About

Isabel Longwell

"I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy and it is never too late to begin one’s own journey of healing."

Why I became a therapist

I have always had an interest in the helping field and felt that social work best aligned with the way in which I wanted to serve others. Through my career as a social worker, I have most enjoyed building meaningful relationships with individuals who are open to sharing their stories. Each person has a unique and powerful story that might be difficult to process on one’s own. One of my favorite quotes from Brene Brown says, “Vulnerability is not weakness; it is our greatest measure of courage”. I am motivated by individuals who have the courage to be vulnerable in an effort to facilitate understanding of themselves and growth.

Who I work with

I have experience working with adults of all ages experiencing life transitions, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, family conflict, and relationship issues. My specialties include grief and loss as well as issues that might impact older adults and their families including caregiver stress and burnout, hoarding issues, challenges related to dementia or chronic illness, and end-of-life planning. I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy and it is never too late to begin one’s own journey of healing.

"I am motivated by individuals who have the courage to be vulnerable in an effort to facilitate understanding of themselves and growth."

Working With Me

The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in creating an environment for individuals to feel safe being vulnerable. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, collaborative, and supportive space for clients to share their stories and process their responses and emotions. I believe in the client-centered approach in which the client is the expert on their own life. As a therapist, I will be there to hold space for clients as they discover and foster the strengths that already exist within themselves as well as maintain self-determination. I use multiple approaches based on what best fits an individual’s needs including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and strengths-based therapy.

My Qualifications and trainings

  • I have a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Science from Oklahoma State University;
  • I have a Master’s in Social Work with a specialty in Mental Health and Gero-Ed from Loyola University Chicago;
  • I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR);
  • I am a Certified Dementia Practitioner with the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP).

Ready to overcome the barriers holding you back?