Isabel Villalobos Reynolds, LCSW-S

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: 

•  Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) with a concentration in Leadership Administration, at the University of Kentucky, (2022, On academic pause).

• Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from the University of Texas at Arlington, (2009 - 2012)

• Master of Public Administration (MPA) from National University, (2007 - 2008)

• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wiley College (HBCU), (2001 - 2005).

PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE:

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.  

• Private Practice Owner, Arlington, TX, March 2023 - Present
• Clinical Supervisor (part-time), Agape Health, Dallas, TX, March 2023 - Present
• Chief Behavioral Health Officer at a Federally Qualified Health Center, Mesquite, TX September 2018 - March 2023
• Private Practice Therapist (part-time), LCS Counseling, Ft. Worth TX, April 2019-July 2023
• Hospice Social Worker (PRN), Dallas, TX, March 2017 - July 2022
• Clinical Social Worker, Children's Hospital, Dallas, TX, July 2014-September 2018
• MSSW Counselor Intern, Parkland's Victim's Intervention Program, Dallas, TX,  August 2011-May 2012
• CPS Specialist II, Dept. of Family & Protective Services (CPS), Dallas, TX, May 2008 - November 2013
• Case Manager for elderly and disabled, El Centro, CA, March 2007 - April 2008
• Assistant Educational Counselor, Federal TRIO Program, Longview, TX, March 2005 - August 2006

TREATMENT MODALITIES

She primarily utilizes: 

EMDR (eye-movement desensitization reprocessing), 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), 

Internal Family Systems (IFS), 

Motivational Interviewing (MI), 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),

Trauma-informed therapeutic approaches, 

Attachment theory/styles, and

 Faith-based counseling. 

She is also bilingual in English and Spanish.

BEHIND THE THERAPIST

Isabel's personal journey significantly deepens her rapport with her clients. As a first-generation Mexican American from a small border town in Southern California, her background offers a unique viewpoint on life's diverse 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. 

 
To potential clients, it's important to convey that Isabel's life encompasses a diverse and complex array of experiences.  Marrying young and navigating a divorce after a decade, she learned resilience. Re-entering the dating scene brought its share of heartbreaks, alongside the profound grief of never having children. Through dedicated self-growth, Isabel discovered invaluable lessons in establishing healthy relationships, ultimately meeting the love of her life. These experiences have not only shaped her, but deeply inform her therapeutic approach, providing a foundation of understanding and empathy to support her clients. 

 This blend of personal experience and professional knowledge allows Isabel to provide a deeply relatable and compassionate 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.

FAMILY 

 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.'   Isabel's commitment to her elderly mother traces back to a promise made in her teenage years, deeply rooted in appreciation for her mother's unwavering support through every challenge Isabel faced. Her mother's encouragement and love were pivotal, especially as Isabel navigated life's ups and downs without a father or an extensive family network. This singular source of inspiration and motivation propelled Isabel forward, inspiring her to pursue a career as a therapist and social worker. 

Isabel takes pride in her mother's immigrant narrative and the sacrifices she made for her children. It was her mother's motivational words, fearlessness, and bold confidence that shaped Isabel into the successful individual she is today. 

FUN FACTS:

Although she didn't start out as a runner, she embraced marathon training as a therapeutic outlet during her divorce, achieving her LIFE goal of completing a full marathon. Her dedication led her to cross the finish line of 3 full marathons (26.2 miles), 5 half marathons (13.1 miles), and numerous shorter races. Currently, due to the demands of life, Isabel has put her running pursuits on hold, yet she remains optimistic about returning to them when the time is right. This chapter of Isabel's life showcases her remarkable determination and her capacity to find healing through life's challenges.

Isabel is also deeply involved in her faith. She has contributed her time and talents to the creative/production team and counseling ministry at her church. She was honored for her dedication to service by winning a Volunteer of the Year award at her church (photo below).

 Balancing her numerous responsibilities, Isabel nurtures a love for music, particularly 90s rap and R&B and the music by 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.