Therapists
Isabel Golan, LMSW (she/her)
Associate Therapist
Isabel sees clients virtually and in person
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s current challenges or past traumas? Do you struggle with understanding how past experiences are influencing your present life? Are you ready to confront difficult emotions and make sense of the patterns that seem to hold you back? It’s easy to feel lost or stuck when faced with a multitude of emotions and complex life situations. But you don’t have to face these struggles alone. I am here to support you in navigating trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, family conflicts, loss, depression, and anxiety.
Therapy is your own space – a space where you feel most comfortable and open to reflect on your thoughts and emotions, as well as feel encouraged and supported to challenge yourself towards growth. Therapy should always be tailored to the individual and their needs. I will meet you where you are and work collaboratively to foster positive progress.
I offer a therapeutic environment where you have the freedom to decide what we focus on, and where challenging yourself and uncovering deeper patterns can lead to transformative change. In our sessions, we will dive into your experiences – past and present – to uncover the roots of your difficulties and understand the intricate patterns affecting your life. By creating a path towards healing and growth, we’ll work together to help you rediscover parts of yourself and reveal new possibilities for your life.
When I am not in therapy sessions, you can often find me walking around NYC aimlessly. As a native New Yorker, I love finding new areas to explore and revisiting the ones I hold so dear to my heart. I am passionate about trying new cuisines and am always up for a good adventure. Whether that be locally or immersing myself in new countries and cultures. There is so much beauty and knowledge to uncover in the world around us.
Q & A
How would you describe your therapy style?
My therapy style is warm, empathetic, and collaborative. I take a curious and non-judgmental approach, meeting you where you are and creating a safe space where you can explore your experiences openly. I balance directness with compassion, and when appropriate, incorporate humor to ease tension and foster connection. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and guided by evidence-based interventions, ensuring that our work together is meaningful, personal, and effective. My goal is to help you understand your strengths, navigate challenges, and create lasting change.
Have you been to therapy yourself?
Absolutely, I’ve been to therapy myself! I truly believe it’s a valuable experience for everyone. As a therapist, I understand the importance of having a space to process emotions, gain insight, and grow. Therapy has not only helped me personally but also deepened my empathy and understanding in the work I do. Whether you’re dealing with a specific challenge or simply seeking to better understand yourself, therapy is a powerful tool for healing, self-awareness, and growth. And I’ve experienced first hand how transformative it can be.
What books have made the biggest impact on your life?
“Touching Spirit Bear” by Ben Mikaelsen – This will always be my go-to answer. I read this book at a young age and revisit it ever so often. It explores themes of anger, and redemption and the strength it takes to face one’s own vulnerabilities. It’s also a powerful story about forgiveness, growth, and connecting with nature to heal personal wounds.
“Normal People” by Sally Rooney – A story that offers an intimate portrayal of a complex relationship, touching on themes of emotional intimacy, trauma, and how relationships can evolve through different life stages. It highlighted how deeply past experiences and personal insecurities can influence the way we connect with others.
“Night” by Elie Wiesel – This book profoundly shaped my understanding of trauma and human resilience. Wiesel’s raw and powerful narrative deepened my empathy for those who have endured such trauma, suffering, and loss, acknowledging the lasting effects of such profound experiences on individuals’ lives. It instilled a greater sense of urgency to confront and address the shadows of history and trauma. The book also inspired me to live with a heightened awareness of the fragility of life, as well as the importance of bearing witness to and learning from the past.
“Attached” by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller – Attached is an incredibly useful tool and resource for understanding attachment theory. It offered me a deeper understanding of how attachment styles influence my relationships and personal interactions. This awareness not only enriched my personal life, but has also enhanced my professional approach to therapy, allowing me to better support clients in understanding and addressing their attachment dynamics.
