Isabel Restrepo

I'm a Lisenced Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience working in the mental health field. For the majority of my career as a Social Worker I worked in direct practice and occupied supervisory roles in Psychiatric Rehabilitation programs using Strengths Based and Person Centered approaches supporting individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness. Additionally, I have extensive experience in counseling individuals belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as individuals belonging to other marginalized groups such as BIPOC communities, neurodiverse individuals (ADHD & ASD), and individuals practicing ENM and Polyamory. I also have experience working with traditional couples, and families to resolve conflict and work through challenges in order to build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Here are some fun facts about me: I was born in Medellin, Colombia, and grew up in Queens, New York. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology frome Rutgets Univeristy - RC (Class of '04), and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services (Class of 2011). I am Queer and Butch identified, and my personal pronouns are she/her/hers.

I use an eclectic and Trauma Informed theraputic approach comprised of elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, as well as other Evidence Based Practices to help individuals identify, clarify, and realize their therapeutic as well as their relational, occupational, and aspirational life goals. My counseling style is active, warm, humorous, and nonjudgmental. I use thought provoking questions to clarify meaning and help individuals uncover and unpack underlying feelings and emotions that impact their abilities to make progress toward their goals and achieve greater life satisfaction. Additionally, I use psycho-education and skill training techniques to arm my clients with tangible and effective skills and tools to navigate and manage difficult emotions/mental states, and problems that present in their lives, enabling them to make measurable and meaningful progress toward their goals and objectives.

In the first few session I try to learn as much as I can about individuals histories, backgrounds, and personalities in order to assess their situations thoroughly and identify and clarify goals and objectives for our work together, and to identify which approaches and modalities may best suit them given their preferences and values.