Gentle Connections Counseling, Austin TX
Melissa Gaber from Gentle Connections Counseling

Melissa Gaber

Gentle Connections Counseling

About Us

Let’s get to know me.

I own and operate Gentle Connections Counseling, a private therapy practice.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Supervisor.
I love what I do. I am passionate about being a therapist.
I am a Highly Sensitive Therapist and offer a listening ear and compassionate heart.
I am an Artist (well just saying that, whew, I’m working on my confidence).

How We Got Started

Since the age of 3, I’ve been aware of my insatiable curiosity and interest in people. As an HSP, I was misunderstood and ridiculed. I didn’t know what HSP was until I was an adult. My imagination and creativity mixed with my personality felt like I was an outsider. I love what I do. I can’t imagine what else I would do! I take my role as your therapist with the highest commitment and responsibility.

Products & Services
Couples Counseling by Gentle Connections Counseling
Are you frustrated that your fights are always the same? Do you struggle to feel heard and loved? How are you doing, as an individual, in the relat...
Individual or HSP Counseling by Gentle Connections Counseling
Highly sensitive people (HSP) make up approximately 15-20% of the population. Individuals with this personality, we have increased sensitivity to p...
Gentle Therapy for Creatives by Gentle Connections Counseling
As creatives, we are sensitive, imaginative and often times misunderstood. Maybe our creativity has been ridiculed since we were little. You don’t ...
Recommendations Given (14)
"I highly recommend Nadya! She is professional, energetic, organized and focused. She has a..." Read more "I highly recommend Nadya! She is professional, energetic, organized and focused. She has a wonderful style and is so genuine."
"Aimee is a diligent, professional and caring individual that really puts her all into her work...." Read more "Aimee is a diligent, professional and caring individual that really puts her all into her work. She is multi talented and organized. I highly recommend her for anyone that wants to have a caring and professional partner during such an important part of life."
Recent Activity

Melissa from Gentle Connections Counseling Answered this on March 22, 2018
Oh great question! I don't post on YouTube. I rely on Facebook and my own website to share the message of my business. (more) Oh great question! I don't post on YouTube. I rely on Facebook and my own website to share the message of my business.

Melissa from Gentle Connections Counseling Answered this on March 20, 2018
I have been using Simple Practice for years and love it. (more) I have been using Simple Practice for years and love it.

Melissa from Gentle Connections Counseling Answered this on March 20, 2018
Absolutely! There is a lot of research that shows exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve mental health. Regular exercise can have a positive impact on mood disorders (depression, anxiety), ADHD, relieve stress, improve memory, help sleep, boost happy chemicals (endorphins),... (more) Absolutely! There is a lot of research that shows exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve mental health. Regular exercise can have a positive impact on mood disorders (depression, anxiety), ADHD, relieve stress, improve memory, help sleep, boost happy chemicals (endorphins), increase Vitamin D intake, improve self-confidence/esteem, cardiovascular exercise can create new brain cells (neurogenesis) and taps into the creative energy. I highly recommend it in combination with healthy coping skills (of course consult with a physician for what's right/appropriate for each person) and a physical work up. All that said, there is something that therapy itself provides which is a place to bring all that stress and have someone validate it and help you manage life. It's important to live in balance.

Melissa from Gentle Connections Counseling Answered this on March 13, 2018
In person is always best when you are teaching because you need to observe reactions, body language and the energy in the room. People also interact with one another which provides powerful validation and support. I don't do therapy or workshops online because I want that intimate and personal... (more) In person is always best when you are teaching because you need to observe reactions, body language and the energy in the room. People also interact with one another which provides powerful validation and support. I don't do therapy or workshops online because I want that intimate and personal feel along with the energy that others provide to me and each other. I also think that people remember the material better and can implement it if it corresponds to a teaching setting like a workshop versus they watched it online from their computer.

Melissa from Gentle Connections Counseling Answered this on March 09, 2018
I would say that it depends on your audience. If I am meeting with adults, I prefer lunchtime or early afternoon. If I am meeting with families and their kiddos, I prefer morning (kids are tired in the PM). If I am networking, I meet people over coffee or lunch. I don't ever schedule Friday... (more) I would say that it depends on your audience. If I am meeting with adults, I prefer lunchtime or early afternoon. If I am meeting with families and their kiddos, I prefer morning (kids are tired in the PM). If I am networking, I meet people over coffee or lunch. I don't ever schedule Friday afternoon meetings!

Melissa from Gentle Connections Counseling Answered this on November 10, 2017
Prospective clients should choose me because I help them meet their therapy goals, teach them how to enrich their relationships and they learn more about themselves along the way. (more) Prospective clients should choose me because I help them meet their therapy goals, teach them how to enrich their relationships and they learn more about themselves along the way.

Melissa from Gentle Connections Counseling Answered this on September 30, 2017
The best way to sustain your business is to receive referrals via 3 different sources. Referral sources that feed you potential clients but that you don't have to manage the source or pay for it! (more) The best way to sustain your business is to receive referrals via 3 different sources. Referral sources that feed you potential clients but that you don't have to manage the source or pay for it!

Melissa from Gentle Connections Counseling Answered this on August 08, 2017
It really depends on the business stress and situation. Also I would tailor my techniques to the personality of my client - what works best for him/her. But some general things I like are: 1) ask yourself "what is the worst that can happen here? (keep it in perspective) and 2) practice... (more) It really depends on the business stress and situation. Also I would tailor my techniques to the personality of my client - what works best for him/her. But some general things I like are: 1) ask yourself "what is the worst that can happen here? (keep it in perspective) and 2) practice mindfulness so you can be calm, clear and in the moment when stress hits. Then always practice self-care after the storm calms down - take care of yourself physically and emotionally - so you are ready to ride the next wave!

Melissa from Gentle Connections Counseling Answered this on July 25, 2017
Ah that is the question all people ask in so many industries! That is why marketing/advertising companies can charge a lot of money to help! There are numerous ways to market for clients; and depending on your board regulations ways that you cannot market for clients (find this first!). It really... (more) Ah that is the question all people ask in so many industries! That is why marketing/advertising companies can charge a lot of money to help! There are numerous ways to market for clients; and depending on your board regulations ways that you cannot market for clients (find this first!). It really depends on your niche and the type of clients that you want to attract. Start by focusing on your local area, your niche and network (coffee/lunch) with the gatekeepers (those that have access to the clients that you want) and with other local therapists to see what works/doesn't work for them.

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Team

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist