Ivana Ayala-Esslinger, Ed. S, LMHC
Integrative Mental Health Counselor and Akashic Channel

What does it feel like to be my client?

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My clients have said I’m “relatable,” “down to earth,” and that I “explain concepts in a way that’s easy to understand.” I work with people who are highly motivated and believe in getting better—and also with those who feel stuck in disbelief or don’t yet have the energy to begin. Each comes with their own unique terrain.

A dear friend once told me, “If we threw all our problems on the street, we’d still grab our own.” There’s no better or worse pain. Who would choose suffering outright? And yet, many of us do—often unknowingly. I walk with my clients as they learn to see the path in front of them, helping them navigate it with presence, compassion, and strength. We signed up for this together.

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I see you—when you're exhausted, unheard, and finally snap, telling someone to F-off. Much to your embarrassment, you’ll be met here with empathy, a bit of laughter, and a gentle invitation to reclaim your voice. Not the overwhelmed version, but the one that is calm, clear, self-assured, and grounded. Is that possible? Yes. And part of my role is to help you remember your strength, to guide you through the fog of hopelessness, confusion, and resistance.

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Together, we face what’s been hidden. The unseen child. The part of you that feels unworthy. We meet those parts with curiosity, not fear.

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I hold space for honesty, for creativity, and for the full range of what it means to be human. Yes, we’ll laugh together. And on rare occasions, I might even cry with you (wink). We talk about what feels good—and how to lean into more of it. Maybe it’s five minutes of silence. Maybe it’s what you’re feeding your body or soul. We also talk about what keeps repeating—what hurts—and why it matters.

To live consciously is to live fully. And in presence, there is great joy—when you allow yourself to be curious and open to all that you are.

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What do I love about people?

I love their resilience. Their ability to overcome even the harshest inner and outer landscapes. I see strength where others see brokenness. I care deeply about your story, your pain, and your desire to move forward. My joy is in walking with you through the labyrinth—past the trap doors and into the hidden places—toward a version of life that feels like yours. Or at least, one that feels like a direction worth walking in.

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Reach out to see if we vibe. 

Ivana

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