In EFT, I work to join couples in the process of identifying long-standing patterns of conflict and shifting to new ways of being with each other. I’m passionate about this work and love joining my clients on their journey.Īlthough relational conflict can be overwhelmingly intense or disorienting, I have found that it holds a unique ability to create healing and generate profound shifts in our lives. Today, much of my work focuses on helping couples and families deepen bonds and heal wounds. I was hooked– and have spent more than 300 hours in training and consultation to learn the model. EFT research shows that 86-90% of couples experienced improvements in connection and communication in their relationship and those changes stick. They had phenomenal outcomes– that lasted. Therapy model after therapy model didn’t have good outcome data until I found Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT) and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). So, I set out on a journey to find out how to help all of them. The idea of my clients struggling medically and their relationships simultaneously breaking apart was too heartbreaking to accept as inevitable. The whole system was in pain and their relationships were fracturing. Partners, parents, siblings, children: they are all touched by their loved one’s illness or disability. Helping people adjust to the unique experiences of medical journeys was powerful and fulfilling– but I soon realized that my clients’ medical needs impacted everyone in their family. My clinical career began with a strong interest in the psychological impact of illness and disability and a master’s degree in medical rehabilitation counseling. She views therapy as a collaborative process, one in which client and therapist work together to create meaning from past experiences, to generate thoughtful solutions to current problems, and to build a foundation for continued growth. While her theoretical and technical applications to therapeutic work are unique to each individual client, her overarching approach to therapy is mindfulness-based and rooted in a strong belief in and commitment to her clients’ agency and intrinsic strength. While Isabel’s scope of practice includes the treatment of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, substance use disorders, and career and life transition issues, she specializes in couples work and trauma therapy.

Isabel has worked both in community mental health and psychiatric care settings providing individual and group counseling. She is bilingual (English and Spanish) and is trained in EMDR and Emotion Focused Therapy. Isabel Groedel is a Licensed Master Social Worker who specializes in supporting adolescents, adults, couples and families in overcoming behavioral and emotional challenges.

The off balance series