Hi there! I’m Isabel.
The decision to begin working with a therapist is a tough one, so I hope this gives you a bit of an idea about who I am - professionally as well as personally.
Archie is most likely more therapeutic than I am.
My Passion for Mental Health
As a therapist, I like to keep it real. While maintaining boundaries, of course. Counselors are trained experts in the mental health profession, but that doesn’t mean we have to be uptight and stuffy.
I’m always 100% myself in sessions. I strive to be genuine, authentic, kind, and nonjudgmental - both in and out of sessions. If swearing makes you uncomfortable, we may not be the best fit.
My primary focus as a therapist is to provide a safe, comfortable place for you to feel supported, understood, encouraged, but challenged when appropriate.
I work from a client-centered foundation, where the work is collaborative rather than a therapist-treating-client type of environment. I help you explore your past and what you want your future to look like. I help you identify your strengths as well as areas that need growth.
I also like to take techniques and skills from different approaches when they seem like they might be helpful for you. I use mindfulness a lot and encourage meditation.
Psychoeducation (learning about psychology or mental health in more depth) is sometimes necessary so that you have a better understanding of what may be happening in your brain that you may or may not have control over. I may suggest books or articles that I think may be helpful for you.
Identifying problems, coming up with solutions, and seeing actual results in clients' lives is deeply satisfying work for me!
While I've learned something from each of my dear clients, I feel the most fulfilled when I can definitively say how I've helped someone. I've experienced this most when using EMDR. Clients can specifically say that they are sleeping better, no longer have anxiety, or can interact in important relationships with patience and perspective. I encourage most clients to consider it because it is so versatile, effective, and amazingly transformational. But of course this is a decision that we would come to together - whether or not EMDR is the right path for your healing journey.
About Me Personally
I recently moved to Durham, North Carolina to be closer to family. I love it so far! I also love that I’m still able to connect with Colorado clients thanks to the wonders of technology.
My pups, Peanut and Chubbs.
I’m an avid reader, an adventurous outdoorswoman, a beginner gardener, and an enthusiastic dog mom. I also love embroidery, practicing yoga, cooking, and taking the dogs for walks and hikes.
I believe the most fulfilling aspect of life is relationship - with oneself as well as with others, and I try to nourish both of these as much as possible!
At least once a day I take time out for journaling, a 20 minute meditation, or a short yoga stretching session. I also try my best as a friend, a dog mom, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a therapist. Of course some (or many) days this doesn't happen, and I try to meet my failures - er, missed opportunities - with compassion rather than judgment.
I personally manage a few chronic illnesses so I know first hand the struggles this can cause clients. I’ve been through the healthcare system for years trying to get diagnosed and now that I’m on the other side, I can share my experiences and lessons I’ve learned the hard way. I’ve learned to pace myself energetically, have compassion for my body, and prioritize rest. I also struggle with anxiety and depression, and even though I manage it fairly well now, I absolutely remember what it was like at its worst. This makes it easier for me to understand what clients are going through.
It always helps to feel like you’re not alone.
Education and Credentials
Founder, Inner Nourish Counseling LLC
2015 - present
University of Florida, BS in Psychology
University of Denver, MA in Counseling Psychology
Licensed Professional Counselor, Colorado LPC.0012939
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Indiana 99099200A
EMDR Certificate, Maiberger Institute Training, EMDRIA approved
EMDR International Association Member