New to Grow
Hi, I’m Isabela, a therapist who works with children and adolescents navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and life transitions. I strive to create a supportive and compassionate space where young people feel safe being themselves while developing the tools they need to better understand their thoughts, manage emotions, and build confidence. My goal is to help clients feel more empowered in their daily lives, strengthen their relationships, and leave therapy with skills that support their long-term well-being.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
“In our first session, we’ll get to know each other and talk about what brought you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences so we can understand what’s going on and identify goals together. This is a safe, confidential space where you can be heard, and there’s no pressure. For children, we may play games, draw, or do activities to explore feelings, and for teens and young adults, we’ll talk openly about challenges and identifying goals while exploring tools and strategies that can help you feel more confident and supported.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I integrate evidence-based methods—such as CBT, DBT, compassion-focused, and humanistic approaches—each client is unique and therefore I tailor interventions to fit their individual developmental needs and personality. I focus on building a supportive, collaborative relationship, helping clients develop practical coping skills, emotional awareness, and self-confidence so they can navigate challenges more effectively. I am culturally sensitive and fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, which allows me to connect with clients and families from diverse backgrounds and provide therapy that honors their cultural experiences
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, and young adults who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, emotional regulation difficulties, life transitions, or challenges in relationships, school, or self-esteem. Many of the clients I support feel overwhelmed by their emotions, struggle with negative thought patterns, or are trying to better understand themselves and their experiences. In therapy, I help clients build practical coping skills, strengthen emotional awareness, and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding so they can feel more confident, resilient, and supported in their daily lives.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) regularly in my work with children and adolescents. In sessions, I help clients recognize how their thoughts influence their emotions and behaviors, and support them in challenging negative or unhelpful thinking patterns. I incorporate coping skills, behavioral strategies, and age-appropriate interventions to help clients build emotional regulation, improve problem-solving, and increase confidence in managing difficult situations.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) when working with children and adolescents who struggle with emotional regulation, impulsivity, or interpersonal conflict. I focus on teaching practical skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills help clients learn how to manage intense emotions, tolerate distress in healthier ways, and improve their relationships with peers and family members.
Compassion Focused
I integrate elements of Compassion-Focused Therapy in my work with children and adolescents, particularly when addressing shame, self-criticism, and emotional distress. This approach focuses on helping clients develop self-compassion, emotional safety, and greater awareness of their internal experiences. By cultivating compassion toward themselves and others, clients are better able to regulate emotions and build healthier patterns of thinking and responding.
Humanistic
I incorporate elements of Humanistic Therapy in my practice by emphasizing empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. I strive to create a safe space where children and adolescents feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. Through this collaborative and supportive relationship, clients are encouraged to explore their experiences, build self-understanding, and develop a stronger sense of self