Meet Gabrielle Usatynski, MA, LPC

Founder of Power Couples Counseling

Licensed Professional Counselor · Relationship Specialist

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A Lifelong Passion for Understanding Human Connection

I’ve been drawn to the richness of human experience for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a home filled with classical music—both of my parents were professional double bassists in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Our house was always alive with the conversation of artists, psychologists, and musicians. From an early age, I was mesmerized by the depth of emotion and the exploration of meaning I saw in those late-night conversations. That fascination never left me.

My parents’ divorce when I was seven gave me a firsthand view of how painful relationship ruptures can be—and planted the seed for what would become a lifelong pursuit: understanding what makes relationships thrive and what causes them to break down.

Gabrielle Usatynski hiking outdoors in Colorado

From the Classroom to the Therapy Room

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a Montessori teacher, guiding young children through their earliest stages of development. Watching children grow—and struggle—deepened my commitment to supporting emotional well-being from the ground up.

This led me back to school to earn my Master’s in Clinical Counseling with a focus on Couples and Family Therapy.

I began my clinical career working with traumatized children and their families. I was a founding member of the Therapist’s Guild at Blue Sky Bridge, Boulder’s Child and Family Advocacy Center, and served as a mental health consultant to Boulder County’s Sexual Assault Response Committee.

I was also qualified by the District Court as an expert in play therapy and sexual abuse. I’ve published on childhood trauma and continue to advocate for trauma-informed care.

Gabrielle Usatynski at a science museum

Evolving Toward Adult and Relationship Work

As my practice grew, I began to see how the struggles children faced were often deeply tied to their parents’ relationship dynamics. It became clear that helping adults build more secure, connected partnerships could make a profound difference for the entire family. This insight led me to transition into adult and couples therapy and eventually into relationship coaching.

I trained for seven years with Dr. Stan Tatkin, the founder of PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy), and was part of his first cohort of students in Colorado. I also studied Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with Dr. Pat Ogden and Brainspotting with Dr. David Grand, integrating leading-edge trauma and somatic therapies into my work with individuals and couples.

Founder of Power Couples Counseling & Coaching

Gabrielle Usatynski, MA, LPC

Today, I run Power Couples Counseling, where I support individuals and couples who are ready to transform their relationships, strengthen emotional connection, and move forward with purpose.

My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in neuroscience, attachment theory, and real-world results.

In addition to my clinical work, I offer coaching services through Power Couples Education, for motivated individuals and couples who want to break through stuck patterns and grow into the fullest version of themselves—both in love and in life.

Educator, Speaker, and Media Contributor

Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to public education and professional development. I’ve been featured as a relationship and mental health expert in:
These opportunities allow me to share research-based insights and emotional wisdom with a broader audience, making the science of connection more accessible to those who need it most.

Outside the Office

When I’m not working, you can find me reading Jung, watching documentaries on Paleolithic humans, fasting intermittently, or hiking in the mountains of Colorado.

But more than anything, I’m passionate about helping people create relationships that are grounded, resilient, and deeply fulfilling. In a world that often undermines connection, I believe helping people build strong, loving partnerships is one of the most impactful things we can do.

That’s what drives me every day at Power Couples Counseling.