ABOUT ME
Hi! I’m Gina Petrella!
Since I was young, I’ve loved helping people untangle what feels overwhelming and find new, workable ways forward. These days, I work with clients navigating ADHD and big life transitions—especially those later-in-life changes that no one really prepares you for.
In therapy with me, you can expect real conversations, thoughtful guidance, and a touch of humor—because let’s be honest, sometimes laughing is the most healing thing we can do.
I bring over two decades of experience to my practice, along with a deep commitment to growth, empathy, and practical tools that create real change. My credentials include:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2004
- M.A. in Marriage Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute
- B.A. in Liberal Arts from California State University, Northridge
- Certificate in Management Effectiveness from the University of Southern California
- Completed 40-hour training certification in Divorce Mediation
- Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
Maybe you’re wondering why staying focused or following through feels like an uphill climb while everyone else seems to breeze through. Or maybe you’ve recently entered a new chapter of life—retirement, loss, or living alone—and you’re trying to figure out how to feel grounded, purposeful, and okay in the midst of so much change.
For more than a decade, I’ve been sitting with people in these exact places—offering warm, real-talk support and practical guidance. I bring humor (yes, we will laugh in sessions—therapy doesn’t have to be all tears and tissues!) and a deep respect for the hard stuff you’re carrying.
Over the years, ADHD became a focus of my work—honestly, it kind of chose me. More and more adults were showing up in my office newly diagnosed and asking,
“How did I not know this before?” They felt shame, frustration, and like they’d been fighting against themselves for years.
I knew I could help them move from “What’s wrong with me?” to “Ah, that makes sense,” and then onto building strategies that actually work for their brains and lives.
Life transitions became another specialty—especially those that come later in life—because I get it.
I’m in that season myself and I’ve watched friends and loved ones walk through it, too. It’s that strange in-between place where you’re not who you were, but you’re not quite sure who you’re becoming yet.
And it can be really hard. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
And yes—anxiety and depression often tag along for the ride with both of these challenges. We can work with that, too.
I love helping clients find what works for them—whether that’s practical tools to manage ADHD, ways to navigate the big (and sometimes lonely) shifts of life transitions, or simply learning how to be kinder to yourself.
I also offer online sessions for clients who are juggling a lot—because therapy shouldn’t feel like one more thing on an already overloaded to-do list.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and I’m still in love with the ocean (I swear the sound of the waves can fix almost anything). When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me reading, doing Pilates, or spending time with my husband and my best friend of 35 years.
I believe relationships—especially the ones we build in therapy—can be deeply transformative.
If you’re struggling with ADHD, navigating a big life transition,
or feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression,
you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
I invite you to reach out for a free consultation so
we can talk about what’s going on and how I may help.