There’s something instantly grounding about the way Isabelle van der Steen speaks about her work. It’s not filled with jargon or complicated psychology terms; it’s filled with empathy. Her words reflect someone who doesn’t just do therapy but lives it, someone who believes deeply in the quiet, transformative power of human connection.
“I believe in the power of play and movement for all ages,” she says, her voice warm with conviction. “It makes such a difference in helping people connect, express and heal.”
That philosophy forms the heart of Therapy with VDS, a space Isabelle created to support children, teenagers and adults through their own unique journeys. Rooted in evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR, and play-based therapy, her practice is as versatile as it is human. “Every person is different,” she explains. “My work is person-centred. I meet each client where they are, at their own pace and in their own way.”
When it came to naming her practice, Isabelle didn’t want something abstract or overly polished. She wanted it to feel real. “The name Therapy with VDS is simple and personal,” she says. “Therapy is such an intimate, human process, I wanted my name to reflect the authenticity and connection at the heart of my work.”
It’s a name that carries her presence, not just as a professional but as a person. Because for Isabelle, therapy isn’t about sitting across from someone and analysing them, it’s about walking beside them with compassion and curiosity as they learn to understand themselves better.
Isabelle has always been fascinated by how the human mind works. That curiosity led her into psychology and eventually to the realisation that understanding the brain is only part of the journey. “The more I learned, the more I realised how deeply our thoughts and mindset influence how we feel and experience the world,” she reflects.
Today, she combines traditional talk therapy with an understanding of the nervous system, helping clients who feel “stuck” begin to move forward again. Her days are full; she works full-time in private practice, balancing client sessions with the business side of things but it’s a balance she embraces wholeheartedly. “It can be demanding,” she admits, “but incredibly rewarding. I genuinely enjoy the process of building something meaningful while supporting others in their own growth.”
That passion for collaboration extends beyond her private practice. Isabelle also works within a clinic setting at Theraplay Pediatrics Limited, surrounded by a team of dedicated therapists. “That multidisciplinary environment is so valuable,” she says. “We share insights, support each other, and view each client from different perspectives, it leads to more holistic care.”
Ask Isabelle about her biggest achievements and her answer isn’t about accolades or numbers. It’s about impact. She lights up as she talks about the Wellness Warriors and Super Confident group programmes she developed, spaces where children can explore emotional wellbeing and self-esteem through interactive, creative sessions. She’s also collaborated with schools to bring mental health workshops to students and teachers alike, spreading awareness and understanding in communities where it’s needed most.
Completing her EMDR training was another major step forward. “It really expanded the depth of support I can offer my clients,” she says. Each of these milestones, she explains, brings her closer to her bigger goal of making mental health care more accessible, inclusive and empowering in Trinidad and Tobago.
Running a private practice has taught Isabelle that growth doesn’t happen overnight. “Consistency matters more than perfection,” she reflects. “This work is deeply personal; it’s about balancing the heart of helping others with the realities of running a business. I’ve learned to be patient, flexible, and to trust that progress often comes from small, steady steps.”
Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially fellow therapists, echoes that same grounded wisdom. “Start with small, manageable goals,” she says. “Keep your goals realistic to prevent disappointment, and celebrate the small wins. Understand your limits and boundaries; we’re human too and self-awareness is part of the work.” She pauses before adding, “You don’t need to rush. Consistency and clarity will take you far.”
To Isabelle, a brand isn’t about logos or colour palettes. It’s about feeling. “A brand is the feeling people associate with you, the trust, values, and experience you create,” she explains. “A business provides a service; a brand builds a relationship. In therapy, that relationship built on trust and understanding is everything.”
That’s what makes Therapy with VDS more than a practice. It’s a brand rooted in connection, a safe space where children find courage, teenagers find voice and adults rediscover resilience.
Isabelle is proud to be part of Trinidad and Tobago’s growing brand community. “There’s so much creativity and collaboration here,” she says. “It’s inspiring to see local entrepreneurs supporting one another. The more we share and uplift each other, the stronger our community becomes.”
While she doesn’t participate in markets or pop-ups, her impact extends far beyond clinic walls. Through school collaborations, workshops and volunteer work with local organizations, Isabelle continues to champion one message: that mental wellness deserves as much attention, care and love as any other aspect of our lives.
Because for her, therapy isn’t just about treating the mind, it’s about reconnecting the whole person. And in a world that often rushes past emotion, Therapy with VDS stands as a reminder that healing doesn’t have to be hurried, it just has to be human.
