About | Psychologist | Walnut Creek, CA

Empowering You to Thrive

I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have decades of experience 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.

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."

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.

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.

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Aimee Martel
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.
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Ally Brown
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.
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Karen Wright
I recently had a neck lift in this clinic and am very pleased with the result. As I got older, I noticed that my neck sagged and wrinkled, which made me uncomfortable. But, after consulting with one of the clinic's certified surgeons, I decided to have a neck lift procedure. The operation was quick and the recovery time was minimal. After a week I was able to return to work and my usual activities.
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Hailey Nethery
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 :)
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Monica S
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!

About Dr. Gabriele Goodman in Walnut Creek, CA

Empowering You to Thrive

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