Gabriel Jara-Almonte Edwards takes a collaborative approach to therapy, promoting a positive and meaningful alliance with clients that serves as a source of healing. As a clinician, Gabriel aims to provide a secure base for clients to explore their internal self and accept their vulnerability in a way that leaves them stronger and more uniquely themselves. He seeks to help clients gain a greater awareness of their emotions and provide strategies to effectively cope with, regulate, and transform their emotional experience. His approach to therapy also promotes the inclusion of clients’ spiritual beliefs and personal values in their personal journey towards healing
His areas of clinical interest include but are not limited to: gender and sexual identity development, exploring intersectionality of identities, body image issues, trauma, family of origin issues, relationships functioning and intimacy, grief and loss, kink/poly relationships, LGBTQIA+, religion and spirituality, ADHD, managing chronic mental health concerns
A Chicago native, Gabriel completed his MSW at Loyola University Chicago. Gabriel’s professional work with children and adults has spanned a variety of different landscapes, including community mental health agencies, hospitals, and residential settings. Before joining the Juniper team, Gabriel served as the Associate Director of the TransLife Center at Chicago House and Social Service Agency and as Program Coordinator for the Lurie Children’s Gender Development Program. In his free time, Gabriel spends lots of time outside enjoying the lake.
“It’s the job that’s never started as takes longest to finish.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
