LCMHC, 11 years of experience
New to Grow
Hello, I'm Angela Isaia. For the past 11 years, I've dedicated my life to walking alongside individuals as they navigate the challenging terrain of trauma and healing. My approach is rooted in genuine compassion and deep empathy—I strive to be truly present in every moment with my clients, meeting them exactly where they are, without judgment or expectation. As a trauma therapist, I believe that healing unfolds best in a space where people feel seen, heard, and respected. I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to support clients in processing and moving beyond the pain of their past experiences. Each session, my priority is to create a safe, welcoming environment where individuals can explore their stories at their own pace. My commitment is to honor your unique journey, listen to your needs, and offer gentle guidance as you rediscover your strength and resilience. If you're seeking someone who will hold space for you with kindness and understanding, I invite you to take this step toward healing together.
In our first session, my primary focus is on gathering information and forming a therapeutic relationship with you. I want to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences.I will start by explaining how therapy works and what you can expect from our time together. It's important for me to emphasize that this is a collaborative process, and your input will be valued throughout our sessions.As we talk, I’ll encourage you to share your reasons for seeking therapy, particularly your experiences with trauma or depression. I’ll ask about your history and how these issues have impacted your daily life and relationships. Understanding your unique story will help me tailor our approach to best meet your needs.I’m also interested in hearing about your goals for therapy. What do you hope to achieve? Discussing your expectations and any concerns you might have is crucial for ensuring we’re on the same page.Throughout our conversation, I’ll strive to provide empathy and validation, reinforcing that your feelings and experiences are important. I want you to know that this space is safe and confidential, allowing you to express yourself freely.Finally, I’ll outline what you can expect in future sessions and, if it feels right, I may suggest a small reflection exercise or journaling task to help you think more about your goals before our next meeting. This first session is about laying the groundwork for our therapeutic relationship and ensuring you feel heard and understood as we embark on this journey together.
My greatest strengths are my compassion and my ability to be fully present with my clients in the moment. I believe that creating a genuine connection is essential for effective therapy. I strive to understand and empathize with what my clients are going through, which helps foster a safe space for healing.Additionally, I utilize evidence-based practices to help achieve the results my clients are looking for in therapy. I focus on tailored approaches that address their unique needs and experiences. My goal is to assist them in healing their invisible wounds, guiding them toward greater emotional well-being and resilience. I’m committed to supporting my clients on their journey to recovery and personal growth. Creating a genuine connection with clients significantly enhances the effectiveness of therapy for several reasons: Trust and Safety: A strong therapeutic relationship fosters trust, allowing clients to feel safe in sharing their thoughts and feelings. When clients trust their therapist, they are more likely to open up about their experiences, which is crucial for effective healing. Increased Engagement: When clients feel a genuine connection, they are more engaged in the therapeutic process. They are likely to participate actively, complete homework assignments, and apply coping strategies outside of sessions, leading to better outcomes. Empathy and Understanding: A genuine connection allows therapists to empathize with clients more deeply. This understanding helps clients feel validated and seen, which can be incredibly healing in itself. Personalized Approach: When a therapist knows their client well, they can tailor interventions and strategies to fit the individual's specific needs and preferences. This personalized approach increases the likelihood of positive outcomes. Motivation for Change: A strong therapeutic alliance can motivate clients to commit to their therapeutic goals. When clients feel supported and understood, they may be more willing to confront difficult emotions and challenges. Reduction of Resistance: Clients may experience less resistance when they feel a genuine connection. If they trust their therapist, they are more likely to be open to exploring uncomfortable topics and working through their issues. Long-lasting Impact: The skills and insights gained from a strong therapeutic relationship often extend beyond the therapy sessions. Clients may carry the lessons learned into their daily lives, leading to ongoing pe
Ideal clients for therapy focused on trauma and depression are those who meet certain criteria that indicate readiness for change and a willingness to engage in the therapeutic process. Here are some characteristics of these clients: History of Trauma or Depression: They have experienced significant trauma or are struggling with depression, which affects their daily functioning and overall quality of life. Desire for Change: These clients are motivated to make changes in their lives. They recognize the impact of their experiences on their mental health and are ready to explore ways to improve their situation. Open to Therapy: They are willing to engage in the therapeutic process, participate actively in sessions, and follow through with homework or assignments. Realistic Expectations: They understand that healing takes time and effort and are prepared for the ups and downs that may come with the process. Support System: Ideal clients may have a support system in place, whether it’s friends, family, or community resources, which can help them during their healing journey. Willingness to Explore Emotions: They are open to exploring and processing their emotions, even when it feels uncomfortable, as part of their healing journey. Readiness to Learn Coping Strategies: They are interested in learning and applying coping strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. This allows for me to create a therapeutic environment that fosters growth, healing, and positive change, ultimately leading to improved quality of life for those who have experienced trauma or depression.
EMDR 2.0, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing 2.0, is an evolution of the original EMDR therapy developed by Francine Shapiro. While the foundational principles of EMDR remain, EMDR 2.0 introduces several enhancements aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the therapy.Key features of EMDR 2.0 include: Dual Attention Stimulus: EMDR 2.0 emphasizes the use of dual attention stimuli beyond eye movements, incorporating auditory and tactile stimuli, which can enhance the processing of traumatic memories. Expanded Resource Development: It places a stronger focus on resource development, helping clients build resilience and coping strategies before delving into trauma work. This can lead to a more robust therapeutic experience. Enhanced Protocols: EMDR 2.0 offers refined protocols that address complex trauma and dissociative symptoms more effectively. This includes specific strategies for working with clients who have experienced multiple traumas or who present with complex PTSD. Neurobiological Insights: The approach integrates more recent findings in neuroscience, offering a deeper understanding of how trauma affects the brain and how EMDR therapy can facilitate healing. Client-Centered Adaptations: There’s a greater emphasis on tailoring the therapy to the individual needs of clients, allowing for more flexibility in how sessions are conducted. With this advanced training and several years of experience in applying EMDR 2.0, I am well-equipped to leverage these innovations, enhancing your practice and providing more effective support to my clients. My familiarity with the complexities of trauma and the therapeutic process will allow you to utilize these advanced techniques effectively, facilitating deeper healing and integration for those you work with.
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and emphasizes creating a safe environment for individuals who have experienced it. This framework is built on several key principles aimed at understanding and responding to the needs of trauma survivors effectively. Safety: Establishing a physical and emotional sense of safety for clients is paramount. This includes creating a welcoming environment and fostering trust. Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building trust involves being open and honest about the therapeutic process, ensuring clients understand what to expect, and maintaining clear boundaries. Peer Support: Incorporating peer support can be a powerful aspect of trauma-informed care, allowing clients to connect with others who have similar experiences, which can enhance their healing process. Collaboration and Empowerment: TIC emphasizes collaboration between the therapist and client, empowering clients to take an active role in their care and decision-making processes. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues: Recognizing and addressing cultural, historical, and gender factors that impact trauma experiences is essential in providing effective care. With your 11 years of experience applying various evidence-based practices with trauma clients, I have a comprehensive understanding of these principles. My background enables me to integrate trauma-informed care into my practice effectively, ensuring that my clients feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout their healing journey. This experience also allows me to adapt evidence-based practices to align with the trauma-informed framework, maximizing their effectiveness and promoting resilience in my clients.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, time-limited psychotherapy that focuses on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is based on the premise that negative thought patterns can lead to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors, while positive changes in thinking can lead to improvements in emotional well-being and behavior. Cognitive Restructuring: This involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns or cognitive distortions. Clients learn to recognize these thoughts and replace them with more balanced, realistic ones. Behavioral Activation: CBT encourages clients to engage in activities that promote positive emotions and reduce avoidance behaviors. This helps break the cycle of depression and anxiety. Skill Development: Clients are taught various coping skills and strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. This may include relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, and exposure therapy for anxiety disorders. Goal Setting: CBT is typically goal-oriented, with clients and therapists collaboratively setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to work toward during therapy. Structured Sessions: Sessions are usually structured, with a clear agenda and homework assignments that encourage clients to apply what they've learned outside of therapy. With my 11 years of experience applying various evidence-based practices with trauma clients, I have a comprehensive understanding of these principles. My background enables me to integrate trauma-informed care into my practice effectively, ensuring that my clients feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout their healing journey. This experience also allows me to adapt evidence-based practices to align with the trauma-informed framework, maximizing their effectiveness and promoting resilience in my clients.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, time-limited psychotherapy that focuses on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is based on the premise that negative thought patterns can lead to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors, while positive changes in thinking can lead to improvements in emotional well-being and behavior. Cognitive Restructuring: This involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns or cognitive distortions. Clients learn to recognize these thoughts and replace them with more balanced, realistic ones. Behavioral Activation: CBT encourages clients to engage in activities that promote positive emotions and reduce avoidance behaviors. This helps break the cycle of depression and anxiety. Skill Development: Clients are taught various coping skills and strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. This may include relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, and exposure therapy for anxiety disorders. Goal Setting: CBT is typically goal-oriented, with clients and therapists collaboratively setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to work toward during therapy. Structured Sessions: Sessions are usually structured, with a clear agenda and homework assignments that encourage clients to apply what they've learned outside of therapy. With my 11 years of experience applying various evidence-based practices with trauma clients, I have a comprehensive understanding of these principles. My background enables me to integrate trauma-informed care into my practice effectively, ensuring that my clients feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout their healing journey. This experience also allows me to adapt evidence-based practices to align with the trauma-informed framework, maximizing their effectiveness and promoting resilience in my clients.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed primarily for treating individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It focuses on helping clients understand and change the way they think about their trauma and its aftermath. Here are the key components of CPT: Cognitive Restructuring: CPT emphasizes identifying and challenging unhelpful or distorted thoughts related to the trauma. Clients learn to recognize how these thoughts contribute to their emotional distress and develop healthier, more balanced perspectives. Education about PTSD: Clients receive information about PTSD and its symptoms, which helps normalize their experiences and reduce feelings of isolation or confusion about their reactions. Understanding the Impact of Trauma: CPT encourages clients to explore how the trauma has affected their beliefs about themselves, others, and the world. This exploration helps clients to identify problematic beliefs and understand how they can change them. Writing Assignments: Clients often engage in writing exercises to articulate their thoughts and feelings about the trauma. This process helps in processing the traumatic experience and aids in cognitive restructuring. Integration of New Thoughts: As clients work through their distorted beliefs and develop healthier thought patterns, they learn to integrate these new beliefs into their daily lives, promoting emotional healing and resilience. With my 11 years of experience applying various evidence-based practices with trauma clients, I have a comprehensive understanding of these principles. My background enables me to integrate trauma-informed care into my practice effectively, ensuring that my clients feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout their healing journey. This experience also allows me to adapt evidence-based practices to align with the trauma-informed framework, maximizing their effectiveness and promoting resilience in my clients.