Ciao, I’m Gabriella Patronella!

(Yes, I know — it’s a big Italian mouthful. Not to worry, you can just call me Gabby!)

Welcome! I am the owner and founder of Untamed Growth Therapy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC #84941) in Texas and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), but I am more than just a therapist - I also like to think of myself as an amateur Sherlock Holmes or a competitive puzzler. I love to explore, connect the dots, and figure things out, whether it is a mystery on paper or the complex story of a human heart, you will find me there!

A woman with wavy brown hair smiling and sitting on a beige sofa with patterned pillows, wearing a dark blue cardigan and a black top.

My Journey to Becoming a Therapist

Long before I stepped into this profession, I embarked on my own personal journey with therapy to heal my trauma. I braved the wilderness (literally!), took the path less traveled, and I experienced untamed growth like I never thought was possible. Through this journey, I knew my purpose was to help people grow and heal.

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of St. Thomas, and I stayed to pursue my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, graduating as a National Certified Counselor, Summa Cum Laude. I also have specialized education as an EMDR Trained Clinician and in Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (TF-EAP).

Although I specialize in trauma, I have helped clients with many different mental health concerns, ranging from life’s everyday stressors to highly acute challenges. I meet each client where they are at because each client’s struggle is unique. I work with clients struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, panic disorders, stress management, ADHD, and relationship issues.

Through my journey in therapy, learning and growth became values I live by — I am always finding ways to learn something new or reflect on the undiscovered parts of myself. Counselors are constantly adapting as we learn more ways for clients to experience great transformation. I am passionate about my journey to become a better a counselor for my clients and to grow into the best version of myself. Let me share my passion with you. Let’s grow together.

A young woman with brown, curly hair smiling, sitting on a red couch in a room with a colorful floral painting on the wall behind her.

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The Heart of My Work

Over the years, one thing has become very clear to me: relationships are at the core of mental health. The therapeutic relationship - the space where you can truly be yourself - is the foundation of growth and healing. My biggest goal as your counselor is to offer you that safe, judgment-free space where you can explore, untangle, and grow.

I consider it a sacred privilege to sit alongside my clients in their most vulnerable moments, to witness their stories unfold, and to watch their healing take root. It is truly an honor - one I never take lightly.

A young woman with curly brown hair wearing a maroon tank top and jeans standing next to a brown horse with a white blaze on its face, in a sunny outdoor setting with trees and a fence in the background.

My Work with Horses

Since I was a kid, I always loved horsing around at the stables, and even then, I knew there was something special about horses. Later, I was drawn to equine therapy for my own healing. This passion followed me into my career as a therapist when I learned the technicalities of equine therapy and the powerful healing that horses can provide for clients in therapy. I decided to be trained in the Natural Lifemanship model of Equine Therapy with a focus on trauma.

Horses have a special instinct to sense your presence and they demand our authenticity to connect. They teach us the importance of emotional safety and the power of authentic connection. When we are allowed to show up as we truly are, that is how we heal. From the pasture to the office, I weave these principles into my work and build that safe connection with clients.

A woman in black clothing and a black hat standing through the sunroof of a shiny dark blue car, with a scenic hillside town and blue sky with clouds in the background.

A Little More About Me

When I am not in the office, you can usually find me watching crime documentaries focused on forensic psychology, working on complex puzzles, or spending intentional time with my husband and dog. If I am not home, you are likely to catch me in an airport, boarding a flight to my next travel destination exploring the world!

Whether you are looking for deep healing, support through life’s transitions, or simply someone to walk alongside you. I am here for you.

Read About Me In Psychology Today

Therapy as a Brave Step

Starting therapy can feel intimidating - I get that. It takes courage to begin. I promise you, the courage is already inside of you.

Therapy is a courageous commitment to brave the wilderness and take the path less traveled.

With each traveler being on their own unique journey, each with different problems and their own distinct strengths.

Just like a path through the wilderness, therapy will have you navigate stuck-points and overcome barriers.

With each challenge, a seed will be planted and a deeper awareness about yourself will grow.

Roots will delve deeper, grounding you and strengthening your confidence.

There will be fear in the darkest parts of your wilderness, but you will learn how to trust in your strengths and find the light.

Pursue your path forward and experience untamed growth beyond anything you could ever imagine.

There is a quote by Elisabeth Elliot that has always resonated with me:
“Sometimes fear does not subside and one must choose to do it afraid.”

So even if you are afraid - do it anyway. As your guide and fellow traveler, I will be with you every step of the way

Let’s connect

If something you have read here resonates with you, I would love to meet you. Whether you are ready to dive in or just curious about starting, you don’t have to have it all figured out.

I am here to explore this with you and we can figure it out together!