Harmony Barrett Isaacs, MA, LPC
Credential: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Educational Background: Masters of Arts, Counseling Psychology, Naropa University, 2006; Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Lewis and Clark College, 2000
Trainings and Certifications: Satir Institute of the Rockies, Level 3 Certification; Somatic Training Institute, Bridging Soma and Soul Trauma Training [completed], EMDR Therapy Training through Maiberger Institute.
Professional Memberships: Boulder Psychological Services (member since 2008) - www.boulderpsychologicalservices.com
Specialty Treatment Areas:
Transitional and adjustment issues, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, school issues, grief and loss issues, trauma, family issues, parent support, motherhood, drug and alcohol abuse
I have been working with children, adolescents, and young adults since 2000 in a number of non-profit and private organizations. Early on, I helped organize the teen advisory board for pregnancy prevention and adolescent self esteem programs in Portland, Oregon. Since returning to Boulder, I worked as a residential counselor at Attention Homes, completed my graduate internship working with children, adolescents, and families at the Mental Health Center of Boulder County, worked as a primary case worker at AIM House, a private residential transitional program for young women, and provided therapeutic support to the young men involved at Insight Intensive at Gold Lake. I also taught emotional and general health classes at Watershed School and Catalyst High School. I now draw from each of these unique experiences when working with my clients in private practice.
My work with teenagers and young adults includes depression treatment, social anxiety and shyness, general anxiety and panic attacks, grief and loss issues, trauma, school issues, complex family issues, drug and alcohol abuse and addiction, and communication and coping skills building. While all of these can be horrific for the individual and families involved, the underlying resiliency present in each of these young people and families is the foundation that we build from in the healing process. The core value and the innate goodness of each person can be nurtured and strengthened to work through the most difficult of situations.
As my experience with individuals has evolved, I am sometimes overwhelmed with the amount of anxiety that plague young people today. It goes beyond just anxious thoughts. More often than not, it is overactive nervous system, often (but not always) stemming from a traumatic experience or experiences, that impacts people on every level. Unfortunately, most people lack real and effective skills to help regulate themselves. I recognized my own need to understand the connection between the biological components of anxiety when the nervous system is activated and ways to calm the nervous system in order to return the body and mind to a state of calm, so I enrolled and completed a year long training through the Somatic Training Institute on working with trauma and anxiety from a body (somatic) perspective. I have incorporated this understanding and skills into how I work with young people today and have seen a noticeable shift in nervous system regulation in myself and my clients.
When not working, I enjoy spending time outside with friends and family, eating delicious food, running, yoga and meditation, traveling, and spending lots of time with my two sweet daughters, wonderful husband, and loving, but pain in the butt dog, Gus.