Gabriela Sabater-Raffucci Psy.D.

Relationship issues often include challenging dynamics and issues of boundaries and trust. I find it important to become aware of the role that we play on a given relationship. It is also crucial to better understand the role that we played in our early relationships and how traumatic or challenging experiences often impact our sense of self and therefore the relationships that we attract in our lives. In some way, our relationships confirm our sense of self and reality.

When dealing with anxiety, I find it important to become aware of somatic responses and body sensations that are linked to our anxiety. Because anxiety often entails negative thoughts and preoccupations about the future, I attempt to help clients in developing tools to be in the present moment. Furthermore, I also perceive that at times anxiety is informed by deeper existential concerns or by familial past experiences that need to be processed and integrated.

-balancing feminine/masculine aspects - body image issues - impact of menstrual cycle - body awareness - opression

My former and current work environment has provided me with the opportunity to work with individuals from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. I believe to understand what is happening on an individual level, me must raise awareness of how our cultures and social environments have impacted us.

The unconscious is our powerful force within us that is always trying to communicate with us and bring us healing. The unconscious wants to be known and acknowledge by consciousness. In our healing journeys, we are also attempting to integrate our shadow elements, persona and ego, and this process of integration is led by the central aspect of our personality, the Self. The healing journey entails integration and self-realization.

We all have needs for connection and belonging, and when these needs are not met, psychological distress can arise. From this approach, we pay close attention to our relational dynamics and how these impact our sense of self. The therapeutic relationship is also crucial as it can illuminate outside relationships and bring new possibilities. Examining our relational template that was formed in our early relationships is also crucial.

Women's issues often entail oppression, balancing masculine and feminine aspects, body-image issues, sexuality, self-expression and image, feeling good enough, navigating big emotions, understanding the impact of the menstrual cycle, etc. My approach entails providing support in de-constructing negative cultural notions of women; to connect with the body as a source of wisdom and with one's creativity; and to re-learn how to trust and navigate big emotions.