Gaby Espinal-Santiago

M.S., MT-BC #18449, CAT-LP #P133408

Interpersonal Relationships

Developmental Disabilities

Self-Acceptance & Expression

Supervised By: Dina Palma, LCAT #000452

Client Focus: Individuals across the lifespan, Neurodivergent individuals, Groups, Families, Communities

Specialties: Developmental disabilities, neurodivergent support, interpersonal relationships, self-acceptance and expression, community work, mood disorders, culturally-informed care, resource-oriented work

Treatment Methods: Relationship-Based Therapy, Music-Centered Therapy, Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy (NRMT), Play Therapy (DIRFloortime)

Gaby Espinal-Santiago is a Board-Certified Music Therapist and Creative Arts Therapy Limited Permit holder who creates flexible, relationship-based therapeutic spaces where individuals across the lifespan can explore emotional processing and self-expression through music. Whether working in individual or group sessions, Gaby specializes in building on clients' strengths while providing individualized support for their communicative, social, and emotional needs. With expertise in developmental disabilities, neurodivergent care, and interpersonal relationship dynamics, she brings both clinical excellence and a deep understanding of music as an accessible medium for connection and growth.

Her therapeutic approach is grounded in relationship-based and music-centered therapy influences, drawing from Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy (NRMT) and Play Therapy (DIRFloortime) techniques. This comprehensive foundation allows Gaby to create structured yet flexible spaces where clients can explore communication and expression within their own creativity. She believes music is already within each of us; it's just a matter of how we access it and what that looks like individually and collectively. A music-centered mindset looks at each beat, rhythm, pitch, and tone with full thoughtfulness and compassion, processing our music expression as insight into the goals we're striving toward. By following the client's lead, Gaby promotes a sense of acceptance within their own interests while developing autonomy through strong interpersonal relationships.

With a Master's and Bachelor's in Music Therapy from Molloy University/College, Gaby brings research experience and practical expertise working in private practice and community-center settings. Her supervision experience within community outreach work emphasizes culturally-informed and resource-oriented clinical approaches, recognizing that the arts stem from culture and that community music therapy can encourage stronger support within communal spaces. She centers her services on flexibility, adaptability, and collaborative work, creating spaces that reflect each client's strengths while providing support that best fits their unique needs.

Outside the therapy room, Gaby enjoys songwriting, drawing, reading, cooking, and crocheting in her spare time. She finds joy attending concerts with friends, having family outings and barbecues, and taking walks with her dog, Bella. These creative and communal experiences mirror the therapeutic work she does, rooted in the music-centered family gatherings of her upbringing, where singing favorite songs, playing instruments, doing "concerts," and composing with cousins fostered meaningful connections across generations and cultures.

  • Music as Universal Language
    Gaby grew up in a music-centered family where gatherings revolved around singing, playing instruments, and creating together. She found she could connect with people she loved most across multiple generations and different cultural upbringings through this expressive and creative medium, and she brings that same philosophy to her therapeutic work.

  • Following the Client's Lead
    Music-centered and play-therapy methods promote acceptance within one's own interests while developing autonomy by creating strong interpersonal relationships fostered by following the client's lead. Gaby creates structured yet flexible spaces where clients explore communication and expression within their own creativity.

  • Community and Resource-Oriented Care
    With the arts stemming from culture, community music therapy can encourage stronger support within communal spaces by building self-expression and promoting collective unity through times of hardship and happiness. Gaby considers each aspect of clients' lives, highlights individual and collective identities, and advocates for health and wellness that reflects the needs of the communities they're part of.

"Through relationship-based, music therapy work, my goal is to promote that same support in self and community that I found in my own home and encourage others to find what that looks like for them in their day-to-day."

- Gaby Espinal-Santiago, M.S., MT-BC #18449, CAT-LP #P133408