Meet Gabi Kass

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabi Kass and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabi, what principle do you value most?
As a therapist who specializes in the perinatal period (the time frame of trying to conceive through the first year of giving birth), I find that empathy and compassion matter a great deal. Empathy and compassion are crucial since the perinatal period can be a vulnerable time for new or repeat parents, especially in a society that reinforces “the perfect parent”. Individuals in the perinatal period can experience a wide range of emotions like joy, anxiety, frustration, sadness, fear, grief and exhaustion. These feelings can sometimes be exacerbated if the perinatal period has become more complex with losses like miscarriage, stillbirth or other pregnancy losses or even other reproductive experiences like fertility challenges or perinatal mood disorders. A therapist’s empathy can allow parents to understand the ups and downs while compassion supports a parent feeling heard and understand without judgment.

What should our readers know about your business?
I founded a mental health practice called Imagine Therapy California, where I specialize in those individuals who are in the perinatal (trying to conceive, pregnancy and postpartum).
I’ve connected with so many individuals who have undergone a miscarriage or another type of pregnancy loss and are experiencing the grief and “what if”s. I’ve heard from so many others who have wanted to process their pregnancy loss to eventually be able to prepare for a future pregnancy. I’ve connected with so many individuals who are in the postpartum period (whether they’ve had a prior pregnancy loss or not) and trying to adjust to what feels like a whole new life and also trying to figure out how to take care of a newborn while also taking care of themselves. My work focuses on meeting clients where they are and tailoring a treatment plan to their individual goals.
In addition, I am frequently running postpartum wellness groups at different sites throughout San Diego.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I feel that the Torrey Pines State Reserve is such a wonderful place to visit. It is such a peaceful place to walk and experience the view of the ocean. From a therapeutic mindset, I have found myself so at refreshed by the Reserve by using some of my therapy skills there such as deep breathing and meditation in nature, exercise while hiking the mountain and its trails, and for me and spending time with my family there. These are often things I encourage my clients to do over time to promote wellbeing and peace. Aside from the Reserve, I can be found getting the spiciest dishes at City Tacos or Taco Stand as a salute to my Latin heritage.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Being a perinatal therapist is a great privilege because I am able to witness and support individuals who are navigating one of life’s biggest changes: becoming a parent, much like the one that I experienced with my own 2 living children. Seeing my 2 living children is also a reminder of the complexities and challenges that may take place on the road to becoming a parent. I experienced 2 miscarriage, my first one a chemical pregnancy and the second a miscarriage with twins. Many others experience similar losses during pregnancy or difficulties, sometimes including challenges with fertility, other types of pregnancy loss or postpartum complications. Being a parent to my 2 living children plus experiencing the loss of 3 babies via 2 miscarriages has underscored my passion for this work.

Website: https://www.imaginetherapyca.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imaginetherapyca?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr