Gaëlle Carey

Gaëlle Carey’s journey from Brussels, Belgium to the United States laid the foundation for her deep commitment to helping others. Growing up in Texas, Gaëlle’s passion for healthcare led her to become a medical assistant straight out of high school, quickly progressing to a Licensed Vocational Nurse. After relocating to San Diego, she discovered her true calling in mental health. Gaëlle became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, dedicating her career to supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges. As the author of "Cognitive Distortions: How To Catch the 10 Most Dangerous Thinking Villains," Gaëlle shares her insights on navigating complex mental health issues. With over 20 years of experience in diverse clinical settings—including emergency inpatient care, outpatient mental health clinics, substance abuse treatment centers, eating disorder residential facilities, hospice care, and programs supporting children and families.

My approach

Gaëlle Carey is an experienced clinician skilled in providing clinical assessment and therapeutic care to adolescents and adults facing a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, anger management, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, ADHD management, and LGBTQ+ issues. Currently, as a therapist at an outpatient clinic in San Diego County, Gaëlle specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She holds certifications in the Incredible Years Program, Complex PTSD, and Clinical Trauma, and is a Certified Trauma Specialist in Sex Trafficking and Sex Industry Exploitation (CCTS-S).

My focus

I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of individuals, and my ideal client is anyone who is committed to empowering their life. I take a direct approach and like to get straight to the point, but I am also deeply invested in my client's success and well-being.

My communication style

I am a therapist with an assertive communication style, dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. With experience working with people from all walks of life, I focus on building open and honest relationships, ensuring that each person feels understood and valued in their journey toward personal growth.

My journey to mental healthcare

I've always been passionate about helping people, and I quickly discovered that my true interest lies in the connection between the mind and body. I became fascinated by how our thoughts and emotions can profoundly influence our overall well-being, which inspired me to pursue a career in therapy. I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology and criminal justice from National University, followed by a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Phoenix. I’ve also undergone extensive training in trauma therapy modalities. I am deeply committed to the healing process, and I find immense fulfillment in helping people navigate their challenges and improve their lives every day.

My goals for you

The initial session is a chance for both the client and therapist to determine if they are a good fit. I begin by exploring the client’s background and reasons for seeking therapy, which helps me understand their unique situation. I also explain my approach and how we can work together, giving the client clarity on what to expect. The primary goal is to establish rapport and trust, setting the foundation for effective collaboration focused on the client’s goals.

My first session with you

During the first session, clients can expect a thorough assessment where we explore their background, current challenges, and reasons for seeking therapy. I focus on understanding their unique situation and attachment styles, which play a significant role in how they relate to others and manage emotions. We’ll discuss their goals for therapy and how we can work together to achieve them. This session is also an opportunity to introduce my therapeutic approach, address any questions, and begin building a foundation of trust and collaboration for our work ahead.