach integrates mindfulness interventions and communication skills training to enhance overall treatment effectiveness. EMDR: Trauma Informed Therapy Utilizing a highly therapeutic approach, complemented by bilateral stimulation, enables clients to adeptly reprocess traumatic events, fostering a renewed understanding and promoting transformative growth. Trauma significantly shapes our worldview, impacting our thoughts and behaviors. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) harnesses bilateral stimulation to assist clients in reprocessing these traumas. Although the traumatic event cannot be erased, EMDR aims to diminish the emotional charge associated with the event, allowing individuals to experience a reduction in hindrance to their daily lives when the event resurfaces. traumatic events, fostering renewed understanding and transformative growth.

Young Adults Therapy

Having worked extensively with young adults, particularly in college and university settings, I understand the distinctive challenges they encounter. Whether it involves navigating relationships, addressing the struggles of first-generation students, or managing anxiety and depression, I am dedicated to assisting individuals in overcoming these challenges. I am a firm believer in the application of evidence-based practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), drawing on the wealth of research and information attesting to its benefits and effectiveness. Additionally, I incorporate an attachment-focused approach to relationships, aiming to enhance understanding and support in these crucial aspects of young adults' lives.  

Children and Adolescents

As a clinician, I specialize in working with children and adolescents, providing a nurturing and secure space for their emotional and mental well-being. Recognizing that adolescence can be a particularly challenging period marked by issues such as depression, anxiety, school-related concerns, relationships, and family dynamics, I am deeply committed to addressing these complexities. My passion lies in forging robust therapeutic connections with children, teenagers, and their families. By collaboratively building these relationships, we can formulate customized plans to guide clients toward their goals and prioritize their overall well-being.

Parenting I specialize in working with parents. When working with minors, it is paramount to me that parents and families receive comprehensive support throughout the therapeutic process. I prioritize accompanying parents, assisting them in navigating the challenges they may encounter while supporting their children. These sessions offer a safe space for parents to openly express their concerns and collaboratively devise plans to address the unique needs of their children or adolescents. My overarching goal is to foster healthy relationships between parents and their children, equipping them to navigate life's challenges together with resilience and understanding.

Relationship Issues

Addressing relationship concerns is a common focus in my practice. I adopt an attachment-focused perspective to assist clients in understanding their attachment styles and cultivating a sense of security. This approach aims to empower individuals to develop and sustain healthy, fulfilling relationships with others in their lives. By exploring and working on attachment dynamics, clients can navigate relationship challenges more effectively and foster a greater sense of connection and well-being.  

Background Proud Miami native with a zest for exploring diverse cultures and global cuisines. Fluent in both English and Spanish, hailing from a vibrant Cuban family. Fueled by a lifelong passion for helping others, I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity International University, graduating summa cum laude. As a clinician, I bring a rich blend of cultural insight and academic excellence to my practice. Beyond work, I cherish family moments, indulge in captivating reads, prioritize a healthy lifestyle, and relish outdoor adventures.