Interview with Isabell Han: Therapist in Center City, Philadelphia

Meet Isabell Han, LAPC

Therapist at A Better Life Therapy in Center City, Philadelphia

Isabell Han is a therapist in our Center City location, where she works with adult individuals, adolescents, and couples. Isabell approaches therapy as a space for reflection, healing, and meaningful growth…one where clients can better understand their stories, navigate life’s challenges, and move toward a more connected and grounded sense of self.

She blends warmth, trust, and accountability to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and collaborative therapeutic relationship, using a holistic and trauma-informed lens. As a first-generation Chinese American and someone who transitioned from a corporate career into the therapy field, Isabell brings both personal insight and professional training to her work with concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, identity development, relational challenges, and infidelity.

She integrates approaches from psychodynamic, existential, cognitive-behavioral, Gottman, and Imago therapies to tailor care to each client’s unique needs and goals.

Learn more about Isabell in and out of the therapy office in my interview with her below.

Quick Fast Facts

Go-to comfort activity:
Cozying up on the couch with my dog, Elvis 🐾

Favorite way to unwind:
Turning on some music and stretching out any tightness in my muscles

Morning person or night owl:
Morning person

Coffee or tea:
Both! Coffee in the mornings, tea in the evenings

Favorite season:
Fall. I love when the leaves start changing color, and the weather isn’t too chilly

Why Isabell Does This Work

What originally drew you to becoming a therapist?
I find it so fulfilling to connect with others, hear about their experiences, and understand how they make meaning of the world. I’ve always known I wanted a career where I could use my skills to help others, so being in a role that’s truly centered on what’s in the best interest of my clients feels like a dream come true.

What keeps you passionate about therapy now, even on hard days?
Knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life by offering a supportive and safe space to process, heal, and grow.

Clinical Style & Philosophy

How would you describe your therapy style?
Compassionate, nonjudgmental, affirming, holistic, authentic, and collaborative.

What kinds of clients or concerns do you feel most energized working with?
I enjoy working with a wide range of clients and concerns, but I feel especially energized when working with individuals or couples who are new to therapy or have had minimal experience with it. It’s such a privilege to witness the progress that can happen when people begin exploring thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may not have received much attention before.

What do you think good therapy should feel like for a client?
Above all else, therapy should feel safe — even though that can take time. It can also feel challenging at moments, because that’s often where growth and healing happen. Ultimately, I hope clients feel they’re getting what they needed from therapy — almost like a big exhale of relief.

What’s it like to sit with you in session?
I strive to make sure clients feel safe, understood, and respected. I actively invite feedback and input so clients feel heard and optimistic about the process we’re building together.

What can someone expect in a first session with you?
Our first session is about creating a comfortable space to get to know one another and explore what brought you to therapy. I let clients set the pace — there’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready to. For me, “meeting clients where they are” means paying close attention to what you need from me in that moment. Trust and understanding are essential for meaningful work together.

A Little More About Isabell

What small joy or ritual brings you comfort?
Taking care of my many houseplants! I’ve had them for years, and it’s been so rewarding to watch them grow and learn how to care for them over time.

Is there a book, podcast, or idea that’s influenced how you think about life or relationships?
A quote from What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo really resonates with me:
“Being healed isn’t feeling nothing. Being healed is about feeling the appropriate emotions at the appropriate times and still being able to come back to yourself.”

If you weren’t a therapist, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
I could see another life where I own a café or bakery that brings people together and fosters community.

A Message for Those Considering Therapy

If someone feels unsure about starting therapy, what would you say to them?
I completely get it — therapy can feel intimidating or unfamiliar. Even considering therapy shows that you’re being thoughtful about your mental health and wellbeing. I’d encourage you to reflect on what you might gain from the process and how important it is to give yourself that opportunity. Therapy can also be a space to explore those uncertainties and gain clarity around what you want or need. While the first steps can feel hard, they can lead you toward your better life.

Learn more about Isabell

A BETTER LIFE THERAPY

A Better Life Therapy was founded in 2013 with a passion for providing warm, compassionate services to individuals and families in Pennsylvania. Our team specializes in relationship health as well as individual mental health. Our team has expertise in areas like anxiety, grief, depression, pregnancy related issues, sexual issues, substance use and trauma.