Isla Turner Blog

Isla Turner, PLPC | Grief

Finally, I live

Acts of service is my love language. So then it comes as no surprise that I enjoy helping people navigate life. It has always come natural to me to encourage people to live out a full and meaningful life. In 2019 and 2020 two life changing events happened that deepened my life purpose. The first happened in group therapy, where my group leader asked the question "And what is it costing you?" The second was my Dad's sudden death. Those two experiences forever altered the fabric of my life and have inspired me to live, wholly. 

Read More
Isla Turner, MS, PLPC| therapist|LAFAYETTE LA

Today's Authoritarian Parents

If you are a no nonsense, my way or the highway parent, then chances are you are an authoritarian parent. It is your attention that I want today. I want to share with you what I am seeing in the therapy room and how I could benefit from your support. I infer from interactions with you that you have genuine concern and care for your child's wellbeing. However, that gets lost in translation because of your parental approach. From your perspective children in your youth dealt with the "old school way" and turned out fine. In today's world this parenting approach can be dangerous for your child. 

Read More
Isla Turner, MS, PLPLC | Therapist | Lafayette, la

EMDR, What is it?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychotherapy that is internationally recognized to treat trauma and other disorders. It is a 3 prong approach that uses bilateral stimulation (bls) to target past memories, current triggers and create a future positive template. There is empirical evidence that suggests that EMDR is effective with treating trauma in individuals with disabilities and across the lifespan. 

Read More
Isla Turner, MS, PLPC | Therapist | Lafayette, La

The Curse of Being Gifted

There is a curse that comes with being "smart." You don't get to be the person that "has a hard time." Experiences and struggles that are otherwise normal for everyone else are seen as a red flag for you. A sign of weakness, imperfection. Maybe you have heard or thought "You know better." Whatever your exceptionalities, it does not free you from the experience of being human. 

Read More
Isla Turner, MS, PLPC | Therapist | Lafayette, La

All Fun and Games

“Scientists have recently determined that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain- unless it is done with play, in which case, it takes between 10-20 repetitions.”- Dr. Karyn Purvis. It is for this reason that I like to incorporate play into my work as often as possible when teaching a new skill. Play lowers inhibitions, is a less intimidating modality for learning, and increases positive contacting. I have listed some games below that may be useful to individuals and clinicians in developing communication skills. 

Read More
Isla Turner, MS, PLPC | Therapist | Lafayette, La

I Don't Subscribe

I don't subscribe to the belief that to be nice, I must compromise my values and boundaries. Diminishing the most important parts of yourself to fit in can only work for so long. Eventually who you are will show up. Like a pressure cooker, the tension inside you will build and burst out to unmask your true identity. I choose to show up as my authentic self from the outset. 

Read More