About Isabel Villalobos Reynolds, LCSW therapist

PROFESSIONAL/EDUCATIONAL LIFE 

Isabel Villalobos Reynolds was born in Southern California but has lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for over 15 years. Isabel's education includes the following: a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from the University of Texas at Arlington, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from National University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wiley College (HBCU). She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) with a concentration in Leadership Administration, at the University of Kentucky.

Isabel has experience in a variety of settings working with diverse populations. She is a trauma therapist with extensive experience treating abuse, neglect, family violence, sexual abuse, and other traumas.  

She primarily utilizes EMDR (eye-movement desensitization reprocessing), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-informed therapeutic approaches, attachment theory/styles, and Faith-based counseling. She is also bilingual in English and Spanish.

BEHIND THE THERAPIST

On a more personal level,  Isabel's lived experiences greatly enrich her connection with her clients. Born as a first-generation Mexican American, she hails from a modest border town in Southern California, bringing a unique perspective on life and its many challenges. 

Raised by a resilient Mexican immigrant single mother, in the shadow of an absent father battling drug addiction, her upbringing was far from simple. These early experiences have provided her with an authentic understanding of struggle, resilience, and the human spirit. 

As an adult, Isabel has navigated the complexities of both marriage and divorce within an interracial relationship, further enriching her understanding of diverse life experiences.   Further, she personally faced the hurdles of depression, a later-in-life ADHD diagnosis, and the insidious effects of generational trauma. 

 This blend of personal experience and professional knowledge allows Isabel to provide a deeply relatable and empathetic counseling experience.   Her unique background fosters an authentic connection with her clients, and through this, Isabel brings a holistic, real-world perspective to her professional and academic endeavors.

FUN FACTS 

In her family sphere, Isabel takes great joy in her role as an aunt to a niece and two nephews.   Moreover, Isabel dedicates herself to the care of her elderly mother, a responsibility she embraces wholeheartedly, proudly declaring herself a 'Mama's girl.'   

When not immersed in her professional pursuits, Isabel is a woman of diverse interests and responsibilities. Once an active marathon runner, the demands and pace of life led Isabel to pause this pursuit.  She remains passionate about fitness and running, and aspires to return to these activities. Deeply involved with her church, she contributes her time and talents to the creative/production team and counseling ministry. 

 Balancing her numerous responsibilities, Isabel nurtures a love for music, particularly 90s rap and r&b and the music of the legendary Mariah Carey. A fan since the age of nine, her admiration for Mariah is a lifelong affair, highlighted by a memorable meeting as seen in the photograph below. Finally, Isabel has deep appreciation for all things butterfly-related,  reflecting her love for beauty and transformation.