Gina Billson

I have been married to my husband for nearly 20 years and am a mother to two active teenagers, which gives me a personal understanding of the complexities and challenges of maintaining balance within a busy family. With 24 years of experience in the mental health field, I began my career providing direct services to children, teens, and families for 12 years. Over the past 12 years, I have transitioned into private practice, where I continue to support clients across various life stages. In addition to my private practice, I have served as a mental health clinician within a large high school district, providing support to adolescents navigating the unique challenges of their developmental years. My career has also included critical incident debriefing, including the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York, where I worked directly with victims just days after the tragedy. I have unfortunately had to facilitate numerous Critical Incident Debriefings in response to school tragedies, including a school shooting in Taft, CA. In my clinical practice, I draw from multiple theoretical approaches, adapting as needed to best support each client's unique journey. With the rapid pace of life and cultural shifts, I find myself increasingly guided by a person-centered framework. This approach, rooted in the principles of Person-Centered or Rogerian Therapy, allows me to focus on building a strong therapeutic rapport, ensuring our time together is meaningful and impactful. Person-Centered Therapy emphasizes key elements that foster a deeply supportive and empowering experience for clients. These components include: Client-led Process: Allowing clients to guide their own therapeutic journey creates a sense of agency and authenticity. Supportive Environment: A safe and accepting space is essential for genuine self-expression and growth. Self-Discovery: Through exploration, clients uncover deeper insights, gaining clarity and understanding of themselves. Unconditional Self-Worth: Reinforcing clients' inherent value encourages self-acceptance and resilience. Client-paced Growth: Respecting clients’ timing in their growth fosters sustainable, lasting change. By prioritizing these principles, I aim to provide a compassionate and affirming therapeutic experience that truly resonates with each individual.