Gabriela Betancourt

As the Clinical Manager and Clinical Supervisor of Grace Therapy and Wellness Center Non Profit, I lead with a deep commitment to compassionate care, clinical integrity, and ongoing professional growth. Since beginning my work as a therapist in 2016, I have been fortunate to build a career rooted in purpose. I feel genuinely lucky to do what I love every day, to serve as a steady, hopeful presence in a client’s healing journey and to support clinicians as they develop their own therapeutic voice. Much of my clinical career has been spent on the South Side of Chicago, working with BIPOC communities navigating complex trauma, systemic inequities, and profound emotional challenges. These experiences shaped my understanding of resilience, connection, and the importance of culturally attuned care.

In my work with clients, I strive to be someone they can trust, someone with whom they feel safe, seen, and able to be authentically themselves. My approach is deeply person-centered, combining warmth, honesty, humor, and a strong belief in each client’s inner wisdom. I offer reflection, insight, and gentle challenge to help individuals better understand themselves and cultivate emotional safety both internally and in their relationships. Because my background centers heavily on trauma work, I am continually learning new ways to help clients regulate, heal, and reconnect with their bodies. I draw from polyvagal theory and have completed EMDR Levels I and II, as well as Brainspotting Level I. I am passionate about the brain, the nervous system, and the ways that neuroscience informs effective, compassionate treatment. My commitment to lifelong learning helps me meet each client exactly where they are, honoring the fact that trauma impacts everyone differently.

As a supervisor, I bring the same person-centered and strengths-based philosophy into my work with developing clinicians. I help supervisees recognize and refine the skills they already possess, while also encouraging them to stay open, curious, and willing to explore multiple perspectives. I value transparency, thoughtful feedback, and reflective practice. Above all, I emphasize the importance of the therapeutic relationship, because healing, especially for trauma survivors, happens within consistent, safe, and nurturing connections. I aim to model this with my supervisees, and I hope they, in turn, embody it with their clients.

I truly love my job. I remain excited to keep learning, growing, and evolving so that I can continue serving others with clarity, compassion, and unwavering dedication.