I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist holding a Masters degree in Couples and Family Therapy from Antioch University. With over two decades of experience, I have worked in community mental health and have maintained a thriving private practice. As an Approved Washington State Supervisor and an AAMFT certified supervisor, I offer supervision to Master’s level therapists and those seeking supervision hours to fulfill licensure requirements (LICSW, LASW, LMHC, and LMFT). Alongside my private practice, I serve as the Executive Director and Clinical Supervisor of Counseling Services for Wellbeing, overseeing thorough therapeutic care.
Welcome!
Seeking Supervision: In my practice, therapy and supervision are symbiotic, characterized by warmth, non-judgmental approach, and an easy conversational style. I view supervision as a collaborative endeavor, rooted firmly in strong ethical and theoretical underpinnings. My approach draws inspiration from a diverse array of pioneers in the field, including Carl Whitaker, Virginia Satir, Salvador Minuchin, Milton Erikson, Alfred Adler, and Viktor Frankl, among others.
I recognize that each supervisee brings unique perspectives and influences. I embrace an integrative stance, believing that incorporating multiple theoretical frameworks enriches our understanding and enhances therapeutic efficacy.
My role as a clinical supervisor is to provide unwavering support, nurture growth, and assist you in cultivating your professional clinical identity. I am committed to empowering you to realize your fullest potential as a practitioner and guiding you toward your best self in therapeutic practice.
Seeking Therapy: I understand that reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming, filled with uncertainties about what to expect and questions about your motivations. It’s completely normal to feel a bit apprehensive about starting this journey. Let’s acknowledge that therapy isn’t always a walk in the park and can be challenging. However, it’s also an act of courage, a commitment to your growth, and an opportunity to gain valuable skills and insights that can empower you to live authentically. No matter your reasons for seeking mental health care, it’s vital to recognize that you’re not alone in this journey. By initiating the search for support, you’ve already demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength, marking the first step toward meaningful change.
Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars. –Khalil Gibran
My Background
My name is Israella, but feel free to call me Issy. Welcome to Counseling Services For Wellbeing. For as long as I can recall, I have had a genuine concern for others’ wellbeing and a curiosity about their personal narratives.
My upbringing included the counsel of many friends who sought solace in our home, finding it a sanctuary of warmth, comfort, and understanding.
I’ve always been an attentive listener, deeply engaged in their journeys, and eager to offer assistance in working through their struggles. My father often quipped that I should turn this penchant for aid into a profession, and years later, I took his comment to heart and embarked on a career path as a therapist.
Raised in a sprawling and tightly-knit family, we’ve weathered a multitude of life’s trials together – from immigration hurdles to financial strains, from joyous unions to heart-wrenching losses. Throughout it all, our familial bond has remained unyielding, affording me the privilege of never feeling alone amidst life’s challenges. I recognize this blessing with profound gratitude, understanding that not everyone enjoys such unwavering support. It’s this awareness that fuels my desire to extend a helping hand to those who may be working through life’s complexities without a safety net.
Life’s journey is rife with ups and downs, and I approach each individual’s experiences with sensitivity and respect. I firmly believe that within each of us lies the potential for growth, and that we are all striving to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives. Yet, sometimes we encounter obstacles that seem insurmountable. As a counselor, I see my role as that of a guide, assisting individuals in overcoming these hurdles and realizing their aspirations.
My Approach
My therapeutic approach is characterized by warmth, non-judgmentalism, collaboration, and a conversational style. Drawing from theoretical orientations such as family systems, structural, and symbolic experiential frameworks, I offer a holistic approach to counseling. I employ a diverse array of modalities, including counseling, teaching, and healing techniques, integrating various psychotherapeutic, social, and educational models within a culturally and gender-sensitive framework. In essence, I tailor my approach by incorporating additional concepts and methodologies to effectively address the unique needs of each client.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist in the State of Washington, I specialize in working with couples and families grappling with communication challenges and relationship impasses. Furthermore, I have extensive experience working with individuals across their lifespans, including children, teenagers, and adults with a broad spectrum of emotional and behavioral issues.
Among my areas of expertise are the treatment of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Eating disorders
- Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD)
- Conduct disorder
- ADD/ADHD
- Relationships
- Communication
- Substance Abuse
- Anger management
- Work or career challenges
- Life transitions
- Grief and loss
I help my clients to “go within” and discover themselves and their guiding principles. I will also help them develop authorship of their lives and succeed in their goals. I am passionate about guiding my clients through self-discovery, helping them learn about their strengths and weaknesses, and assisting them in developing more effective coping skills and communication techniques.
Treatment focuses on identifying your strengths, building resilience, and improving your overall quality of life. You may have noticed patterns of behavior that result in increased stress, frustration, and even depression. It may be overwhelming if these troubles affect your work and personal life. Acknowledging that you need help after many attempts to resolve these issues on your own is an important step. Allow me to take this healing journey with you, providing insight and guidance on your road to reclaiming your health.
Healing occurs on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. I incorporate all three perspectives and adhere to the highest standards of care. We will work collaboratively to achieve mutually agreed-upon goals.
For more information about my practice, please visit my website: http://issykleimanlmft.com/.
