Gabriel Ballestero, Associate Counsellor
Gabriel is accepting new clients.
All sessions with Gabriel are in person
Monday: 3:00pm – 9:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 3:00pm
Sessions Types: Individuals, Couples, Teens 13 yrs+
Languages: English and Spanish
Gabriel Ballestero is a Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC #4798) with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA). He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and a Licentiate in Psychology (2009/2011) and has 15 years of psychotherapy experience with individuals, teenagers, groups and children (10+).
Mental health lies at the heart of our lives and becoming aware of this, in a way that motivates us, is half of the heavy lifting. Life has taught Gabriel that at times we all need more support and can benefit greatly from the services of a mental health professional to process, accept and handle our life´s challenges.
He has a humanistic, client-centered focus, exercising empathic listening and feedback informed practice in order to focus and adapt his therapy to people´s needs, priorities and strengths. Whilst some people, and sessions, require a more directive approach, others benefit from a flexible approach. A safe, non-judgmental space nurtures a collaborative therapeutic relationship, where sound professional skills empower people in their growth and transformation.
Therapeutic Modalities
Gabriel began his career working in men´s groups with men´s issues, exercising a psychodynamic-informed Gestalt and Drama Therapy approach, whilst combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and relaxation-mindfulness techniques. He later went on to develop hypnotherapy skills. In recent years he has focused on Contextual/Third Wave Behavioral Therapies; particularly Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). He draws from these experiences to tailor treatment plans to peoples therapeutic objectives.
Areas of Practice
- Stress, Worry, Anxiety, Grief, Loss and Depression
- Life Transitions, Relationship Issues
- Self Esteem, Social Skills, Intimacy
- Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills
- Communication & Conflict Resolution
- Anger Management
- Men’s Issues, Masculinity issues
- Family Conflict, Domestic Violence
- Infidelity
- Couples / Relationship
- Cross Cultural Issues / Conflict
- Racial Identity
- Compassion Fatigue
- Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress, PTSD
- Weight Loss
- Addiction – Shopping, Gambling, Internet, Food, Workaholism
- Sleep Difficulties
- Thinking Disorders
- Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
- Mood Disorders
- Personality Disorders
Education, Certifications & Professional Registrations
- Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC #4798), Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA), Canada, 2024
- Master´s in Acting, University of East London, U.K., 2019
- Diploma in Acting and Cultural Theater Promotion, National Theater Conservatoire, Costa Rica, 2016
- Licentiate in Psychology, University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica, 2011
- Bachelor’s in Psychology, University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica, 2009
- Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression, CST Comprehensive Security Training, London, U.K., 2019
- Reiki Level 1, Costa Rica, 2014