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Gisella Foto, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor and
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
​Clinical Training
  • National Louis University: Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
  • National Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • Substance Abuse assessment and therapy with 8 years’ experience in the field. 
  • Family Systems Theory Training
  • Cognitive behavioral Theory Training
  • Medication Assistance Training
  • Trauma
  • Anger Management
  • Adjustment Disorders
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) 

​    Gisella Foto is a licensed professional counselor. Gisella’s clinical experience includes  multiple practicums, internships , group therapy, family and couples therapy, children and adult therapy and ten years of clinical experience.

     During her clinical experiences at Haymarket Center, Gisella participated and provided clinical techniques such as but not limited to Gestalt Therapy , Cognitive Therapy , and Family Systems Theory.  During her time at Rosecrance Ware Center, her clinical education included differential diagnosis, treatment planning, medication management, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT).
 
     Gisella began her career in Chicago and was employed at a methadone clinic where she obtained education on harm reduction, medication assistance programs and state funding applications. 

     Gisella returned to her hometown of Rockford and accepted a position at Rosecrance Behavioral Health in 2012. She held the position of assessment counselor before transiting to the role of patient access counselor and concluded her time at Rosecrance as an outpatient counselor. These roles included assessing a client’s level of care, pre-authorization of insurance benefits.
 
     Gisella decided to work in private practice and become an independent contractor with Innovative Psychology Counseling Services, Inc. in 2019.  She has been providing individual, family and couples therapy for a wide range of presenting problems within our community.   
 
     Gisella has been working with adults, family, children, adolescents, and couples by focusing on their individual needs. Gisella uses her experience in substance abuse, mental health conditions, family systems and  co-occurring  disorders in treating all factors that may be contributing to the distress in a client's life.

     Gisella utilizes a client centered approach with each client. This entails building a rapport with each person, providing a comfortable environment and guiding clients toward their treatment goals together as a team. 

​     During therapy, Gisella focuses on using evidence-based techniques such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ,Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy and Family Systems Therapy. Gisella  continues to seek ongoing updates to her skills and knowledge base by continuing education on evidence-based programs and clinical guidance with her colleagues.