Gabriela Leyva Penuelas, LPC, Therapist in Vernon Hills, Illinois

Gabriela Leyva is a Licensed Professional Counselor at LifeStance Health, dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based mental health care to individuals, couples, and families across Illinois. With over 16 years of experience, she helps children, adolescents, and adults navigate challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Gabriela understands that seeking therapy can feel overwhelming, and she strives to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience. Gabriela has extensive experience working with individuals facing ADHD, PTSD, and grief, supporting them in understanding their emotions and developing practical strategies to improve daily functioning. She also specializes in couples therapy, helping partners strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and navigate relational challenges. In addition, she is passionate about working with clients struggling with sleep disorders and chronic pain, using tailored interventions to promote long-term well-being. A strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Gabriela has worked with a broad range of populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, those on the autism spectrum, and BIPOC communities. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness techniques to support personal growth and self-acceptance. Whether working with children, adolescents, or adults, Gabriela takes a culturally sensitive approach that honors each client’s background and experiences. Beyond her clinical work, Gabriela enjoys cycling, painting, meditating, and traveling. She believes in the power of creativity and mindfulness to support emotional well-being, both in therapy and everyday life.