Meet Dr. Gabby Carey-johnson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Gabby Carey-johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Gabby below.

Hi Dr. Gabby, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?

I prioritize self-care by embracing practices that nurture my physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. I find peace and renewal through mindfulness, yoga, and spending time by the beach, which provide me with moments of stillness in my busy life. I also treasure the support of my ‘village’—my family and friends—who uplift and ground me. These self-care practices help me maintain balance and enhance my effectiveness as a mental health professional. By modeling self-compassion and resilience, I create a safe and empathetic space for my clients. Taking time to recharge ensures that I remain present, focused, and emotionally available, empowering me to guide others on their healing journeys.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Hi, I’m Dr. Gabby, founder of Gabby Cares of South Florida, a mental health practice focused on creating safe spaces for healing, especially within minority communities. My journey into this work was shaped by my Caribbean American roots and a passion for challenging the stigma around mental health. What started as a love for understanding family dynamics has grown into a thriving practice that supports clients of all ages—from infancy through adulthood.

What makes Gabby Cares special is how we blend evidence-based approaches with cultural sensitivity and real connection. Whether it’s helping new moms through our maternal mental health program, guiding couples using the Gottman method, or supporting individuals dealing with anxiety and depression, it’s all about creating meaningful change in people’s lives.

I’m especially excited about how we’re growing! Right now, we’re:
– Expanding our team: We’re bringing on interns and offering LMHC supervision to nurture future therapists.
– Building community: From wellness events to collaborations that make mental health resources more accessible, we’re all about showing up for the people we serve.
– Launching new programs: We’re diving deeper into family dynamics and parenting for first-generation Caribbean American families—something close to my heart and inspired by my own research.

At Gabby Cares, we believe therapy isn’t just about “fixing problems”—it’s about empowerment, growth, and thriving. I feel lucky to do what I love every day and to help others unlock their potential.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have shaped my journey: resilience, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Resilience: Building anything meaningful—whether it’s a relationship, business or a career—comes with challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. Resilience has been key to pushing through those tough moments and staying focused on the bigger picture.
Advice: Learn to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with a solid support system and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Empathy: As a therapist, truly understanding others is essential, but empathy has also been my superpower in leadership and collaboration. It helps me connect with clients, team members, and partners on a deeper level.
Advice: Start by practicing active listening—really hear people without planning your response. This simple skill can transform your relationships and broaden your perspective.

Lifelong learning: Whether it’s diving into new research, improving my clinical skills, or understanding the business side of running a practice, staying curious and open to growth has been a game-changer.
Advice: Never stop being a student. Take courses, find mentors, and stay curious. Growth doesn’t stop just because you’ve “made it.”

For anyone starting their journey, I’d say: be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and celebrate small wins along the way. Every step forward matters, and the lessons you learn now will set you up for success later.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always open to connecting with people who are passionate about mental health, wellness, and holistic healing. I’d love to partner with yoga and Pilates instructors or mindfulness teachers to create classes and workshops that combine physical and mental well-being. I’m also interested in collaborating with holistic health practitioners, like those who specialize in acupuncture, nutrition, sound healing, or aromatherapy, to explore innovative ways to support mental health. Beyond that, I’m excited to work with community organizations focused on wellness or maternal health and creative professionals who have fresh, nontraditional ideas for making mental health more accessible. If any of this resonates with you, let’s talk! You can reach me at [email protected] or through the Gabby Cares website at www.gabbycares.com. Let’s create something meaningful together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gabbycares.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabbycaressfl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GabbyCaresSFL
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gabbycaresofsouthfl