Carmen Isais, LMFT

05/15/2025

"Path Not Maintained"

Sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin where the clear path ends. 🌿

In therapy, we often explore the unmaintained paths - the parts of ourselves we've let grow wild, the emotions we've avoided, the stories we haven't tended to in years.

These overgrown trails might feel daunting, but they often lead to the most profound discoveries. They're where we find:

▪ Forgotten strengths
▪ Hidden truths
▪ Authentic selves
▪ New possibilities

You don't have to clear these paths alone. As your guide, I'm here to walk alongside you as we:

▪ Navigate the undergrowth of old patterns
▪ Clear away what no longer serves you
▪ Create new trails toward healing

Ready to explore your unmaintained paths? I'm accepting new clients for in-person and virtual sessions.

Link in bio to schedule your consultation. 🔗

What unmaintained path in your life might be worth exploring?

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📸 photo by

05/13/2024

Today, as we observe Mother's Day, and my thoughts are especially with every daughter who feels her mother's absence keenly on this day. As a therapist, I've sat with many who navigate this profound loss, sharing in the collective heartache and resilience that marks today. As a woman and a mother who also lost her own mother in childhood, I feel a deep, personal connection to the complex tapestry of grief, love, hope, and healing that this day weaves.

The absence of a mother is not just a void on a calendar day; it is an echo in every milestone, every achievement, and every quiet moment of need. So, it's okay to let this day be whatever you need it to be—whether it is a day of reflection, a day of tears, or even a day of celebrating the legacy of love and strength that our mothers left behind.

In our loss, there is also the profound legacy of possibility— the promise of a love that does not fade with absence. This love becomes our guide, a silent whisper of courage and comfort as we navigate life’s paths. Today, let us honor that enduring love. Let us hold close the memories, let the tears flow if they come, and let us embrace the strength that we have forged from our loss.

To all who feel this absence today: your grief is valid, your love is enduring, and your resilience is inspiring.

12/19/2023

I had considered attending the The Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference , an event that traditionally sets high standards in the mental health field. However, I must express my disappointment regarding certain aspects of this year's conference.

Firstly, the decision to accept sponsorships from "Better Help" and "Path" was concerning. These companies, while notable in the digital therapy space, represent a commercial approach to mental health care that can sometimes prioritize profit over patient care. The involvement of such entities in a professional psychotherapy conference raises questions about the integrity and focus of the event. The mental health field is rooted in principles of ethical care and patient-first approaches, and the presence of these sponsors seemed to conflict with these values.

Additionally, inclusion of such entities that treat mental health as a franchised commodity, shows a lack of critical consideration about the implications of this type of digital therapy on the therapeutic process.

As professionals, we must rigorously evaluate and question the tools and methods we use. The conference missed an opportunity to address these vital issues, which are particularly relevant given the sponsors' profiles.

In conclusion, while the conference provided valuable insights into psychotherapy's evolution, the overshadowing influence of commercial sponsors such as "Better Help" and "Path" detracted from the event's overall credibility and focus. I hope future conferences will reconsider such sponsorships and prioritize discussions that align more closely with the core values of our profession.

11/03/2023

In the marigold glow of candlelight, amidst the colorful altars, is the powerful touch of a shared heritage… and an understanding that love and memory transcend the boundaries of existence… each and every day. 🌼🕯️

09/17/2023

As a psychotherapist, I often talk about the importance of self-care, and one powerful yet simple form of it is spending time in nature. Whether it's a walk in the park or a weekend getaway to the mountains, the benefits of connecting with the natural world are immense. Nature serves as a tranquil setting where you can unwind, de-stress, and engage in mindful reflection. The sights and sounds—the rustle of leaves, the murmur of a stream—act as sensory gateways that ground us in the present moment.

Research has shown that time in nature can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. Moreover, the physical activity often associated with being outdoors—like walking or hiking—boosts endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.

It's a mutually beneficial relationship; as we care for the environment, it returns the favor by fostering our mental well-being. So, the next time you find yourself overwhelmed, consider stepping outside. A dose of nature may be just what the therapist ordered.

07/19/2023

One of the many perks of working from home— I get to wear yoga shorts and keep a sleeping pup on my lap. 🐶💗🐾

07/19/2023

In case you are local and want to get your moving meditation on— Hot Hatha Flow is now on the schedule at our sister site, Yogamaya Hot Yoga Studio 🔥🔥🔥

07/15/2023

🌟 Trust Your Journey 🌟

Hey there, beautiful souls! 🌸 As an integrative psychotherapist, I want to remind you of something truly profound: accepting where you are at this very moment and trusting that you are exactly where you are supposed to be can bring immense peace and self-growth. 🌈

Life has a way of taking us on unexpected detours, and it's easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others or longing for a different path. But you are on a unique and remarkable journey. 🗺️

Please trust that this very moment, difficult or wonderful, has been designed 💥 by you, for you.

Don't forget to appreciate the present moment and all the beauty, pain, glory, sadness, and joy it holds. Lean into wherever you are at today. Trust that this very moment is for your ultimate good.

Take a deep breath, my dear friends, and let go of the "what ifs" and "should haves." Embrace the here and now, for it is the only place where true transformation can occur. 🌿

Accepting where you are doesn't mean settling for less. It means acknowledging your current circumstances, emotions, and experiences without judgment. It means allowing yourself to feel, to learn, and to grow, even in the face of challenges. 🌻

Trust the process. Trust that the universe has a plan for you, even when it feels like you're wandering in the dark. Trust that every twist and turn is shaping you into the incredible person you are destined to become. ✨

Take a moment today to practice self-compassion and gratitude for our unique paths. Trust that the lessons you are learning, the connections you are making, and the experiences you are having are all leading you to where you need to be. 🌟

In the words of Rumi, "Live life as if everything is rigged in your favor." Believe that every step, every stumble, and every triumph is a stepping stone toward your highest potential. You are exactly where you are supposed to be, and your journey is unfolding perfectly. 💫

With love and light, Carmen Isais, LMFT 🌟

07/02/2023

05/16/2023

📣 Calling all aspiring Associate Therapists! 🌟

Embark on a meaningful journey in the field of psychotherapy. 🌈✨ If you're passionate about helping others and eager to learn from an experienced therapists, this message is for you. 🙌🎉

I am currently seeking dedicated individuals to join my team as Associate Therapists under my clinical supervision. 🤝💼 This position offers a unique chance to grow and develop your therapeutic skills while making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. 🌟

🔎 Job Requirements:
✅ A degree in marriage and family therapy, counseling, or a related field.
✅ Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
✅ Genuine empathy and a desire to help others.
✅ Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
✅ Willingness to learn and receive guidance from a seasoned therapist.

🌟 What you can expect:
🔹 Valuable mentorship and supervision from an experienced therapist.
🔹 Hands-on experience working with diverse clients and cases.
🔹 Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
🔹 A supportive and inclusive work environment.

If you're ready to take the first step towards becoming a skilled therapist and contributing to the well-being of others, this position is for you! 🌈💚

✨ Paid associate positions, hybrid, in-person and online. Hiring immediately. AMFT and APPC only.✨

Our practice serves the college population of Davis, CA and includes individuals & couples. Psychodynamic, attachment-based and integrative approach.

We are seeking a dedicated Associate Therapist to join our dynamic mental health team in the college town of Davis, California. As an Associate Therapist, you will work alongside experienced mental health professionals, providing vital support to our clients through individual and couples therapy sessions.

Modalities we implement include but are not limited to:

DBT
EMDR
Hypnotherapy
Play Therapy
EFT for couples
KAP (ketamine assisted psychotherapy)
In house training and supervision is provided for each modality before cases in that category are assigned.

Your primary duties will include conducting assessments, creating personalized treatment plans, and implementing therapeutic interventions under the supervision of a licensed therapist. You will also participate in case reviews, weekly supervision, and maintain accurate client records.

The ideal candidate has a Master's degree in Psychology, Counseling, and has completed at least 750 hours towards licensure. You should have excellent interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of Attachment theory, Trauma (acute/early child relational/complex) and a passion for helping people improve their lives. You must also demonstrate the ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy.

Our clinic values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We offer opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth within a supportive, team-oriented environment.

Apply today and help us make a difference in the lives of our clients. Be part of a team where your insights, experiences, and perspective are valued.

Competitive pay. Flexible hours. Hybrid position. DM or Text 530.601.1003 to inquire.

05/14/2023

💕 A Tribute to My Motherless Tribe
  
Today, on this bright Sunday, we celebrate Mother's Day, a day that holds so much joy. But for some of us, it's a day that carries a different weight, a day that evokes a profound sense of longing, a reminder of an empty space that once was filled with unconditional love and care.  
  
To my fellow motherless sons and daughters, I see you, I feel you, I am you.  
  
Losing your mother at an early age is like losing a part of yourself. She is your first love, first teacher, first friend. When she's gone, it feels like the world has tilted on its axis. You stumble, you fall, and for a while, you're not sure how to stand again. You long for her advice, comfort, laughter, presence. Her. 
 
There is an ache that never quite leaves, a silent longing that hums in the background of your happiest moments, a pang that hits you when you see other mothers sharing their love openly. It is tribe no one ever wants to belong to, yet here we are, navigating life's ups and downs without a compass.  
  
But, dear tribe—our mothers may be gone, but they are not absent.  
  
Their love is woven into the fabric of who we are. They exist in the way we laugh, the way we love, the strength we show during tough times, in the resilience we exhibit when we fall and get back up. They are in the kindness we share, the courage we muster, the wisdom we dispense. Every good deed, every brave decision, every selfless act, is a testament to the women who willed us into existence. 
  
On this Mother's Day, let's honor them by living our lives fully, courageously, and passionately. 
  
Remember, it's okay to cry, to feel the loss deeply. It's okay to miss them, to yearn. Grief is not a linear process; it ebbs and flows, and some days are harder than others. Be gentle with yourself.  
  
To all the motherless children, young and old, on this Mother's Day, I send you my love, my understanding, and my solidarity. 
  
✨ May you be strong. May you be loved. May you carry within you the legacy of the incredible woman you called, Mother. ✨  
  
Happy Mother's Day, to us, to them, forever entwined in love that transcends time and space.

04/18/2023

Emotions are the foundation of our human experience. As we navigate our way through life, we encounter various situations that test our emotional wherewithal. Whether it is our emotional resistance, stability, or expression, there are many complicated parts that make up this very personal landscape of feelings and expression. One important variable of our emotional selves is that of maturity....

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