Gabriela López, PhD
PSYCHOLOGIST, SHE/HER/HERS
Licensed Clinical Psychologist: Vermont (048.0135260), Rhode Island (02109), authorized to provide teletherapy in 40 states and District of Columbia through PSYPACT
We are probably a good match if you are a people-pleaser and you would like to learn strategies for how to navigate that skillfully. I will help you make values-based decisions, not decisions that often leave you feeling resentful or make you feel like your own emotions were not prioritized. Far too often, people prioritize the emotions and experiences of others before their own. Although this may be a nice gesture towards others, it can have deep impacts on your own emotional experience and may cause internal turmoil.
I enjoy working with people who seem to have it all together on the surface but internally are struggling with negative self-talk, rumination, constant doubt, and anxiety. I often see that people intellectualize what is occurring and have a good grasp on what is going on. This is a great first step and therapy can provide you the opportunity to take a step back from intellectualizing and allow you the opportunity to process your emotions regarding stressors that are occurring.
I also love working with new and expecting mothers as they are preparing to navigate their big life transition. This is often a time when mothers learn how to set firm boundaries to protect their children or how to manage the anxiety that comes from entering this phase of one’s life. I also enjoy working with young adults and college students who are having a difficult time adjusting to new beginnings.
Together we will establish treatment goals during our initial session. I like to make sure you walk away with a new and helpful skill to manage your stressors. What does this mean for you? It means you probably will be practicing a new skill every week to help you manage your stress, anxiety, or symptoms of depression. We will select skills based on your preferences, and my goal is to help you build a toolbox full of skills so that you feel prepared for any situation that comes your way. We will also take the time to explore your values: what makes your life worth living? I want to know so that this can inform our treatment goals and the specific skills that we will focus on each week. I also value flexibility in our work. Although I’m goal oriented, not every session will be structured this way especially if something important came up during your week and you want to process it together.
I provide an evidence-based person-centered approach. I incorporate patients’ unique experiences, values, and identities to help customize the work we do together. I aim to create a safe space to help people be their authentic selves and create a life for themselves that they value and enjoy.
About Me
I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. I earned my doctorate at the University of New Mexico and completed my residency in adult psychology at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. I also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies at Brown University’s School of Public Health.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with pup Macarena, traveling, and trying new restaurants.
TREATMENT AREAS
Anxiety (social anxiety, generalized anxiety)
Depression
Perinatal anxiety and mood
Sleep and insomnia
Life transitions
Self-compassion
General emotional regulation difficulties
Assertiveness and interpersonal communication
Goal setting
Stress management
Procrastination and motivation