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Check Out Gabriela Polanco’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Polanco.

Hi Gabriela, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Thrive in Vida Counseling began as a dream to provide accessible and culturally responsive therapy services to communities in rural Brazoria County. Founded by Angie Gomez, LCSW, the practice was created with the mission to bridge the gap in mental health care and help people feel less fearful and more empowered to seek support.

Shortly after graduating, Gabriela was thrilled to join Angie as co-owner of the practice. Together, they bring years of experience in the non-profit sector and a shared commitment to serving their community. Having witnessed firsthand the need for inclusive, compassionate, and empathetic mental health services in rural areas, they are dedicated to making quality care available to everyone.

Located in Clute, Texas, in the heart of lower Brazoria County, they are honored to serve the community they both call home.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We have been blessed to have had only minor hiccups as we continue to establish the practice.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Angie Gomez, LCSW has extensive experience working with clients who have endured severe trauma. Through this work, she has focused on creating a safe space for clients to acknowledge, process, and understand the neurological impact of their trauma. Angie is trained in EMDR, which helps clients connect unprocessed emotions to memories and move toward healing. Her trauma-focused work has also led her to support clients diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Angie is deeply passionate about guiding clients through their healing journey with compassion and care.

Gabriela Polanco, LMFT-A (supervised by Dr. Paula Boros) has worked in the non-profit sector for over 15 years. Before entering private practice, she supported children and families who had experienced traumatic events—work that inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Gabriela works with individuals, couples, and families to strengthen relationships and transform unhealthy dynamics. Drawing from the Gottman Method and Bowen Family Systems Theory, she helps clients explore the history of trauma within their family lineage and understand how it shapes current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Both Angie and Gabriela believe therapy should be accessible in both English and Spanish. As bilingual therapists, they are proud to offer spaces where clients can express themselves authentically and feel seen, heard, and understood.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Embarking on the journey to become entrepreneurs and open a private practice was a significant risk for both Angie and Gabriela. While working in the non-profit sector offered stability and benefits, they both recognized that to bring their shared vision for themselves and their communities to life, they needed to create their own practice. Doing so allowed them to align their values with their mission—to provide meaningful, culturally responsive, and accessible care within their communities. Starting a business came with challenges and risks, but it was a step that felt both necessary and deeply rewarding.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All images are owned by Thrive in Vida Counseling.

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