Isabella Pugliese, LCSW

My name is Isabella Pugliese. I’m a Connecticut-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the owner of The Ventral Space, a practice built around supporting young women with compassion, clarity, and connection. I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at 11, and growing up navigating a brain that often felt out of my control shaped much of who I am today. That early confusion and frustration inspired me to better understand my brain, eventually leading me to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Throughout my education, I often thought, “Why isn’t anyone talking about this?”- a question that deepened my commitment to making mental health knowledge accessible.

​

Over the last four years, I’ve had the privilege of listening to young women share their stories. Each experience is unique, yet the emotions and themes that run through them feel deeply universal.

​

This commitment is what ultimately brought me to social work and the therapy room. I’m passionate about supporting young women as they make sense of their emotions and experiences and learn to work with their brains rather than feeling at odds with them. I help clients get to know their nervous system, exploring how it shapes their responses to stress, anxiety, and everyday life, and providing tools to regulate it in ways that feel safe and empowering.

 

I integrate humor and authenticity into my work, creating a space where clients can feel genuinely seen, understood, and even find lightness amidst challenges. My approach blends  psychoeducation, mindfulness, and somatic practices, allowing me to meet each client where they are and guide them at a pace that supports growth and self-understanding.