Marriage and Family Therapist in Philadelphia Aspires to Empower
Finding a marriage and family therapist in Philadelphia or Wynnewood, Pennslyvania, who accepts new clients can be difficult. CFR is proud to have Staff Therapist Gabrielle Hoang, MFT, as a Council for Relationships (CFR) staff member. Gabrielle sees individuals, couples, and families virtually or in person.
Read more about Gabrielle’s therapeutic approaches, goals, and training.
Gabrielle’s journey to becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist
Growing up, I have long been intrigued by the stories of others and the different paths of life each person has walked. Our histories combine our worst moments and the best qualities of the people we are now. I was unsure of what I wanted to do for a long time. I pursued a biology degree in college but never felt tethered to the professions that are usually associated with the subject.
It was not until a loved one of mine started therapy after a difficult time in their life that something switched in me. They talked about how helpful it was, and an “aha moment” occurred.
Why could I not do that?
What is stopping me from pursuing that?
No field best honors my desire to understand others, support those on their journeys, and continuously learn more about myself because of the narratives my clients share than mental health therapy. So, I pursued a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Philadelphia. I believe my own stories are what influence my approach to therapy with clients.
I chose to work at the Council for Relationships because of the warm and driven community; clinicians here are committed to being lifelong learners and continuously growing as therapists. It is inspiring to be around that energy. And it is because of these awesome clinicians that the organization has continued to improve to fit the needs of our communities.
Are you struggling with the decision to start therapy?
Everyone comes to therapy with different wants and expectations about what therapy will bring them. While those goals are highly individualized, one of my hopes in therapy is to help you better understand yourself. Understanding where your thoughts and feelings come from can be a crucial step towards change.
Since goals are uniquely specific, clients can achieve them in many ways. Exploration around the self, why the goals are important to you, skill-building, and empowerment are some frameworks I work in. Equally important is having regular goal progression check-ins.
The first therapy sessions can make some people nervous or scared. It is the first time you are meeting your therapist, after all! Your first session with me is structured to try and take away the unexpected: we will go through the required paperwork, discuss what brings you to therapy, explore your background, family history, and intentions for therapy, and invite any questions about the process. In our first session, I hope to offer you a safe, non-judgmental space and to understand your story better.
Seeking therapy is a significant step, and it is not uncommon to feel hesitant. I encourage anyone who may be struggling with the decision to start therapy to perhaps reflect on the reasons for the hesitation. Identifying your concerns can help address them more directly.
And remember: you are in control over the entire process. You are able to set the pace and determine for yourself when you are ready to delve deeper with a therapist.
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)?
According to the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a mental health professional trained in psychotherapy and family systems and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples, and family systems. Marriage and Family Therapists can, and frequently do, see individual clients as well.
CFR therapists, including Marriage and Family Therapists in Philadelphia like Gabrielle, are accepting new clients. Ready to book an appointment with a therapist? Do you have questions about costs?
Gabrielle Hoang, MFT, is a Philadelphia and Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, therapist accepting new individual, couples, and family clients online and in person. You can contact her with any questions about therapy or Gabrielle’s therapy practice. You can do this by completing the form on her Clinician Biography page. Click here to request an appointment with a CFR Clinician.
See our Therapist & Psychiatrist Directory to find a different CFR therapist or psychiatrist near you.
More from CFR
There is so much more for you to explore from our expert therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Check out the CFR Expert Voices blog for great mental health advice and insight. Here are a few recent blogs we think you will enjoy.
Philadelphia Therapist Accepting New Clients: Joanne Gonzales, MFT
Philadelphia Therapist Accepting New Clients: Amy Leonard, MSW
Philadelphia Psychiatrist Accepting New Patients: Dr. Michael Antzis
New Jersey Therapist Accepting New Clients: Candice Ramsey, MA, LAMFT, CPC