Dr. Gabrielle Toloza is not your typical clinical psychologist. With over 20 years of experience in the field, she has not only been a dedicated professional but a driving force for change and personal growth. While her primary focus has been on helping adults, families, children, and couples navigate life’s challenges, she has recently ventured into offering immersive wellness retreats, mindfulness workshops, and training in emotional resilience for helping professionals.
A Unique Approach to Mental Health
Dr. Toloza’s approach to therapy is deeply rooted in the belief that every individual is unique and possesses the power to change in any direction they choose. She aims to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to engage in introspection, personal growth, self-awareness, and the cultivation of meaningful connections. This emphasis on individuality and self-empowerment sets her apart in the field of clinical psychology.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth
Dr. Toloza’s journey to become a clinical psychologist was not without its challenges. Her initial passion for working with children led her to explore various roles, from helping the homeless and individuals in drug rehabilitation to supporting children in the foster care system and even working in federal prisons. These diverse experiences equipped her with a profound understanding of the complexities of human life, resilience, and adaptability.
One of the key aspects that makes Dr. Toloza’s approach unique is her personal resilience. She has faced personal tragedies, losing her father at a young age and her fiancé prematurely, yet she remains committed to helping others overcome their own challenges. Her ability to connect with her clients on a deep and authentic level is a testament to her unwavering empathy and strength.
Her dedication to changing the perception of psychology from a stigmatized field to one focused on mental wellness is a true to her vision. She believes that nurturing one’s psychological well-being is an ongoing process, much like maintaining physical health. Dr. Toloza’s dream is for people everywhere to learn to nurture their psychological wellness in small ways every day.
Collaboration and Growth
Dr. Toloza’s professional background includes a Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Childhood Development from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Chaminade University, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University Hawaii. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in Hawaii and Oklahoma and a member of both the Hawaii Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.
Her work is informed by a diverse range of training and interests, including autism and related conditions, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parent/child therapy, applied behavioral analysis, social skills interventions, conscious parenting, parent management training, and mindfulness.
Strong Personal Beliefs
Dr. Toloza’s personal beliefs deeply impact her work with people. She operates in various settings, including clinics, family homes, schools, and virtually, with the common goal of providing space and time for connection and growth. She practices what she preaches and believes in the collaborative nature of therapy, where the client is the expert on themselves. Her emphasis on shifting from a mindset of lack to one of abundance and her dedication to providing unconditional positive regard to all clients are at the core of her approach.
Dr. Gabrielle Toloza’s focus on individuality, self-empowerment, and her unwavering commitment to personal growth make her a remarkable figure in the field of mental health. Her vision for promoting wellness practices as tools for change is a testament to her passion for creating a more compassionate and resilient world.
