Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Troy Gabrielson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Troy, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
Life is inherently risky, so I think taking risks is unavoidable. At the same time, when we’re scared of something we can be very adept at avoiding it. Some of the things that have been scary for me have evolved over time. As an early example, I found moving away to college when I was 18 to be very stressful; I was starting at a new school in a new state, where I didn’t know anyone.
I grew immensely by facing that experience and seeing the life-changing gains that accompanied it. When I later chose to move states again, it was less intimidating to me. This continued through subsequent moves. My tolerance for living in new places increased by living in new places. The same fear/face it/learning cycle has followed many experiences for me. The through line is practice and contact with the thing I fear.
I’ve also learned to link risk-taking to my values. I am much more likely to do something with an uncertain outcome if it is in service to something that is very important to me. For example, starting my private practice was a high-stakes decision that involves various forms of risk. This was worth it to me because having my own practice allows me autonomy, flexibility, and a high quality of life, which benefit me and people close to me, including clients. Those areas of alignment made me much more willing to face something uncharted.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I own a boutique therapy practice called Troy Gabrielson, LCSW, which serves adults of all ages living with OCD, insomnia, and challenges from becoming a new parent. I meet with clients virtually and in-person in the heart of Pasadena.
People I work with enjoy a research-informed [https://troygabrielsonlcsw.com/about] and client-centered approach to care. In our first few sessions I assess my clients’ concerns, explore their goals for care, and finally, agree to a plan. As we set our direction in sessions I talk with people about their priorities and the reasons for their priorities; when a valued activity or an important relationship is at stake people can dig deep to find the courage to do hard things. This bodes well for facing fears and taking risks throughout our work together. This blend of following the research while tailoring care to clients’ specific concerns, values, and preferences helps my practice shine. Also, I provide therapy in English and in Spanish!
I am in the process of becoming certified in perinatal mental health by Postpartum Support International, an indication of intensive specialized training and ongoing consultation with peers.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One: it’s been essential to practice self-compassion. Both providing therapy and building a practice are hard work, and offering myself grace lets me accept and learn from challenges. Two: as my first professor in graduate school told me, self-reflection is key. Knowing what was important to me helped me set my course for my first five years in the field, primarily in outpatient homeless services. It also brought me to the realization that I eventually needed something different. As I developed my own practice I got to be very real with myself about when I could no longer maintain a day job and my practice together, and when to strike out on my own. Three: I pursue the highest possible level of clinical rigor. This means keeping up with research, consulting with colleagues, reflecting on stuck points in care, and minding my own presence in sessions. These practices are ongoing, indefinitely, and should be for any therapist.
To social workers and therapists who are beginning their career, it’s crucial to know one’s own value and values. Consider: What do you need to feel supported in a job? What are your deal-breakers? What are you living without right now, and what are the costs to that? What is important to you? Are you living that? What would it take for that to change?
The other point is to foster a community. Shared experience is everything, whether that is with other people in a clinical profession, or other people living with crippling worry, or new dads [https://troygabrielsonlcsw.com/new-dads], or postpartum moms who feel like they’re the only one struggling. You are never the only one, so search for a Facebook group or NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) group, or call the Postpartum Support International [https://postpartum.net/ ] HelpLine (800-944-4773, or text “Help” to the same number).
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
I’ve learned to recognize signs that I’m overwhelmed: I’m not concentrating as well, I might feel a little disembodied, or I might feel pressure in my chest. Then I decide: would it be helpful to power through and finish a task? Or am I not working effectively right now and need to pause, step outside, go for a run, or wrap up for the day and come back tomorrow?
If this sounds unfamiliar, experiment! Trial and error is key, and no one (except maybe you) expects you to nail it the first time. Offer kindness to yourself. Keep trying.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://troygabrielsonlcsw.com
Image Credits
Marina Babigian, Bee Street Studio
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