Psychotherapy Approach

 Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) - Our mind contains a natural multiplicity, our “parts,” based upon our life experiences, as well as generational, historical, and oppressive forces. Right now as you read this there may be a part of you thinking about starting therapy and another part that is reluctant. Yet another part of you might be tired or thinking about what to eat next. We can consider these parts of ourselves as all holding value and trying to help us in some way. As we turn towards our parts we can learn more about our differing perspectives, emotions, and desires. Internal Family Systems is non-pathologizing and creative and can help us focus inward and acknowledge how the burdens from the past might be playing a role in our current life. It allows us to be more present to ourselves and these parts of our personalities, with the ultimate goal of bringing healing and harmony to our inner system. Throughout the IFS process we can create space to hold and witness the experiences of our parts. For example, parts of us can reveal reasons for behaving in certain ways, feeling different emotions, or feeling stuck in life.

My work is Trauma Informed.  My approach to trauma is grounded in and directed by a thorough understanding of the neurological, biological, psychological, and social effects of trauma. It is “whole person” centered and takes into account knowledge about trauma and its impact. It is informed by core principles of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

Therapy with me is also integrated closely with elements of Spirituality, how we make meaning of our experiences and Social Justice. It’s important to note that all belief systems, religions, and spiritual practices will be greeted with curiosity and care in this practice, including agnosticism and atheism. At some point in life most of us come face to face with the realization of our mortality and the meaning of our existence. You may be wondering, what is it all for any way?  In fact, the very word “psychology” comes from the roots of the words psykhe meaning “breath, spirit, soul” and logia meaning “study of.”

My early training was grounded in Existential Phenomenological theory in Psychology with a foundation in philosophy and meaning making. Later personal and professional training has focused on psychospirituality and how that informs our growth. Leading from Self and connecting to parts, as in IFS therapy, naturally brings forth an emergent connection with qualities of love, peace, and compassion for our parts and others, and our spiritual nature. I aim to help you connect to those qualities in yourself, in whatever way that may look for you.

Trainings and Certifications

  • IFS Institute-Level One Training (IFS Institute, 2024)

  • Mastering IFS Deepening Core Practice-unattached burdens, guides, shamanism (IFSCA, 2023)

  • Internal Family Systems Skills and Competencies Training (IFSCA, 2023)

  • Master Class-It’s All IFS Parts Work: Healing Complex Trauma and Dissociation (Colleen West, 2021)

  • Inside and Outside Threat: A Mind Body Approach to Working with Fear and Trauma (Janina Fisher, 2020)

  • Memory Reconsolidation, the Flash Technique & EMDR (Philip Mansfield, 2020)

  • Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Transformational Approaches to Treating Complex Trauma Certification (Janina Fisher 2019)

  • Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS): A Revolutionary & Tranformative Treatment (Frank Anderson, 2018)

  • EMDR Training (EMDR Institute, 2017-2018)

  • ACT with Compassion: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Luomo, 2015)

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (Harborview Center of Sexual Assault & Traumatic Stress, 2015)

  • Risking Connection: Attachment, Support for Trauma (Power, 2015)

  • Health At Every Size Facilitator Training (Bacon & Aphramor, 2013)

  • Working with Attachment and Temperament in the Development of the Adult Personality (Siegal, 2012)