Ariel Wilson

Hey hey hey, I’m Ariel Wilson Gbenedio, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, transformational speaker, and author dedicated to helping people heal, grow, and step into their power.

I have nearly a decade of experience in the mental health field, working across a wide range of settings including crisis residential treatment, outpatient care, and program development. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My work is rooted in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care—blended with a deeply human, compassionate approach.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California and have served in both clinical and leadership roles, including Clinical Director. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and safe enough to do the real work of healing.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, empowering, and honest. I believe healing isn’t about “fixing” you—because you are not broken. It’s about understanding your story, shifting limiting beliefs, and helping you build a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and authentic. I specialize in working with high-achieving women, individuals struggling with self-worth, trauma recovery, and those feeling stuck in cycles that no longer serve them.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or ready for something more in your life, you don’t have to navigate it alone. My goal is to help you develop the insight, tools, and confidence to create lasting change—and to remind you of the strength that already exists within you.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and results-oriented. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model—every client’s story, experiences, and goals are unique, and our work together reflects that.

I use an integrative approach grounded in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This means we don’t just talk about what’s happening—we actively work to understand your patterns, shift limiting beliefs, regulate emotions, and build practical tools you can use in your everyday life.

At the core of my work is helping you develop self-awareness and self-compassion while also creating meaningful, lasting change. I will gently challenge you when needed, support you when things feel heavy, and help you stay accountable to the life you say you want. Therapy with me is both a safe space and a growth space.

I specialize in working with individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, self-worth challenges, and unfulfilling relationships. I’m especially passionate about supporting high-achieving women who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected despite “having it all” on the outside.

My goal is to help you break free from cycles that no longer serve you, reconnect with your authentic self, and step into a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and purposeful.

Clients can expect their first session with me to feel welcoming, supportive, and collaborative. My goal is to create an environment where you feel safe enough to be real—whether that includes laughter, tears, or a mix of both.

In our first session, we’ll review informed consent to ensure you fully understand the therapy process, your rights, and what to expect moving forward. From there, I’ll complete a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment to get a holistic understanding of who you are—your background, current challenges, strengths, and goals.

This session is not just about gathering information—it’s about beginning to build a genuine connection. I prioritize rapport and want you to feel seen, heard, and understood from the very start.

Together, we’ll begin identifying individualized goals and collaborate on a treatment plan that aligns with the life you want to create. You can expect a balance of structure and flexibility, where your voice and experiences guide the process.

By the end of our first session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how we’ll work together, what areas we’ll focus on, and feel more grounded in taking the next steps in your healing journey.