Gabriela Melillo, LCSW

Gabriela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of The Studio. She brings a decade of experience working across clinical and macro-level social work settings. Her diverse professional background has shaped a holistic understanding of the ways individual experiences intersect with relationships, systems, and broader social environments. She brings this perspective into her clinical work with warmth, curiosity, and respect for each client’s individual story.

Gabriela works with people navigating the effects of trauma, depression, anxiety, and life experiences impacting their sense of well-being and connection.  Her therapeutic approach is integrative across modalities and grounded in the belief that effective therapy begins with a strong, trusting client-therapist relationship. She draws from training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), thoughtfully incorporating elements of each approach based on a client’s individual needs and goals. 

The Studio is inspired in part by Gabriela's lifelong relationship with dance. For Gabriela, a studio is a space for challenge, discomfort, joy, and—most importantly—growth. As a dancer, she has experienced the power of movement to process emotions, explore narratives, and cultivate confidence and trust. She brings this same philosophy to therapy, creating a space where clients can slow down, explore what they are carrying, and connect with themselves in meaningful and transformative ways—no dancing required!

Gabriela holds a B.A. in Psychology (2014) and Master of Social Work (2016) from the University at Albany.

To work with Gabriela, fill out our contact form.