Dr. Gabrielle Carey-Johnson LMHC-S, NCC shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Gabrielle, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, what’s bringing me the most joy lately is stepping fully into my role as a basketball mom. While I absolutely love running my group practice and pouring into the next generation of clinicians, a lot of my personal life has had to be restructured around helping my son achieve his dream. It’s been a mix of sacrifice, coordination, and excitement — but seeing him thrive in something he loves makes it all worth it.
There’s a special kind of joy that comes from watching his growth on and off the court. The dedication, discipline, and passion he’s showing fills me with so much admiration. Even when the schedule is demanding, I feel grateful that I get to be present in this season of his life, cheering him on and watching him shine. It’s been a new chapter for me, and it’s one that’s been deeply rewarding.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Gabrielle “Gabby” Carey-Johnson, founder of Gabby Cares of South Florida, a private practice committed to making therapy both accessible and community-centered. Alongside supporting clients, I take pride in mentoring student interns as they complete school requirements and work toward licensure. This is something new we’re doing, and it allows us to offer reduced-fee sessions starting at just $10 while also accepting most major insurances. Clients benefit from affordable access, interns bring fresh evidence-based perspectives, and all sessions are closely supervised to ensure quality care. We’re also expanding by launching support groups this fall, creating even more opportunities for healing, connection, and growth in our community.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I always had to be perfect, have the right answer, and constantly keep going without pause. Over time, I’ve learned to release that pressure. I no longer believe perfection is required to be worthy or successful. I understand now that it’s okay not to have all the answers, and that rest is not only acceptable but necessary for growth, clarity, and well-being.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain and started using it as power when a professor once told me I couldn’t build the life I dreamed of. That moment lit a fire in me. Not only have I created the life I envisioned, but I’ve gone beyond it—turning my experiences, challenges, and even pain into fuel to inspire others and open doors that once felt out of reach.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
’m deeply committed to creating a safe, multi-generational and multicultural space for healing. It’s a vision that guides everything I do, and I know it will take time to fully bring it to life—but I’m in it for the long run. For me, it’s about building a space where people from different walks of life can come together, feel seen, and access the tools they need for wellness and growth.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply is that many people don’t realize that there’s real beauty in the grey areas of life. Everything isn’t simply black or white—sometimes things can be both/and instead of either/or. That complexity can be uncomfortable, but it’s also where growth, empathy, and deeper understanding often live. Holding space for multiple perspectives is hard at times but a craft i continue to grow and expand on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gabbycares.com
- Instagram: @gabbycaressfl
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gabbycaresofsouthfl
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GabbyCaresSFL
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GabbyCaresSFL
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