Kind words from Clients & Colleagues about Gabriella
I’ve been blessed to work with wonderful, talented, courageous and brave clients and esteemed colleagues who have shared their kind words about their experiences working with me below.
I remember my initial request for an appointment with Gabriella; it was all situational or behavioural things I wanted help to ‘solve’ or ‘fix’.. and now realising that I didn’t need a band aid to help me get up in the morning and keep going. I needed to take a moment, to look inward, to understand not the how, but the why, and delve into the cause, rather than the effect. Of course, I didn’t know this at the time, but this is exactly the journey that Gabriella so insightfully encouraged.
We’ve talked through things I would never have considered relevant, and like a puzzle in a thousand pieces, Gabriella has picked up clues, deciphered my words and body language, guided with questions at the perfect moment and decoded my responses in a way that makes complete sense. There are parts of me that I have never met or understood, never felt safe to share and certainly never been open to confronting, challenging, or changing.
Whilst I take this moment of reflection, content in my cocoon, I have immense gratitude for getting to this point and a calm sense of optimism for what is yet to come.
With thanks.
Empowered and at peace.
Taking a moment to reflect on the past few months…
Client Testimonial
“A sincere thanks for riding out this crazy year with me! Your gentle guidance, wisdom, empathy, emotional intelligence and ability to ‘call me out’ in a loving and nurturing way have quite literally helped me change my life. You are a sensational counsellor and a truly remarkable woman. I will forever be grateful for your encouragement, and our sessions this year and I look forward to continuing the journey with you in the coming year!”
– Liana
Client Testimonial
“Wow - Very simply, it has been wildly beneficial to share the load and work through things I was still holding onto (without knowing they were impacting my life and decisions).”
– Kayla
“Finding you was one of the best things I’ve done to support myself and my emotional health.”
– Kathryn
“I honestly couldn’t imagine seeing a counsellor who is anything but transparent, authentic and completely and unapologetically themselves, since this is the life I strive to live!! I think this is what makes you so successful and truly gifted in what you do. “
– Fernanda
Client Testimonial
“Everyone deserves to have an amazing counsellor. Someone who listens without judgment and makes you feel safe. Gabriella does just that, she is ready to listen and provide you with heartfelt counselling. During my counselling sessions with Gabriella, she has helped me to recognise and soothe my inner critic and inner child. She has also shown me ways to calm my anxiety through meditation and breath- work. Anyone who is looking for a fantastic heart-led counsellor should look no further. Gabriella is the best counsellor around and I would recommend her to anyone!”
– Fletcher
Client Testimonial
“I started following Gabriella on Instagram a long time ago. I loved what she shared and I really resonated with it. I had seen a few counsellors and psychologists previously but never really connected. I have been struggling with relationships for some time and really needed help and guidance.
I reached out to Gabriella and from our first appointment, I felt connected. I also feel seen, and heard and my feelings were validated. She’s also offered great advice to help me deal with and understand my family and relationships and where it all began. Since seeing Gabriella my confidence has also improved with speaking up. I love how Gabriella practices, her affirmations and meditations are a great addition to our sessions. I always look forward to seeing her smiley face on Zoom :)”
– Liz
Forever grateful x
‘I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for turning my life around. The impact you have had on my life is truly amazing. To this day if I feel the "creep" of overwhelm I think "WWGD?" (What would Gabriella do), take a deep breath! You've helped me navigate strategies to keep me feeling grounded and for that, I'll be forever grateful. Keep doing what you're doing, and I'll tell anyone who'll listen how great you are.”
~ Allyce, Counselling client
“Literally so blessed to have you as my heart doctor”
Building confidence
”Hi Gabi, Thank you so much, I feel as though you give me space to talk whilst also giving me some useful strategies and mindfulness practises. Although at times it can be quite emotional for me to look deeply inward at myself, I think it has definitely been beneficial in allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of how I really am feeling. I really appreciate the incorporation of strategies during our sessions as it gives me something to try and put into practise at home. I feel like learning strategies as we go along is important in me being able to attempt to overcome my anxiety by myself and is a step closer to building more confidence in myself. I am incredibly grateful for you checking in with me and making me feel very safe and conformable during our sessions. Thank you for allowing me the space to share my anxieties and insecurities without fear of any judgement. “ Jae
I chose Gabriella as my therapist because I stumbled upon one of her Instagram stories. It resonated deeply with me, helping me realise that there was nothing wrong with me—I was simply a highly sensitive woman. This revelation, just from an Insta story, motivated me to book an appointment with her.
Through counselling with Gabriella, I’m discovering a lot about myself. I’ve learned that there’s nothing inherently wrong with me, and I’ve started to embrace my sensitivity as a part of who I am. Counselling is helping me to move forward, evolve, and become my authentic self.
Gabriella is different from other therapists I’ve worked with before because she helps me dig deep to address and face the root causes of my issues. She provides a safe space for me to allow the feeling to come up, to sit with it, to honour it and then allow it to dissolve once it feels ready.
I used to dread therapy, but now I look forward to my sessions with Gabriella. Her support and approach have been instrumental in my progress, and I am grateful for the transformation I am experiencing.
Even after only two sessions…
“Thank you so much for holding me through this. Even after only two sessions, I already feel like I have gotten so much out of them. I'm looking forward to learning to understand myself better and to learn strategies that I can practice to minimise my anxiety and overthinking. I am glad I decided to come and see you and am grateful for your work.”
~ Rachael, Counselling client
Holistic approach
“I felt so drawn to Gabriella as a human from our very first session. I knew she was different from the therapists I had seen before, as there was this almost-instant connection at a deeper level. I have always struggled to find a therapist that I feel is suited to me in ways of working as well as personality. I feel deeply that Gabriella’s holistic and multi-faceted approach to therapy works for me, as well as being approachable, relatable and so obviously caring of her clients. So knowledgeable about many different methods to working and such a range of issues, has meant I have felt for a long time that it was fate that I found her. I’m so grateful to Gabriella for being with me along this part of my journey and I hope that she continues to be an amazing support in my life well into the future. Thank you for all you do Gab!”
-Sage, Counselling Client
Client Testimonial
“Gabriella is an amazing listener. I always feel truly heard and understood during our sessions. She creates a very safe space to be able to open up and share my thoughts/feelings with her. Gabriella also has a wonderful ability to ask very thought provoking questions which allow me to really dig deep with in myself and see situations from a new perspective. This has allowed me to process and eventually let go of thoughts/feelings that were not serving me in a positive way.”
– Clara, Counselling Client
Counsellor Recommendation
“I had a family member struggling with some life issues, and I knew I only wanted her to see one therapist that I could really trust. Being a fellow colleague with Gabriella, I observed her practice very closely. She has never failed to impress me with her vast knowledge and insight. One of the unique approaches Gabriella has in her practice is that she is not fearful of constructively challenging her clients, which is a fundamental attribute for a counsellor to be able to challenge clients' old patterns of behaviour and thoughts for their growth. She is an insightful person with a gentle and humble attitude. I observed a significant improvement in my family member that I sent to work with her- Exactly what I expected from Gabriella. I have no hesitation in recommending Gabriella with my closest and most treasured friends and family.”
~ Anushka, Counsellor
Marina’s Journey
through Separation
“Gabriella was highly recommended to myself through my nutritionist and I have continued to see her for over five years. When I started counselling I was struggling with so many issues. I knew what I needed to do but lost faith in my ability to make decisions and I didn’t know who I was anymore or my purpose. I wasn’t good at creating healthy boundaries for myself and felt that my life was about making sure the people around me were happy and content with no priority on myself or my happiness. I wasn’t in a good place mentally. My first session with Gabriella was amazing! She greeted me with a warm smile and I immediately felt relaxed. I felt safe and could open up fully and knew she was listening with a loving and compassionate heart. I walked away from just this first session feeling lighter and would be back for more. I instantly connected with her and trusted her. I always looked forward to my sessions with her: She’s helped me to see the beautiful side of myself and to nurture it further. I have greatly appreciated her loving support over the many years I have come to see her. Now, I have left an unhealthy relationship, started my creative business and learnt to set strong boundaries that protect and prioritise me.”
~Marina, Counselling Client
Jenny’s Journey to creating her dream life
"I have learned and grown through our sessions and my life is so dramatically different now. The life I have now is so filled with excitement, joy and momentous positive challenge. Thank you so much for your support, guidance and careful tending of my life story to make that new life a reality. I am indeed working with all the tools and skills you have shown me to build new stories and ensure my life course is what I want."
~ Jenny, Counselling Client
"Hi!!
I've been wanting to message you to let you know that we are doing great!
Amazing what seeing you that one time has done for our family...especially for my partner and I. We have prioritised 'us time' to talk about the fun stuff and the tough stuff.
Even the tough conversations about where I think my anger and frustration stems from, was actually a really good interaction. I asked my partner if we should wait to have those conversations when we see you next, but he was happy for us to navigate them on our own and it's been the best thing for us.
While we definitely think coming to see you again is something we want to do, right now we seem to be refocused on the strategies you have given us in the past. We both feel so much better in our relationship..and literally not one fight since we've seen you!
The kids seem more settled and happier. Even my partner seems interacting with less anger...most times.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
You are one amazing human."
Finding calmness through mindfulness.
“Gabriella was recommended to me by a clinical psychologist as a leading specialist in mindfulness practice to accompany other therapy. Through her guidance I feel as though I’m growing as a person into whom I wish to be. After just one mindfulness session with Gabriella I felt calm and centred, completely the opposite to how I walked in. Through beautifully tailored guided meditations and regular individual practice a different light has been shed on my world.“
~ Helena, Meditation Client
Ava’s Journey with trauma & limiting belief patterns.
"I am overwhelmingly grateful for the sessions I have had with Gabriella. There are so many counsellors and therapists and it’s actually quite daunting to find someone that you connect with. I had seen two different therapists over the past couple of years before I met Gabriella. After our first session, I knew I wanted to work regularly with her, and we have worked together almost weekly for over a year now. I don’t know how else to say it, but she truly cares in a way that I have not experienced before. I really feel that she listens and is invested in my healing and in helping me break through limiting thought patterns and beliefs. She has helped me tremendously work through past traumas and I also feel supported in my new ventures and in making fresh beginnings. She is an active listener and is so helpful in piecing things together: The stories you believe about yourself, understanding triggers and moving forward. I have cried and laughed through sessions and had so many breakthroughs with Gabriella’s guidance. Thank you so much!"
~ Ava, Counselling Client
Darcy’s Journey with anxiety and self-esteem
“Before I started counselling I was feeling very anxious and had really low self-confidence and self-love. Counselling with Gabriella is a breath of fresh air. It’s really comforting to know there is someone who’s listening and can help guide you and bring a new perspective to what you are currently struggling with. After every session, I leave with more knowledge about myself and my feelings, and definitely more confidence. I think Gabriella would be a really good for fit you because is so caring and she has this warmth about her that makes it easy to express yourself and how you feel. There is absolutely no judgement and she asks questions that you’ve never considered or asked yourself, helping you to see things in a new, positive light. She lets you talk openly and listens deeply. She challenges negative thoughts and works with you to turn them into positive self-loving thoughts. Counselling has personally helped me understand that self-love and care is super important. It’s taught me that all situations aren’t negative and that not everything in relationships should be taken personally. I have learnt to communicate better with loved ones, I’ve learnt to be patient and kind with myself and I’ve learnt to change negative internal put-downs into more loving affirmations.”
-Darcy, Counselling Client
Evie’s journey owning her emotional needs
“Simply put, Gabriella is the reason I am finally starting to feel happy with myself. Before counselling I did not understand or feel like I had power, control or a way of understanding my emotions. I felt that everything just happened and then the real me was left picking up the pieces. Counselling with Gabriella feels like talking to a very wise friend. She takes the time to understand who you are and her process always feels like it is dictated by where my emotions want to go or what I need to explore. If you feel like you are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, I urge you to start with just one session. Over the years I have been working with her, she has helped me understand who I am, what my emotional needs are and how to be brave and ask for what we want in life. Gabriella does all this in the most kind, caring and compassionate manner. She can make you feel safe and
at home even in a new space.”
-Evie, Counselling Client
James’s Journey reconnecting with his wife
“At first I didn’t think counselling was for me. My relationship with my wife had been deteriorating for several years and it came to the point where I left the family home.
It was a difficult decision to make, but I couldn’t handle to constant arguing, especially in front of our two beautiful children. I hated being away from my wife and kids, but I didn’t know what else to do. It was only then that I realised that I needed help to save my family and marriage of 18 years.
My wife suggested counselling, but I wasn’t convinced a complete stranger could help our marriage. I agreed to go and see Gabriella. Before our first session, I was nervous, anxious and not very optimistic.
Gabriella made both my wife and I feel welcome and comfortable. I was able to open up to her and let her know how I was feeling, as did my wife, without being criticised or judged.
Gabriella just listened. She then gave us effective strategies to help us communicate better (which was our biggest problem).
My wife and I continue to use these strategies and our marriage is back on track. I’m not going to lie, we still have our ups and downs, but by using the strategies Gabriella has given us, I feel we are able to better deal with our issues.
I would strongly recommend counselling with Gabriella if you are serious about saving your marriage.
Go to counselling with an open mind, be honest with yourself and be prepared for the difficult questions.
Thank you Gabriella for enabling me to reconnect with my beautiful wife and saving my marriage.”
~James, Couples Counselling Client
Annie’s Couples Counselling Journey
“I felt really sad when our sessions with Gabriella came to an end. It was like we were losing a friend. The minute we walked in, she made us feel comfortable and at home. She gave my husband and I some awesome strategies to better communicate with each other, which was what we were struggling with. We lost our way and Gabriella was able to help us to reconnect and remind us of why we fell in love 15 years ago. I can absolutely, highly recommend Gabriella for anyone needing someone beautiful to talk with. Thank you again for being our saviour.
- Annie, Couples Counselling Client
Alyssa + Tate’s Journey to finding hope again
"You have been amazing!! I am really enjoying our journey with you: The guidance, awareness and tools you have given us are invaluable. I'm so glad we did it. I honestly don't know why couples leave it until the last straw to save a relationship, it should be part of every couples journey! We couldn't have chosen a better counsellor for us. It’s great to be feeling hopeful again and we are so excited about our future together. "
– Alyssa + Tate, Couples counselling clients
Amber’s Journey with post-natal depression
"I just want to say how truly grateful I am to you for your counselling when I needed it the most. I came to you when I was a new mother, a new wife and trying to get my career on track. I didn’t know how to handle it all, as well as all of my new roles. I struggled with postnatal depression, I struggled with being a wife, I struggled with not working and not being able to provide an income for my family - and I struggled with my immediate family issues which are still on the forefront of my everyday life. You made such a difference to my life: I just want to thank you for your counselling and making me realise that I can’t be everything all at once and to be kind to myself again. I still have my anxiety moments but I always think about our sessions and your presence and how it brought me back to ME! I will always be grateful! You’re a beautiful person doing beautiful things and I can't recommend you highly enough."
-Amber, Counselling Client
Monique’s Journey with anxiety.
“I started my counselling journey with Gabriella at the beginning of 2020. Through monthly sessions, Gabriella has taught and provided me with the mental tools and processes to calm my anxiety, implement personal boundaries and alter my perspective on a number of issues which I struggled with. I’m so grateful to have had these sessions and proud of how I can now successfully use her strategies on my own to help me through any future struggles which may arise. I feel mentally stronger and more in tune with my thoughts and feelings which has had such a positive impact on my everyday life..”
~Monique, Individual Counselling Client
Victoria’s journey overcoming unhelpful thought patterns and feelings
“Gabriella is an amazing listener. I always feel truly heard and understood during our sessions. She creates a very safe space to be able to open up and share my thoughts and feelings with her. Gabriella also has a wonderful ability to ask very thought-provoking questions which allow me to really dig deep with in myself and see situations from a new perspective. This has allowed me to process and eventually let go of thoughts/feelings that were not serving me in a positive way.”
- Victoria, Individual Counselling Client
Tillie’s Journey Finding herself again
“Before counselling, I was feeling extremely anxious, breathless & on the verge of breakdown most days. I was in a toxic relationship and had become a shell of a human. Literally. I had lost myself completely, was scared in my situation and had never been to counselling/therapy before.
I first came in for meditations, then Gab realised the extent of my situation & how much I was struggling and we agreed on counselling sessions with meditating homework as a starting point. This felt like such an easy gateway into sessions and I immediately felt at ease and comfortable with Gab on first meeting, like she was the wise friend I had known for years.
Some of the interesting discussions we've had have been about 'courage over confidence', growth, sexuality, core values and beliefs, learning to say no, the emotions behind our reactions, parental influence on us as adults, vulnerability and the power and freedom that comes from it. The list is never-ending!
During my counselling, I was able to gain the strength and courage to end a horrible relationship, feel at ease after the breakup, build my self-esteem and understand my self-worth. I have well and truly 'found myself' again (as corny as that sounds!), learnt my core values and beliefs and how to constantly develop/build on these and keep them at the centre of what I do each day.
I have since gotten into the most beautiful, loving, wholesome relationship that my past self would have thought was impossible. Still, now I have to double-take, and look back on where I had come from and the person I was at the beginning of my counselling, to now.
I've gained the courage to stand up for myself, build my life around my values and goals, kick some of those goals, and feel pretty damn stoked about things again. Counselling and meditating have helped my anxious mind settle, and the voices quieten. I notice when I slack off on these practices but know from Gab that I can stop and breathe whenever, and wherever, even for a few moments.
When I look back on when I started and where I am now I can see just how much I have grown, I wouldn't recognise me before counselling. And if I did, I'd tell her to start ASAP.”
~ Tillie, Counselling Client
Client Love
“I bought this workbook and there’s a section for you to list people that help you stay confident or who have mentored you; You’re in that box, because you’re always pushing me in the best way.”
~ Tillie, Counselling Client
Colleagues Recommendation
“You want someone who ‘gets you’ in counselling; Someone who you can trust and share anything to without feeling judged. We’re all human and we’re all working through our darkness but it takes incredible courage and vulnerability to do so. Gabriella holds you through that process so strongly, and yet gently. She has the emotional maturity to sit with the ‘hard stuff’, yet sassy enough to bring some light and laughter to a session too. She’s generous, deep thinking and kind hearted, and within a safe space, she guides and allows you to see patterns in your life which no longer serve you and with compassion, help you to step into a vision of your best self.”
~Nicole, Women’s Coach
“I'd recommend Gabriella to you because she is a friendly, warm, empathetic and caring counsellor. Gabriella's strengths are her down to earth personality and her passion in promoting self awareness and self love. Gabriella will be a great fit for you if you would like to build personal insights and positive relationships with yourself and others.”
~Penny, Counselling Psychologist
“There are so many positive things to say about this powerhouse of a woman. But most importantly, if you're looking to make a meaningful and mindful change in your life, Gabriella can help you on your journey. She can help you realise what your goals are and support you to reach them. Her compassion and ability to let you guide yourself is something that shows that she truly listens to you and lets you be the expert on your experiences."
~Beth, Social Worker
“Gabriella’s approach is warm, intuitive and supportive. Her natural ability to make difficult topics approachable and accessible makes her an ideal counsellor. Gabriella creates safe spaces that encourage authentic and open conversation and I regularly leave conversations with Gabriella feeling empowered, encouraged and affirmed”
~ Tahlia, Youth Worker
Colleague Recommendation
“I can not recommend Gabriella highly enough! Gabriella brings a fresh perspective to the Counselling space and, different and unique points of views for the client to consider. Gabriella is naturally confident in her Counselling approaches, and to be honest, her overall confidence is contagious. I find Gabriella's strengths are in connecting emotional despair or unsettledness with relationships and intimacy. She really cuts through the fluff and encourages the client to see things from an alternate outlook.”
~Genevieve, Counsellor
“Gabriella is truly an incredible person whom I look up to personally and professionally. She is intelligent, insightful and so personable. Her confidence is infections and I deeply admire that quality in her. Gabriella taught me to be more mindful in my everyday life and confident in my ability to make decisions. She has a kind, warm and gentle soul and I am a better person for having worked with her.“
~ Courtney, Psychologist
“Gabriella has a “Mother Earth” energy that is irreplaceable. Her humour, warm and spiritual insights and wisdom give you such a grounding and special feeling. She immediately lifts the feeling in the room and you feel refreshed and energised in her presence. She is grounded and makes you feel calm and centred too. She reminds us all of our purpose and potential in life as she sees and inspires value in every single person she works with.”
~ Jane, Mental Health Service Manager
Client Testimonial
“As always I had such a great session. I am so grateful that I found a therapist who I can be my authentic self around. You have a positive and profound way you share your gifts with the world and this important work changes lives!"
~ Sadie, Counselling Client
“Thank you Gabriella for providing me with safe space and creating an environment that I feel comfortable with: It’s this comfort that’s allows me bring my walls down to share my experiences with you. Showing up for myself easier when I know have someone who will show up for me too when I need
~ Harlow, Counselling Client
“Gabriella has a wonderful way of creating a safe and comfortable space - her soft and caring approach puts me at ease every time we meet. If you’re looking for a warm and down to earth counsellor, I recommend contacting Gabriella today.”
~ Elisabetta, Counselling Client
Client Testimonial
I just wanted to thank you so much for all of your help this year. I honestly don’t know where I would be without your guidance. I am so greatful to be your client. Your care and advice is priceless. I am really looking forward to seeing you in the new year. Thank you again for all of your help and kindness, I am so appreciative. ~ Hannah
Client Testimonial
“Thank you, Gabriella. That was the most painful and proudly productive therapy session I have had. I appreciate your time, energy and wisdom. Shared tonight and I feel like so many little crackles of lightening bolts (insight) occured.”