Therapy
that helps you heal
from past painful experiences that impact your life today.
Counseling Services
Internal Family Systems
IFS, a therapeutic model developed by Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, holds that we consist of a multitude of parts or subpersonalities coexisting around an inner core Self. Each of these parts plays a distinct role within our internal ecosystem, often disagreeing, managing, or safeguarding other parts. This perspective celebrates the natural multiplicity of the mind, recognizing the value of these inner parts. The core Self, central to IFS, serves as the healing compass, guiding us toward integration and wholeness. In IFS, all parts are invited to contribute to this healing journey.
In many therapeutic approaches, our internal struggles are often viewed as something negative, requiring change. However, IFS takes a different perspective, informed by its motto: "All parts are welcome."
This approach encourages us to explore our inner landscape with the ideas of openness, compassion, and understanding, paving the way for profound inner transformations. The key to meaningful change lies in sub-personalities realizing that they don't need to conform to their traditional roles and can instead support us in new ways.
What are Parts in IFS?
In Internal Family Systems (IFS), "parts" are like the different characters or aspects that make up who we are. IFS doesn't label any of these parts as bad. In fact, every part is trying to do its best to take care of us. The reason we work with these parts is to help them find healthier ways to help us. They want to support us, but sometimes they go about it in ways that aren't very helpful.
There are 2 categories of parts: protectors and exiles. The protectors are further divided into two types: managers and firefighters. Each of these parts has a specific role they play in our inner world. When we understand what these parts are doing, it gives us a better insight into ourselves and how we work on the inside.
For example, one part of you might have the desire to get healthy by eating well and regular exercise. But another part of you might want to eat what tastes good and sleep in. Parts like the inner critic, abandoned child, pleaser, the angry part, and the loving caretaker are in us all.
These parts often originate during pivotal or traumatic life experiences and are shaped by strong influences. The goal of IFS is to comprehend how these parts function and, in doing so, harmonize them with the core Self, fostering inner peace and integration.
IFS can be used for:
Depression/Anxiety
Panic disorders and phobias
Trauma
Substance abuse
Low self-esteem
Physical health conditions and pain
General functioning and well-being
Family System and Family Constellation Therapy
Family Constellation Therapy is a powerful tool for exploring the intricate tapestry of your family history, dynamics, and recurring patterns. By diving into the depths of your family system, you gain insights into the generational patterns that have shaped your life, personality, and current situation.
In this process, we will discuss transgenerational trauma – also referred to as intergenerational trauma - the true experiences of parents have a profound impact on the development of children, and at times, extend to their grandchildren. This type of trauma can manifest in various ways, affecting your body, mind, and emotions.
This transformative therapeutic process enables you to overcome detrimental patterns and roles that may have influenced your life and embrace a fresh, wholesome family pattern characterized by positive behaviors and beliefs.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured and highly effective therapy that merges an exploration of past traumas with the use of specific eye movements or body tapping to facilitate the healing of the brain from distressing memories. This therapeutic approach is renowned for its success in treating conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a range of other mental health disorders.
Rooted in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which underpins EMDR, this therapy recognizes that the brain segregates ordinary memories from traumatic ones in distinct regions. EMDR harnesses the power of eye movement and guided imagery to mend the parts of the brain that have been affected by trauma, allowing individuals to reclaim their emotional well-being and move towards a healthier state of mind.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting, a gentle and innovative therapy, is used to treat unprocessed trauma. It utilizes eye positions to access and process trauma and emotional difficulties within the brain and body. By focusing on specific eye positions, you can release stored trauma, memories, and emotions, often resulting in rapid relief and profound insights. This therapy is effective for a wide range of issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, addiction, and creativity blocks.
Brainspotting is a “brain-body” based approach that bypasses traditional talk therapy by accessing the subcortical brain, where deep healing and the formation of new neuropathways occur. It can also be used for resourcing, helping you find a calm and grounded focus point to enhance the healing process both in and outside of therapy sessions.
Havening Techniques
Havening is a technique that uses gentle touch to help change how your brain works. It's like a reset button for traumatic memories, permanently reducing the emotional charge linked to them. By using this touch therapy, it can make you feel calmer and safer, increasing the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin.
Havening is especially potent in situations where you experience heightened emotional activation tied to traumatic memories or events. It offers a method to process these experiences without overwhelming or intensifying your emotional state.
Referred to as "Havening Touch," this technique is thought to stimulate delta brain waves and interact directly with receptors in the brain responsible for housing traumatic imprints. By doing so, it has the capacity to reduce the emotional intensity, often while you’re distracted, sparing you from the necessity of dwelling on or discussing distressing events or emotions.
Havening is similar to other therapies that help with trauma, such as EMDR, but with a soothing approach and a focus on memory reprocessing and trauma relief.
Integrative Approach
In my practice, I incorporate a holistic approach that draws from a rich array of therapeutic modalities.
I utilize Polyvagal theory and Attachment theory to understand the intricate dynamics of the nervous system and interpersonal relationships.
Mindfulness and Somatic Techniques serve as essential tools for fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Additionally, I integrate spiritual perspectives to address the profound connection between mental well-being and the soul.
I’m actively engaged in ongoing education under the guidance of Dr. Leslie Korn, where I apply her pioneering nutrition method tailored specifically for mental health. This comprehensive blend of approaches allows me to provide a well-rounded and personalized therapeutic experience for you.
