For as long as I can remember, I have believed that our wellbeing is related to an interconnected and whole system. I believe there is a collective consciousness – which I would describe as shared beliefs, thoughts, and feelings among a society, humanity, and all living things – including nature. I think that this understanding influences how we relate to the world and how we act.
I often use the terms mind, thoughts, body, emotions, and soul in a fluid manner. Some of this depends on my clients’ beliefs, and also because I don’t think there’s one way to use this terminology. I believe that our “whole” or “higher Self” –the calm, wise center of who we are – is our most powerful and beautiful form. I believe this is our authentic self, which is unconditional and without habits. This is personal for each of us and can include spiritual practices, religious beliefs, nature, science, an openness to not knowing, and atheism.
It’s important for me to hear your way of describing what you believe and how you live your life. I would consider this part of your identity the most important to understand for growth and healing.
I believe it’s important to acknowledge the intersecting aspects of your social identity as well. This may include your gender identity, racial identity, sexuality, social class, cultural identity, group affiliations (politics or social groups), and national identity – all of which I see as influencing your experience in the world and how you relate to others.
My approach to therapy is influenced by many theoretical and evidenced based practices. The most influential are:
Most clinicians are trained with a foundational trauma informed approach. I have continued my training, education, and clinical experience with a focus on trauma and the brain. To learn more about my training and approach to trauma, you can click here.
I am trained in and utilize integrative medication and nutrition for healing the impact of trauma and other symptoms that arise as mental health challenges or issues in the body. This is an approach that combines conventional medicine with complementary practices. This can include lifestyle or dietary changes, bodywork, energy therapies, and nutritional supplements – with the goal of addressing the mind-body connection.
The body is a communicator and we use your intuition to guide how much we utilize this in sessions. This may look like me supporting you to build a holistic health team of traditional and alternative health practitioners who collaborate with our therapy goals. It may be that we incorporate body awareness activities into session – with movement or without. It could look like a discussion of your lifestyle and coming up with a plan to integrate movement, and nutritional changes. In this area, I always refer to medical professionals where appropriate and stay within my level of certification.
IFS is a therapy that helps people understand their thoughts and emotions. The premise is that we have different “parts” or roles of our inner self that reflect the unique aspects of our personality. No part is inherently bad. The goal of therapy is to understand these parts as constructs within your mind and to integrate these parts into your whole Self. The process leads to a more balanced and peaceful inner state.
IFS provides emotional awareness that can impact relationships in a positive way. IFS decreases the need for defensiveness and increases understanding of your reactions. IFS also has a successful impact on professional development within the workplace – for example, when focusing on emotional intelligence for leaders.
I see all parts as having a protective role and designed to prevent emotional pain from entering conscious awareness. For example, you may have a part of you that has a need for control that impacts relationships in a negative way. We will explore the purpose of that part so it’s better understood and we can integrate it in a way that is more functional in your life. I often find IFS helpful when processing trauma because it helps separate the truth of who you are from the responses you’ve had to your experiences.
Some of the ways I incorporate and use IFS creatively are: