Gabriela Rodriguez

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Georgia. I completed my Ph.D. at Ponce Health Sciences University in Puerto Rico. I am fully bilingual and can provide therapy in both English and Spanish. Most of my work is treating anxiety-related disorders, OCD, and working with LGBTQ+ communities.

My approach

In psychotherapy, I combine multiple therapy models depending on the client's needs. The therapy models I work with are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Affirmative Therapy (LGBTQ+ communities), Exposure with response prevention, and supportive therapy. I work with adults experiencing OCD symptoms, anxiety, and stress.

My focus

I enjoy working with clients who are struggling with uncertainty, doubt, worry, anxiety, and OCD symptoms. Using the CBT model, clients that are willing to do homework will benefit from my approach, since CBT and ERP will require exercises the client will do at home on their own.

My communication style

I am a great listener, a warm, and empathetic person. My therapy sessions are a safe space where the client won't be judged and they can express what they want. I use humor in the sessions, when appropriate, to lighten the mood, especially when people feel nervous about therapy. I appreciate and value clients' feedback on how they are feeling about the therapy process since I don't have a way of knowing if something is working for them or not.

My journey to mental healthcare

I enjoy listening to people describe their inner world. I appreciate learning about them and what are their needs. With my CBT training, I provide the skills to identify, explore, analyze, and challenge thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that aren't benefiting the client. With my Mindfulness training, I provide the skills for the client to appreciate and become more aware of their here and now without judging their experience. With my affirmative therapy approach, I provide acceptance, affirmation, and safety to LGBTQ+ communities that need the support and care they deserve. And with my exposure and response prevention training, I help clients through the process of desensitization, habituation, and extinction of anxiety-provoking triggers.

My goals for you

For me as a psychologist, successful care means that during the initial session, we identify the client's needs and goals. If we are a good fit to begin the therapy process, assess the severity of the symptoms before the therapy process starts. I will provide the skills using my training, and as a team identify what works for the client and what doesn't. Periodically we will evaluate the symptoms using the assessment tools needed, to see improvements made and areas that we still need to work on. I also understand that having a rapport with a therapist is very important and if the people involved in the therapy process don't feel like it is a good fit, at any point, and referring is a good idea, we can always discuss the options.

My first session with you

The first session is the initial assessment to explore what symptoms the person is presenting and the needs they might have concerning treatment. I evaluate symptoms at the beginning of the therapy process using assessments and interviewing questions. During the intake, the client and I will come up with a treatment plan that works for them, so that we can reach the client's therapy goals in a structured manner. Together we will determine the course of treatment, the type of therapy that might be beneficial for them, and how to get there.