Hope+Wellness

Gabby Wood, LGSW

Licensed Graduate Social Worker

Hi there. I’m Gabby :)

Gabby wood, LGSW

licensed graduate social worker

Locations: Washington DC, Teletherapy

Supervised by Angelique Bush, LCSW

(She/her/hers)

I believe that every individual deserves to take care of their mental health. My lifelong dream has been to help others live a life of joy and meaning. With each client I see, I am deeply grateful to create a space with that individual and truly cherish every moment. In therapy, I aim to create a space where you feel safe and accepted as you are. Every person who enters the therapeutic space I create is welcome and met with respect and a deeply human approach that emphasizes a therapeutic relationship characterized by genuineness and mutual growth.

I specialize in working with older children, adolescents, and young adults who are struggling with depression and suicidal ideation. I also specialize in the treatment of anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, body image, self criticism, and work with many people who are going through times of adjustment and life stress.

I received my Master’s in Social Work at the University of Tennessee, where I completed a Trauma Treatment Certificate and received specialized training in the high quality treatment of trauma in youth as well as individuals across the entire lifespan. My practice is rooted in evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Narrative Therapy. My therapeutic style is uniquely tailored for each individual I work with, and is ultimately grounded in creating a space where you feel genuinely seen and supported.

My passion for counseling and my skills come from a deep understanding of depression, crisis intervention, and de-escalation of suicidal ideation. I have had experience working in short-term crisis hospitalization and longer-term therapeutic interventions. My experiences help to create a sense of compassionate understanding for each client no matter what stage of your healing journey.

I am here to help and am proud of the bravery that it takes for you to even consider this next step in the healing or growing journey of life. I am here to help support you through discovering your strengths, learning to build your self-esteem, and gaining coping skills to help work through the challenges you may be facing. Above all, I want you to know that you are not alone.

Philosophy

My relationship with each client is based on creating a safe space where you will feel fully comfortable to be yourself and to be genuinely seen. I believe that the quality of mental health care is largely dependent on the relationship you build together with your therapist. Thus, I strive to meet you where you are, creating a supportive, open, emphatic, nonjudgmental space where we will work collaboratively to help you connect to your life’s purpose, make achievable goals, to learn more about yourself, and to instill hope.

My approach is strengths based. I believe that each person has their own individual strengths and that my role as your therapist is to help you connect more deeply to your personal strengths toward healthy growth and change. I strive to create a therapeutic experience for you that is exploratory and engaging, where you will feel confident in identifying your strengths and willingness to grow.

My approach is also deeply humanistic. Coming to therapy is a challenging and sometimes uncomfortable experience. It takes courage to open up to another person. It is my philosophy to let each client see that I, too, am human and that we are in this healing space together. Therapy is a collaborative process that emphasizes the need for both support and independent healing. It is important to me for you to see that I am a person too and create a healing space where you feel deeply supported and welcome to be yourself.

I use a holistic approach which emphasizes getting to know you fully so I can know you as a person for more than what you may be immediately struggling with. I believe each part of a person’s life, identity, and experiences has its own unique impact on their life journey. As mental health not only affects the mind, but also the body, I incorporate techniques to help you explore how movement and relaxation may help. 

It is important to me that you not only feel supported in your successes but also moments of learning. I offer a genuine, non-judgmental view of growth and the healing process and journey. As a therapist, I believe we are ultimately both humans who are growing together in the therapeutic space. You are not alone.

Specialty Areas

teens and Young Adults

I’m passionate about working with older youth, teens, and young adults going through times of depression, anxiety, stress, and life transitions. I work to uniquely tailor therapy for each individual, to help you learn coping skills that you can take and apply throughout your life and different experiences you may encounter.

anxiety, depression, mood concerns

I specialize in working with individuals with anxiety and depression. I enjoy supporting clients in the process of self-discovery and exploring the intricacies of how life can affect the view we have of ourselves and therefore our outlook on the rest of the world. I will help you build a life you envision for yourself — one of meaning, purpose and joy.

eating disorders, body image concerns

There are many challenges that people face when experiencing body image concerns or eating disorders. I specialize in helping clients learn healthy ways of being with their body, and learning coping mechanisms that may help with compulsive behaviors to help you experience life more fully.

Low Self Esteem

Self-esteem and worthiness is something that many of us struggle with. I work to create a safe, supportive therapeutic space where you are genuinely accepted as you are. I also use a multitude of techniques that are used to emphasize the strengths and value of each individual person. My therapeutic style reflects the positive aspects of each individual’s character. I offer space where we can learn, together, the ways in which you can see yourself in a stronger light.  

Trauma 

I am passionate about working to support children and adolescents through trauma. I use evidence based practices such as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Narrative Therapy to help clients feel safe sharing their story. Ioffer a therapeutic style that is empathetic as we process through the events together toward healing.

Additional Areas of Expertise

Academic Stress and Pressure
Anxiety
Attention Problems
Bipolar
Child Anxiety
Child Depression
Child Therapy
Depression
Discovering Your Identity
Existential Depression
Finding Meaning and Purpose
Generalized Anxiety
General Stress of Being Human
Grief and Loss
Identity
Life Stress
Life Transitions
Mood disorders
Perfectionism
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Personal Growth
Pre-teens
Seasonal Affective Disorders
Self-Care
Self-Criticism
Self-Esteem
Sensitivity
Social Anxiety
Stress Management
Struggling to Launch
Trauma

more ABOUT ME

Hobbies + what I like to do for fun!

I LOVE reading, baking, and making my living space feel warm all year round. I am currently trying to read 105 books this year (wish me luck because I am already behind). When I am not at work, you will usually find me with a book in hand and some kind of baked good in the oven. I am a sweet treat enthusiast and a purveyor of cozy things. I will always have a fall scented candle going at home if I am not out for a walk or getting a bagel. I love antiquing, record collecting, and finding unique trinkets that have a story. I also love yoga and find it a great way to move my body in a healthy, self-soothing way.

What inspires me about the work I do with clients

I am inspired by the strength and courage of every single one of my clients. It inspires me to see people’s willingness to let others into their lives. It takes a great amount of courage to sit in front of a new person and open up to them. I consider it a great honor to be able to create a space where I can watch people grow into the people they strive to be. I am so grateful to create a trusting, supportive, and positive relationship that has a lasting impact. It is inspiring to me to watch as clients learn to trust and use that trust to focus on the skills that can help them grow.

favorite QUOTES

“Even the moon passes through phases to return to full.”
— Sonia
“And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.”
— John Steinbeck
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
— Louisa May Alcott
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