Gisela Batres, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Gisela!

I'm a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20+ years of experience. Hablo Español. I help adults understand how past family experiences shape current relationships and emotional well-being. My work is insight-oriented and supports steady, lasting growth for clients ready to begin therapy.

My focus

I work primarily with clients seeking emotional balance, healthier relationships, and personal growth. I focus on family-of-origin issues, attachment patterns, cultural concerns, and life transitions. I work best with clients motivated for meaningful change and am not a fit for suicidal risk situations.

My approach

My approach is collaborative, relational, and strengths-based. I help clients explore how the past shows up in the present and shapes their current patterns. Therapy is cumulative, and consistency matters. I may recommend specialized services when a client’s needs extend beyond the scope of my practice.

My communication style

My style is warm, thoughtful, and direct. I offer a supportive space to talk openly about feelings, explore difficult emotions, and build insight. I balance compassion with accountability to help clients stay consistent and focused on meaningful, long-term change.

My journey to mental healthcare

As a Latina and daughter of immigrant parents, I understand the challenges of culture, identity, and family expectations. These experiences inspired me to help others explore their feelings, break generational patterns, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

My goals for you

I help clients identify patterns, beliefs, and relational dynamics shaped by past experiences. We set clear, realistic goals focused on self-awareness, emotional regulation, boundaries, and relationship satisfaction. Consistent work supports steady, long-term growth.

Our first session

The first session provides space to discuss your feelings, concerns, and goals. We explore how past experiences shape current challenges and identify where to begin. I aim to provide a thoughtful, supportive start for clients ready to engage consistently in therapy.

I identify as...

Female
Hispanic or Latinx

Expertise

Specialties

+ 9 more

Treatment approaches

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Behavioral Activation

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

+ 6 more

Focus populations

First Gen American/Immigrant Parents

+ 1 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
Aetna - Medicare Advantage
Alignment Health Plan - Medicare Advantage
All Savers
Allegiance

+ 75 more

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Los Angeles.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Gisela Batres