“As a therapist, my job is to guide clients through the process of self-discovery. I’m not going to give client’s the answer to the challenge they’re facing; I’m going to safely guide them to the solution they have within themselves.”

With her empathetic nature and lighthearted humor, Gabrielle Emerzian, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor makes it easy for clients to feel safe and open up. 

Gabrielle believes that each person possesses strengths they may or may not be aware of. 

She’s here to help each client tap into their strengths, and develop new skills to become the most empowered version of themselves. 

Gabrielle’s passion for helping individuals heal through their struggles with substance use disorders, addictions, and mental health challenges has brought her to work as a counselor in residential, outpatient, community outreach, hospital, and correctional settings. 

Her treatment style is relational and person-centered. She will offer approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, and solutions focused therapy to help clients gain greater awareness of, and as a result become more intentional with their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

To learn more about Gabrielle’s background in the mental health field, and approach to working with clients online, check out our interview with Gabrielle below!

What inspired you to become a therapist?

It might sound cliché, but psychology is something I’ve always been interested in. 

I was majoring in journalism in college, but I was always finding ways to fit psychology electives into my schedule. I realized that I was way more passionate about psychology than journalism, so I switched majors. 

After graduating, I wanted to explore the different directions and specialties within the mental health field.

I went on to pursue my Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from Goldsmith College to become a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor. 

I knew I wanted to work with incarcerated people in a correctional setting, given how vastly underserved that population is, and how many incarcerated people re-enter the community without the mental health treatment they need and deserve to participate in society. 

Before working with HBH, I practiced mental health and substance use counseling in residential, community outreach, hospital, and correctional settings. 

I’ve worked alongside the Department of Children and Families, Department of Corrections, and Department of Public Health to gain a deeper understanding of the unique needs and challenges that individuals, families, and communities face.

How would you describe your approach to therapy?

My approach to therapy is integrative and person-centered. I like to use a lot of humor and light banter to connect with clients on a more personal level, and ground our work together in the here and now. 

It can be intimidating to open up to someone, even your therapist, about the challenges you’re faced with. I really focus on creating a safe and comfortable space for clients to be themselves.

Through working at the correctional facility, I learned that people with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, often struggle with low self-esteem. I’ll use a strengths-based approach to help clients recognize, and tap into the strengths they possess within themselves, resulting in a more empowered and authentic relationship with themselves. 

I like to offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solutions focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), depending on the client and their unique experience.

What does your therapeutic approach look like for clients struggling with substance use disorders?

As a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, my primary focus is substance use counseling for adolescents, adults, and older adults. 

I’ve realized that so many people struggling with substance use disorders and addiction are also struggling with mental health challenges. Whether people are using substances to distract themselves from difficult thoughts and feelings, or they’re using substances but are unaware of their mental health issues. Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders are more common than people realize. 

CBT can help people identify their thought patterns, and emotional responses to situations which might trigger relapse. When we’re able to gain awareness and control over our thoughts and emotions in the here and now, we’re more likely to stop an unhealthy behavior in its tracks. 

This can result in making more intentional decisions, especially as it relates to recovery from substance use disorder/addiction.

What mental health challenges and life situations do you offer treatment for?

I help individuals experiencing the following challenges:

• Substance Use Disorder/Addictive Disorders
• Anxiety, Panic, and Phobias
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Personality Disorder
• Anger Management
• Grief, Loss, and Bereavement
• Self-Harm/Self-Injurious Behaviors 
• Sexual Offenders
• PTSD/Acute Stress
• Trauma

What do you love about being a therapist?

As a therapist, my job is to guide the client through the process of self-discovery and growth. I’m not going to give the client the answer to their challenge, but I’m going to safely guide them to the solution they have within themselves. 

I love to see the client turn their gears and reach that ah-ha moment. It’s very rewarding as it shows the client’s investment in our work together, and ultimately, results in a more satisfying experience within themselves.

What’s your favorite part of living in Massachusetts?

I love so many different parts of living in Massachusetts! 

I’m a big history buff, and Massachusetts has a very dated and involved history. I also love being on the coast, and living right next to the ocean. So, Massachusetts is a great place for me to live.

Schedule an Appointment with Gabrielle Emerzian, LADC I Today:

Gabrielle Emerzian, LADC I offers a safe and supportive space for you to feel empowered, and develop the strengths and skills you need to live an authentic and fulfilling life.

To start your tele-health therapy journey with Gabrielle, contact us today at (617) 958-6318!

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