Gabriela Spicer, LPC-Associate

Hello. This page details who I am, my approach, and what you can expect from our work together. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Dr. Le’Ann Solmonson, LPC-S.

I believe humans have an innate ability to grow. It is part of how we are wired. Life experiences, personal development, and relationships can hinder our capacity for growth. Therapy creates a space to focus on how our inner world, mind, and heart affect our lives. It provides an opportunity for growth and change.

My aim in therapy is to create a safe environment where you feel accepted and seen. I believe you are the expert of your own experience. Part of this process involves forming a collaborative relationship where we work together to accomplish that which is important to you.

I enjoy working with adults, college-aged students, children, and groups. As a bilingual therapist, I have an interest in helping culturally diverse clients and their unique needs. I also love helping those that experience the effect of trauma in their lives.

More information about my approach to counseling is below. I am happy to have a brief chat over the phone if you have further questions. We can explore if we are a good fit for each other. If you don’t feel I am the right counselor for you, I will gladly refer you to another capable professional.

Contact: 

spicer@thechrysaliscenter.com

(940) 331-0446

1130 N. Kimball, Ste 120, Southlake TX 76092

Populations Served

I have worked with children, teens, college students, and adults that experience:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Trauma: the impact that trauma has on our lives can be underestimated. Trauma refers to past experiences that still cause a person to experience the same emotional and physical response as when the actual event occurred.
  • Relational issues, including boundaries, abusive relationships, and conflict.
  • Grief: grief is a gift that helps us move forward when loss occurs.
  • Multicultural issues of identity/race and adjustment to a new culture.
  • Spiritual questions or the effects of spiritual abuse.
  • Struggles with self-esteem, purpose, and identity.
  • Life transitions and adjustment with college-aged students. I enjoy helping young adults navigate the transition between their teen years and adulthood.
  • Difficulties with minor forms of addiction.
  • Suicidal thoughts, ideation.
My Approach to Therapy

People grow and heal in the context of relationships. I believe life experiences and early relational dynamics affect how we respond to life. We can develop ways of coping and relating to others that may be useful for a time, but then may cause more pain. Therapy is a space where your needs are addressed and you can experience change. In the context of a therapeutic relationship, you will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself, assess what areas might be helpful or detrimental to your well-being, and explore new ways of being.

In my approach to therapy, I integrate various modalities that are proven to be effective, such as emotion-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, positive psychology, person-centered therapy, existential therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness therapy, art therapy, and eye-movement-desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR).

What You Can Expect

During therapy, we will sit and talk about what you wish to accomplish. Initially, I will want to know about your story and what brings you to see me. Our sessions will be focused on helping you meet your goals through different counseling techniques and methods. We will periodically evaluate how you are doing and the changes you are experiencing, and then tailor your goals accordingly.

During our sessions, you may experience difficult emotions. You will not be alone. One aspect of counseling is that it provides a space where you can process emotions in a safe environment, within the context of a therapeutic relationship. Feeling emotions makes us feel better in the end and helps us connect to others.

I often like to think of counseling as a physical workout. When exercising, you experience physical effort, discomfort, and pain. Initially, you may even experience more pain after your workout session. You endure this to gain something in return. In therapy, you may also experience discomfort during sessions and initially feel more pain after a session.  In the long run, however, you will hopefully feel better, stronger, and more equipped to face life’s challenges.  Like working out, counseling takes work, but the work yields results.

Education

2019–2021  M.A. in Counseling, Concordia University, Irvine, CA

2016    Life Coaching Certification, Life Purpose Coaching Institute, CO

1990–1992   Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Evangel University, MO

1982–1987   Samuel Saenz, San Jose, Costa Rica

Training and Experience
  • My training was based on a psychodynamic approach to counseling that combined theory and experiential personal growth.
  • I conducted my practicum at a private practice and worked with women presenting concerns such as trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, boundary issues, abuse, neglect, and self-esteem issues.
  • I have facilitated groups focused on personal growth, shame, boundaries, relationships, and purpose, as well as one-on-one life plans.
  • I have undergone EMDR basic training; a ¿Cómo se Dice? Spanish Training, in order to offer counseling services to Spanish speakers; and a Process Group training through the Townsend Leadership Institute.
  • I completed training and supervision at the Art Station, using art therapy as a modality for children and teens.