Dr. Gabriele Goodman
I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism and composure in high-pressure situations.
I have a well-established track record of helping individuals and groups feel empowered to: decrease anxiety, depression or unwanted thoughts; overcome PTSD and trauma, cope with a physical health condition or illness; manage stress adaptively; successfully navigate life transitions; improve relationships and/or enhance one's interpersonal effectiveness; increase motivation for health behavior changes; enhance creativity and/or performance in work or sports; increase overall life satisfaction; change or alter counter productive behaviors (e.g. overeating, procrastination, substance abuse, risky behavior, etc.); and develop coping techniques to empower and enhance one's emotional intelligence and/or competency.
I bring so much heart to this work because I know what it is like to be truly broken. In my former career as an elite triathlete, I broke multiple bones, experienced major physical and emotional setbacks, and had my identity shattered. I know what it is like to have your sense of self blown asunder and to have to create a new normal in the face of uncertainty, adversity, chaos and constant change. These experiences have empowered me to bring compassion to a therapeutic process oriented towards the development of psychological flexibility, self-determination, greater accountability, ownership, and sense of personal mastery.
I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
About In Balance Therapy in Walnut Creek, CA
What Does Balance Mean To You?
Is it a sense of freedom - how you respond to the natural ebb and flow of life's joys and challenges? Is it a feeling of resilience - your ability to bounce back and thrive in the face of adversity? An ability to trust your intuition and make sound decisions? An increase in your aptitude for self-awareness and self-expression? Nurturing an ongoing practice in self-compassion and self-care? Finding equilibrium in your personal and professional roles? Developing and sustaining a deeper relationship with your partner, children, co-workers, and/or boss? Or expanding your own sense of control, confidence and esteem across all avenues of life?
The Human Condition is to Want More
Wanting to be happier is part and parcel of being human. So many of us fall victim to the myth that we are somehow "not good enough", that we should be "more than", that we are fundamentally flawed. We get stuck in the feeling that we are essentially not loveable and we feel a hidden sense of shame and guilt. The tape playing in our head becomes driven by a list of "if only's". "If only I was smarter, younger, faster, thinner, better looking, funnier, etc., then I'd be happier, more fulfilled, more loved."
Unearthing Your Meaning
An alternate way to view our own desire to be happier is that it is a deep drive to find meaning in our lives. Understanding our values and finding meaning in the things we do moves us away from believing that we have to be and do more to allowing ourselves to just be who we fundamentally are – perfect here and now.
What would life look like if you accepted your struggles and imperfections while also embracing your talents, desires, and ambitions? In short, how would you exist in this world if you lived in balance?
Imagine how this radical self-acceptance would impact your personal and professional life, your deep relationships, and your health and well-being.
Acceptance is one of the greatest challenges for many of us, and yet acceptance fosters change. Acceptance allows the struggle to resolve and opens up space for new insights and behavioral changes. This change fosters healthier choices in the way we act and react, and supports the foundation of balance and harmony.
Living your values
When you allow intention and acceptance to guide your mind, your body listens and responds. When you change your behavior, your emotions will change as well. Your entire experience of life changes when you become more conscious. When you learn to connect to your true self, it becomes easier to face present fears, physical ailments, and underlying unconscious issues. During these times, therapy can help you not only survive, but also find meaning and balance.
REVIEWS
Growing up in my family, mental health was a made-up disease. The prevailing advice I received was something along the lines of this: “You feel sad? Get over it, because somebody out there has it worse than you do.” I was told that mental health is something privileged complainers like to bring up. I’ve received various forms of mental health services prior to working with Dr. Goodman, usually through resources offered by school and/or through my health insurance. I also consulted a dozen or so mental health professionals when I decided to seek services outside of my healthcare network. Out of all these professionals with whom I’ve crossed paths, Dr. Goodman was the only professional who made me feel like a priority. She made me feel progress is real and possible. I have been her patient for two years now. This is the longest and most rewarding relationship I've had with any mental health professional. I sometimes start some sessions feeling totally anxious and hopeless, but Dr. Goodman makes me feel heard, which is a big deal for me because I felt muted in my environment. With previous therapists I've seen, I would often go into each session to spill all my problems, leave, and then repeat. I never did much reflecting in between sessions. The homework assignments Dr. Goodman assigns encourages me to think deeper about some topics I find particularly uncomfortable in between our sessions. Some of these assignments require general reflection, some require writing out my thoughts. I always hated doing homework when I was a student, but all these worksheets/assignments have brought me a sense of peace as I completed them. She has helped me realize I already have some of the tools I need to improve my mental health—I just needed to be guided to them. I used to trap myself in a doom loop of endless negative thoughts before bed. It has been that way for as long as I can remember. Although this still happens, I’ve found myself in the last few months falling asleep to practicing gratitude. The final thoughts I consciously think of before falling asleep are positive for once. This is a habit I would have never achieved without Dr. Goodman’s guidance. I recognize that everybody has different needs from their mental health provider and finding the right therapist is not a one size fits all situation. But I rate Dr. Goodman 6 out of 5 stars.- Connie H.- Dr. Goodman came as a guest speaker for our teenage dancers to talk to them about anxiety and performance anxiety. Our objective was to open a conversation with our students about something so many teens today struggle with. Her presentation style was casual and comfortable, and they were engaged and asked great questions. Dr. Goodman was clearly an expert in this topic, and provided information and resources that will be invaluable for those who participated. We sincerely look forward to a relationship with her in the future, and greatly appreciate her sharing her expertise and time with us.- Aimee Martel
- Dr. Goodman has been a God send, I am a chronic pain sufferer,, I also suffer from anxiety and depression as a result of multiple surgeries from on the job injuries. Her knowledge, skill set and compassion for her patients is impeccable, she is absolutely amazing and she cares, I'm not just a number. Dr. Goodman has helped me manage my pain symptoms mentally through therapy, using multiple therapeutic techniques. She is my peace beneath the storm that I weather on a daily basis. She has thought me to fight everyday to live with pain and to enjoy the life that I have been given although I will never be pain free. I feel completely safe with her, and I look forward to seeing her for every session. I dont know who or where I'd be without her in my life. Sincerely K. Wright- Karen Wright
- Dr. Goodman is truly an amazing woman who is a master at her craft. I started seeing her almost 2 years ago and starting therapy with her was one of the best things I’ve done. Not only have I noticed a change in myself, but my closet friends have commented on the positive change Gabby has had on me. She has helped me navigate my mid 20’s whether it be friendships, romantic relationships, my family dynamics or even my career moves. She holds me accountable and is an amazing sounding board for tough conversations and figuring out next steps that I’ve struggled asking for help with. She’s challenges me, she’s holds no judgement and I feel safe turning to her with everything. She has given me permission to grow in ways I didn’t know I needed. Thanks Gabby :)- Hailey Nethery
- Dr. Goodman is a very personable doctor. I really like how involved she is and straight forward. I love how compassionate and caring she is.- Ally Brown
- Dr. Gabriele Goodman was a big help in helping pick up the pieces in my life. She is very caring and understanding and really knows how to make me feel comfortable in opening up and dealing with issues that held me back in the past from healing. I highly recommend Dr. Goodman, She is great!- Monica S
