Pelican Counseling Services, PLLC

Meet Isadora Girardi, LCMHC, NCC

Approaches: CBT, Solution-Focused, Narrative Therapy, Brainspotting, SYMBIS

Population: 18+ individuals dealing with anxiety, PTSD/trauma, OCD, bipolar

Sometimes life can feel challenging, confusing, or even paralyzing—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Reaching out for help can be difficult, especially if it’s something you’ve never done before. Maybe you’ve talked with a friend or family member about what’s been happening, but still feel stuck. That’s where a counselor, such as Isadora, can help. Her role isn’t to push or pull you toward change, but to walk alongside you—offering guidance, understanding, and empathy along the way.

Isadora is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, therapist, and the owner of Pelican Counseling Services. Her purpose is to provide a safe and supportive space where clients can share their experiences, feelings, and emotions openly. Isadora’s hope is that, through working together, you’ll discover greater happiness, improved self-esteem, a more positive outlook, and deeper self-compassion as you move toward the goals that are set at the start of your journey.

During sessions with Isadora, you’ll experience a person-centered approach, because she believes you are the expert of your own life. You can also expect plenty of psychoeducation, as Isadora sees it as her responsibility to share the knowledge that she has gained through her training and experience. Finally, Isadora also used a solution-focused approach, helping you build the skills and confidence to navigate life’s changes independently.

Meet Marchelle Nixon, LCMHCA

Graduated from University of Mount Olive

Approaches: CBT and Person-Centered

Population: Teens and adult individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship issues

Marchelle earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Mount Olive. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate at Pelican Counseling Services, she provides compassionate, person-centered care to individuals navigating a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges.

With prior experience supporting high-risk young adults, Marchelle is dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment rooted in respect, trust, and authenticity. A lifelong resident of Wilmington, NC, and a proud native of Castle Hayne, she is deeply passionate about promoting mental health awareness within the Black community. Marchelle understands the stigma that can accompany discussions around mental health and believes that reaching out for help is a powerful act of courage and self-care.

Marchelle’s counseling approach centers on collaboration, empathy, and genuine connection. She uses talk therapy to help clients explore their experiences, build resilience, and foster personal growth. By offering a safe, nonjudgmental space, she empowers each client to feel heard, valued, and supported as they move toward healing and positive change.

Meet Apollo

Meet Apollo, our favorite co-worker. He’s the best at sleeping through every telehealth session!