Hello, my name is Gail Amalfitano. I am a licensed mental health counselor. I have specialized in trauma, mood disturbances, and in substance. I am trained in EMDR. I have broad experience as a psychotherapist. I love working with individuals, and families. I also have experience with anxiety, depression, bipolar, codependency, negative thinking styles, phase of life, adjustment issues, self-esteem, social anxiety, feeling stuck, conflicts in relationships, loss of a sense of self, and other issues we face in life that can be confusing or just make us question our own perspectives. I love the work I do! I am completely invested in helping you feel better and find resolution to whatever issue may be a barrier to your sense of happiness. I am person-centered in my approach. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, brief therapy, positive psychology and solution-focused techniques. I am flexible in my approach as there is no one-size-fits-all approach to counseling. I provide reading material, video clips, handouts, and also recommend some self help articles or websites to help increase knowledge for my clients to learn about the topic or area for which they need help. I believe knowledge is empowering and learning is a life-long process that enhances our ability to tolerate life and learn about ourself. For me, counseling starts out with gathering information from the client that can help shed light on the issues. From there, we talk. I believe that counseling is part listening, part problem solving, part empowering and validating the individual, and part teaching which we call psychoeducation. I am flexible in my approach and for some individuals they might need more of some parts and less of other parts. This is fine and with honest communication, I adjust to meet my client’s needs. Counseling is an adaptable process that evolves over time and as the individual’s needs change or evolve. It is a journey unique to each individual. I am nonjudgmental, empathetic, supportive, and I have lots of understanding. I realize it takes great courage to reach out to another person and trust is paramount. You can be sure I will treat you with respect and value your trust! I also value your feedback and your requests. I look forward to walking WITH YOU on your journey! No issue is too big or too small. I can be there for you to listen, to offer ideas, or provide support and validation. I believe in possibilities, options, and solutions. I am passionate about this work and I am happy to share my enthusiasm, hope, and inspiration with you. Let’s get started, together, in finding the answers that you need! I look forward to talking with you and working with you! Please keep in mind finding the right therapist is important and requires exploring method, approach and style. It is not bad or good.