Hi, I’m Rachel Isbill.
I am an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) practicing in Birmingham, AL and surrounding areas. I consider it a high privilege to hear and hold your stories and experiences with you. I earned a B.A. in Psychology from Samford University and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grace College & Theological Seminary. Additionally, I have completed advanced certifications in EMDR, Trust-Based Relational Interventions (TBRI), Gottman Level 1 Certification, Prepare/Enrich Certification, and SYMBIS Certification.
Sometimes it may feel like the darkness threatens to overwhelm you. I’ve learned from my clients, community, and personal experiences that even in these dark shadows, slivers of light can shine in. And beautiful things can grow there, too.
It’s okay if it is too much to hold alone. It is a joy to sit with you while we navigate together.
My Approach
Connection is a basic need, and one of the most critical factors of therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, the beginning of my counseling process prioritizes a client’s felt safety and comfortability in the counseling office, as well as building context for the client through getting to know their past and present history. Based on a client’s needs and goals, I utilize an integrative blend of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment Theory, Family Systems Theories, and Trauma-Informed approaches to create a tailored treatment plan for each individual. Every individual’s counseling experience will be unique to their desired goals.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy used to help the brain resolve unprocessed memories. It is extensively researched, with great results for clients who have experienced trauma, as well as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, phobias, and other distressing life experiences. Rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, EMDR allows the brain to resume its natural healing process.
Rachel Isbill is a certified EMDR practitioner. If you are interested in exploring this type of therapy, she will be happy to assess if it is a good fit for your goals.