New Perspectives Center for Counseling Staff

A traumatic event can be life-changing. We may feel as if the person we once were has been permanently changed. In many ways, this is true. We may feel anxious, confused, and isolated. Yet trauma can be transformed into increased resilience and new capacities. I have a strong conviction that with the right conditions, we can heal from adversity. If fact, we can thrive. My work is to provide a safe relationship that can support the body’s intrinsic capacity for healing and the mind make new meaning.

I have completed a Master’s degree in counseling psychology at Meridian University. I am a graduate from the Somatic Experiencing Institute and am EMDR-trained. I’ve had a long standing meditation practice that started when I was working on my undergraduate degree in Buddhist and Western Psychology. My mother is an immigrant to this country, and I have lived in Europe for nine years; I have compassion for the outsider.

I also have a long history in the performing arts and thus love to support creative people and remove the obstacles that prevent us from being the person that we are meant to be. My approach is humanistic and trauma-informed. I incorporate somatics, mindfullness, parts work and creativity into therapy sessions. I look forward to meeting you!

"There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” -Leonard Cohen

The cracks show up in your dreams, your slips in speech, the connections in what you speak about week to week ….that’s what I listen for in the room. We look for what your inner Self is trying to communicate to you, what you don’t know that you don’t know. You can say anything in the room … or nothing. The breaking open of the heart allows the love in.

“Why do we focus so intensely on our problems? What draws us to them? Why arethey so attractive? They have the magnet power of love: somehow we desire our problems; we are in love with them much as we want to get rid of them . . . Problems sustain us — maybe that’s why they don’t go away. What would a life be without them? Completely tranquilized and loveless . . . There is a secret love hiding in each problem” -James Hillman

My studies have included extensive work with dreams, the medicine of indigenous people, the deep listening of Freud & Lacan, the deep love in the heart of the Shaivite, Tantric traditions, and the place of LGBTQI2Spirit people in the world in terms of gifts and purpose.

“What does it matter how many lovers you have if none of them gives you the universe?” -Jacques Lacan

Whether you are in a life transition, feeling overwhelmed or hopeless, or grappling with existential/spiritual concerns, you don’t have to do this work alone. Together, we can look at old patterns, acknowledge stressors you may carry from early life, other people and unjust systems, and transform your relationship to your truest self and to others. My style has been described as gentle, sensitive, insightful, and collaborative. My approach is mindful, multicultural, experiential, and trauma-informed.

A person of color and second-generation immigrant with nearly two decades of leadership experience in nonprofit and community-based social change efforts, I love working with people from a range of perspectives and life experiences in a nonjudgmental and compassionate way. Having spent time in academic public health research, where I received my doctorate, I understand the challenges of work/life balance, burn out, and the search for an authentic, meaningful life.

I have an MA in counseling from Palo Alto University and training with the Focusing and Expressive Arts Institute. I am also a graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary’s diploma in spiritual direction/guidance and bring an awareness of integrating the whole human person. Our work together may be informed by neuroscience, attachment theory, somatic awareness, creativity, awareness of parts, and mindfulness. Together, we can collaborate on living more fully in the present moment.

“…what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman, educator, philosopher, theologian, and civil rights leader.

There are times in every person’s life when something just doesn’t feel right. Maybe you’re feeling exhausted, or perhaps you found yourself in an unexpected life circumstance. Maybe you know what you want but can’t seem to achieve it, or are having trouble discovering what exactly it is that you want? As a therapist I have the utmost respect for anyone who is willing to take a look at their life and set a goal to work towards what they want. In order for this to happen there has to be a mutual trust and respect between the client and therapist. I believe that therapy can be life changing and when an individual is ready to do the work, even a minor adjustment can make a huge difference. I strive to provide each client with a unique approach. We are all on this journey together. My goal is to help others see clearly and live a life of happiness, gratitude, and success.

Having the support of family and friends is wonderful, however sometimes that is simply not enough. I listen with an open mind and whole heart to offer an unbiased perspective that we so rarely receive from those closest to us. Through science based research and mindful guidance I journey along side you in an adventure of truth and freedom. The truth is, when it works, you begin to feel alive again. There is a magic that happens when you open yourself up and begin to accept all that you deserve.

I am open, honest, and direct. I love to see the transition of people’s lives which takes place as they use the tools and insight provided to them through therapy. Whether you’re looking for deep interpersonal counseling or more of a solution focused consultant the benefits are endless. Let’s begin!

Noël is trained in the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills through Behavioral Tech, the training institute founded by the creator of DBT, Marsha Linehan. She co-leads the DBT skills group here at NPCC and provides DBT-informed individual therapy. Noel is also certified in EMDR trauma training through Philip Manfield. Contact Noël directly to learn more.

Welcome to New Perspectives! I hope that as you are looking at this site, you are feeling that we can help you make positive changes. Sometimes in life it is very helpful to have an ally, and the aid that we offer through the therapeutic relationship can be a powerful tool for transformation. My name is Gabe, and I have worked with children and adults dealing with depression, anxiety, and situational problems. I believe that while working with my clients, I have increased awareness, helped to understand and process traumatic events, and offered the empathy and insight that has made a difference. I am glad to be here, and to continue helping people in their hour of need.

I have always believed that, as Aldous Huxley said, “experience isn’t what happens to you; it’s what you do with what happens to you.” While we are powerless to control many conditions and events that befall us, we have a capacity for resiliency that therapy can amplify by providing the right tools and support. My job as your therapist is to help you find the right resources, both in your community and within yourself, to help you experience the challenges of life in a way that ultimately empowers you and builds your innate resilience. You can overcome, grow, understand, change, and thrive. I want to help.

Over the last ten years I have sought additional training in trauma, with particular focus on working with survivors of sexual assault. I am trained in EMDR and working towards full certification. I also have years of experience working with LGBTQ issues, chronic illness, and people living with and affected by HIV. My approach is built on a foundation of feminist perspective because I believe therapy is ineffective if the greater social context a person lives in is not examined critically; most of the time, doing so is empowering for all genders.

I'm trained in many different types of therapy, including humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, narrative, and solution-focused. I incorporate mindfulness practices, feminist theory, somatic experiencing, and Gestalt, imaginal, and Hakomi techniques into my work as fits the client and topic. If you feel like you'd work well with someone who is warm, direct, and conversational, I'd love to hear from you.

I am passionate about the wisdom, courage, health and joy that lives within every person. Each of us contain the keys to healing our lives, and living to our fullest potential. We contain all that we need. I empower my clients with the tools that they need to work with themselves, thus fostering independence and self-sovereignty. I draw from a broad spectrum of psychotherapeutic modalities in order to best facilitate each client's unique process and path towards self awareness, healing and balance. Some modalities that I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychosynthesis, guided visualizations, creative expression and mindfulness.

I meet my clients where they are with empathy, unconditional positive regard and a strong belief that clients hold their own wisdom and healing, and that my job is to help them to uncover that natural drive towards health and wholeness.

I have a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, CA. My approach is humanistic, client focused, transpersonal and psychodynamic.

"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it." ~Rumi

Welcome, how can I help you? Life is full of transitions; some are easier than others. I will work with you to clarify issues, identify obstacles, and develop new awareness and skills to create the changes you want.

I enjoy working with individuals and couples of all ages on a variety of problems including relationships, work, aging, and LGBTQ issues in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. I bring warmth and humor to our sessions as well.

Additionally, I offer art therapy as part of my specialized training. Art therapy offers additional means of expression to deepen our work beyond discussions. We may use drawing, painting, collage, photography or sculpting. Relax, no skills are required.

I am also trained to teach Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills and I co-lead a weekly DBT Skills Training Group here at NPCC. These skills are highly beneficial for regulating emotions and interacting with others. We can work on developing these skills as well.

Therapy may be challenging at times, but if you stay with it, it can yield fulfilling results. I look forward to hearing from you.