Individual Therapy
When we befriend and get to know the many parts of ourselves, we open the door to transformation.
In individual therapy, I work with adults to help them improve emotional well being. I use a variety of therapy models, but the primary one I use is Internal Family Systems (more on that below). This model helps clients understand the many parts of themselves and to trust their core Self.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
Have you ever said something like, "Part of me wants to go to the party, but another part of me wants to stay home"? Internal Family Systems is a therapy model that believes a person isn't just one entity, but is instead made up of many "parts" of ourselves. In taking an IFS approach to therapy, I work with clients to help them get to know these parts and their perspectives. Most--if not all!--parts are just trying to protect us, but sometimes they have learned unhealthy ways of doing that. By befriending our parts and welcoming their perspectives, we can start to build trusting relationships with them. This foundation of trust can then allow us to help parts to heal and change in very positive ways. The result is a much more integrated and balanced sense of Self.
What Happens in a Therapy Session?
In a first session with me, we will do an initial assessment to help me learn a little about your background, as well as what's currently going on in your life. We'll talk about some of the challenges you are facing and what is bringing you to therapy at this moment. We might even set some goals that focus on the changes you would like to see in yourself.
After that first session, follow-up sessions usually start with a client describing a challenge they are currently facing. It could be something new, something ongoing, or it could be a pattern you have noticed in yourself for a long time. I listen for the different parts that seem to be coming forward in response to the challenge. Together, we map out these parts and decide which of these parts really need you at this time.
From here, we get to know and befriend a given part so that it knows we truly understand its perspective. With a heart of compassion and acceptance, we help a part to heal so that it can let go of whatever burden it has been carrying. This process allows parts to take on healthier roles in your life, to gain confidence in your Self, and it allows you to begin leading your life from a grounded sense of Self.
