Marianne Gabrael

I hold a Master’s Degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling and am a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey. I currently work in private practice at Lessons and Sessions, where I support adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship dynamics, and life transitions. My clinical experience includes prior work with individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental health concerns, including complex emotional and behavioral needs, within community-based and least restrictive settings. That experience continues to inform my approach, allowing me to remain grounded, adaptable, and responsive to each client’s unique presentation. My work is informed by attachment theory, trauma-informed care, CBT, DBT strategies, and EMDR. I am EMDR trained and actively incorporate this approach into my work as I continue toward certification.

Our work together will be collaborative, honest, and grounded in real-life application. I create a space where you can be fully yourself while also being gently challenged when needed. We will explore patterns, especially in relationships and emotional responses, and work toward understanding where they come from and how they show up in your life now. I integrate insight-oriented work with practical strategies, including DBT skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. My goal is to help you feel more secure, clear, and aligned in how you show up for yourself and others.

You can expect a warm, nonjudgmental space that is also real and direct. I am engaged, present, and attuned, and I will actively help you connect the dots. Sessions are conversational but purposeful, with a balance of validation, insight, and practical support. I integrate skill-building when helpful, so you leave sessions with tools you can actually use. I meet you where you are, while also helping you move forward in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

I work best with clients who are ready to be honest with themselves and open to exploring patterns, even when it feels uncomfortable. This includes individuals who may feel stuck in relationships, overwhelmed by anxiety, or disconnected from themselves and want to better understand why.