My Story

My name is Israella, but you can call me Issy.  

As far back as I can remember, my parents have always told me that I was the kind of child who was deeply concerned about how other people felt and that I wanted to help them find happiness.  My parents recall that I had many friends who would make our home a safe second home for themselves; a place that they came to for warmth, kindness and empathy.  I was always an active listener and very interested in their struggles. I would put everything I had in trying to help my friends solve their problems.  My father used to joke that I should set up shop and get paid.  Years later, I decided to pursue what he suggested, a career in helping people problem solve.  I became a therapist.

I come from a very big and close-knit family.  We have been through many experiences together-  immigration, financial stressors, loss, birth, marriage, divorce and all of the life cycle stages.  Through it all, we have maintained a strong family bond that allows me the good fortune of never feeling alone in life experiences.  I recognize this gift and I am grateful and appreciative that I have this.  I am also acutely aware that this may not be true for many, and I want to help bridge the gap for people that may need more support. These life experiences can take a toll.  I am sensitive to each person’s experience and each person’s journey.  I believe the potential for growth lies within all of us, and that we are all striving to live meaningful, purposeful lives. Sometimes life brings challenges that we are unprepared to cope with. My role as a counselor is to meet each person where they are at and help the individual, couple, or family overcome these challenges and achieve their goals.