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Hi, I'm Daniela Gelbspan, LCSW. With 14 years of experience working with young adults, I help clients overcome self-doubt, build confidence, and develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves, addressing issues like stress, negative emotions, and self-criticism. Through our work together, you'll gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and patterns, and develop practical strategies for lasting change and greater fulfillment.
My approach
My therapeutic approach is rooted in a blend of psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral (CBT) theories. I believe that understanding thoughts, feelings, and experiences that shape your behaviors and emotions is crucial for lasting change. Through a psychodynamic lens, we'll explore how past experiences and relationships influence your present, and work to increase self-awareness and insight. Meanwhile, CBT techniques will help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping skills, and practice self-compassion. By integrating these approaches, we'll work together to address self-doubt, build confidence, and develop more adaptive ways of managing stress, negative emotions, and self-criticism, leading to a more authentic, fulfilling life.
My focus
I work with young adults and adults struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. My clients often feel overwhelmed by constant worry, self-doubt, and negative self-talk, which hold them back from living a fulfilling life. They may feel stuck, uncertain, and disconnected from their true selves. I'm passionate about helping my clients break free from these patterns and develop a more compassionate, confident, and authentic relationship with themselves. Through our work together, we'll explore the underlying reasons for their emotions and develop practical strategies for building confidence, managing anxiety and depression, and cultivating a more meaningful life.
My communication style
I create a warm, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment for my clients, making them feel comfortable, heard, and understood. My tone is gentle, yet direct, and I strive to establish a sense of safety and trust from the start. Working with me feels like having a supportive conversation with a trusted friend, where you can be your authentic self without fear of criticism or judgment. I'm actively present, engaged, and attuned to your emotions, ensuring you feel seen, validated, and empowered throughout our sessions. My goal is to create a collaborative space where you feel encouraged to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and to support you in discovering your own strengths, resilience, and inner wisdom.
My journey to mental healthcare
My journey to becoming a therapist began with a deep passion for understanding human behavior and a desire to help others, which led me to pursue a career in social work. Through volunteering, support group facilitation, and education, I developed my listening skills, empathy, and understanding of the human experience. I'm drawn to the therapeutic relationship, where individuals can explore their struggles and desires in a safe space, and I'm driven by the transformative power of therapy, having witnessed individuals break free from limiting beliefs, develop self-compassion, and discover their inner strength. As a therapist, I'm committed to ongoing learning, growth, and self-reflection, ensuring I remain a supportive, empathetic, and effective guide for my clients on their unique journeys toward healing, growth, and self-discovery.
My goals for you
I approach goal-setting with clients in a collaborative and empowering way. Together, we explore your desires, values, and aspirations to identify meaningful and achievable goals. I help you break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps, and support you in developing a personalized plan to reach them. My focus is on progress, not perfection, and I encourage self-compassion and celebration of small wins along the way. I also help you identify potential obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them, ensuring you feel confident and prepared to work towards your goals. Ultimately, my goal is to help you develop a growth mindset, build self-awareness, and cultivate the skills and resilience needed to achieve your goals and live a fulfilling life.
My first session with you
In our first session, we'll take the time to get to know each other and establish a comfortable and supportive connection. You can expect a warm and non-judgmental space to share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. We'll start with a brief introduction, and then I'll ask you to share what brings you to therapy at this time. We'll explore your current challenges, goals, and hopes for our work together. I'll also take some time to explain my approach, answer any questions you may have, and discuss what you can expect from our sessions. By the end of our first session, you'll have a sense of whether we're a good fit, and we'll have begun to lay the groundwork for our therapeutic journey together.
