If you find yourself reading this, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Isabella Cantrell, M.Ed., LPC and I have been actively working in mental health for the previous 6 years. As a rural practitioner in some form or facet for the previous 6 years, I have dabbled in most areas of clinical practice with a significant focus on family systems, life changes or transitions, and trauma with individuals, families, or groups ranging from ages 6-40+.
My approach
As a clinician, I would describe myself largely as a person-centered behavioralist. I perceptualize each patient that I encounter as a unique individual and work meticulously to find modalities that meet the needs that they present with to motivate them to live their healthiest lives emotionally, mentally, and physically.
My focus
I enjoy working with a variety of clients, shifting gears between different demographics and diagnoses with ease and interest. I enjoy assisting clients with learning means of utilizing changes in their cognitions to facilitate changes in their environment or behaviors regardless of the factors motivating them to engage in therapy.
My communication style
I prefer direct communication in all aspects of my life, but specifically professionally while in sessions with my clients. Direct communication includes notes of sincerity, genuineness, and challenge for my patients that assist them with making progress towards mutually agreed upon goals. I want my clients to feel comfortable with me and in the session, while leaving the session feeling challenged and motivated to enact developed skills.
My journey to mental healthcare
I have distinct memories of pledging to those in my life that I was going to be a lawyer when I was in early adolescence. As I entered my undergraduate degree, I realized that advocacy was what was drawing me to that field, and my skills to advocate would be better utilized elsewhere. A phenomenal undergraduate internship opened up the world of counseling to me and my plans immediately changed. The ability to help others live life in a healthier manner motivates me to continue on this career path.
My goals for you
Goal setting is a pivotal part of therapy! I place emphasis on collaborative goal setting with attainable smaller steps to assist in reaching a greater goal.
My first session with you
During an intake or assessment (first session) the emphasis will be placed on acquiring information needed to begin the formation of not only the therapeutic relationship but also the first steps towards goal setting and treatment as a whole. This can be an uncomfortable and anxiety-provoking session as some questions will be intimate or uncomfortable, but transparency will result in a more rapidly established rapport and progression of treatment.