Gabby Jakob’s Journey Through Counseling and Beyond

Gabby Jakob, a licensed mental health counselor, shared her remarkable journey into the field of mental health, reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped her career. Gabby’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and dedication to helping others.

Early Beginnings
Gabby’s fascination with psychology began during her undergraduate studies in 2003. “I often think about that I’m not really sure what the answer is,” she admits. “Except just like a general, genuine curiosity of people and preferring the focus to be on somebody else rather than myself.” This curiosity and natural comfort in focusing on others guided her towards psychology, leading her to pursue a master’s degree immediately after completing her bachelor’s.

The New Pathway
In 2006, Gabby’s journey took a significant turn when she learned about a new master’s degree in mental health counseling. Up until then, private practice was predominantly reserved for social workers. This new opportunity felt like a perfect fit. “Being in the last semester of my bachelor’s degree and not knowing what to do next, and then them saying like, Oh, there’s going to be a master’s focusing on mental health counseling… it caught my interest for sure,” she recalls.

Navigating Challenges
Despite the excitement, Gabby faced doubts and challenges. She explored human resources while pursuing her master’s part-time, balancing work and studies. “It was fun, but at no point did I say, like, this is what I want to do forever,” she reflects. The transition from human resources to mental health counseling was marked by uncertainty and external skepticism. Her supervisors often suggested she should have pursued social work for better job prospects.

Gabby’s determination paid off when she secured her first job before completing her master’s degree. She attributes her success to leveraging her unique skills, such as speaking Russian, which made her stand out in the job market. Working in an outpatient substance abuse clinic, she accrued the necessary hours for her license, paving the way for her future career.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Gabby’s career journey intertwined with her personal life. After having her first daughter in 2011, she managed to balance her work hours with family commitments, thanks to supportive supervisors. However, the birth of her second daughter in 2013 brought new challenges, leading her to reevaluate her work-life balance.

During this period, Gabby explored working with children in schools, which she found rewarding and enriching. This phase lasted until 2017, when she decided to take a break to focus on her growing family. The pandemic in 2020 further solidified her decision, as she juggled remote learning for her children and caring for a newborn.

Embracing Private Practice
In 2020, a fortuitous opportunity arose when a friend invited Gabby to join her private practice. Since January 2021, Gabby has been working part-time in private practice, focusing on postpartum moms and couples. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Gottman methods to help her clients navigate their challenges.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Gabby candidly shares her struggles with imposter syndrome, a common challenge among mental health professionals. “It’s a constant thing I need to be aware of,” she notes. By being intentional and present in her sessions, she manages to push past these doubts and provide the best care for her clients.

The SWEET Institute Connection
Gabby’s journey is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Her involvement with the SWEET Institute, an organization known for its commitment to mental health education and support, further exemplifies her passion for growth and learning. The SWEET Institute provides Gabby with ongoing training and resources, helping her stay updated with the latest therapeutic techniques and approaches.

Gabby Jakob’s story is one of perseverance and dedication. Her journey from a curious psychology student to a licensed mental health counselor reflects her commitment to helping others while continuously evolving both personally and professionally.