Gabrielle Barnes, MS, LCMHC-A

My path to becoming a therapist has included many moments of imposter syndrome. Worrying that my trauma was too complicated, that my ADHD would be seen as unprofessional, and that my sexuality wasn’t clear enough. Mostly, I felt pressure to have my healing tied up in a bow.

I was stuck in a cycle of people-pleasing, struggling to say no & demanding perfection from myself. Until, finally, I started choosing myself, setting healthy boundaries & getting real in therapy. I learned that healing doesn’t have to be linear. We often want it to be black and white, but it’s gray; it’s trying & giving up & trusting yourself to try again. It begins by finding a place to be authentic: to bring your truths, to cry, to laugh, to yell, ‘fuck!’ Therapy is a protected space to bring your whole self.

Do you need support making smaller steps towards change, but find yourself stuck in overwhelm & panic spirals? Need a safe space to unpack trauma & attachment wounds? A space to find empathy for your inner child & soften your inner critic? Are you a creative, an artist or neurodivergent & need a more directive- approach to create accountability but with grace? Are you feeling powerless against the patriarchy and toxic masculinity? Do you want to identify where oppressive systems are the problem, not you?

I can help you through both a client-centered + directive approach, where we empower you to take back your life. Where we break things down into routines that feel manageable. Where your imposter syndrome softens with compassion & evidence. Where we set intentions, get action-oriented & take pride in your resilience. Slowly, everything starts to feel a bit easier. You deserve this! You really do!

In my free time, you can find me cozied up on my couch, watching sad movies with our pit rescue, Cayenne Pepper, and two kittens, Morton Salt + Poppy Seed. I love playing on my all-women-identifying soccer team + making (and messing up) New Orleans recipes for my partner. I’d like to say I do yoga every day, but that’s a big ole’ lie. Maybe one day though!