Areas of Interest

Trauma/PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Grief

Specialized Training & Focus

IFS (Internal Family Systems)
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)

What is IFS?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model and approach to understanding and healing the human mind, developed by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz in the 1980s. The central idea of IFS is that the mind is made up of different "parts," which are like distinct aspects or subpersonalities within a person. These parts can have their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and each part plays a role in how the person experiences and interacts with the world.

Key Concepts of IFS:

Parts: According to IFS, individuals are made up of various parts, which can be thought of as inner voices or aspects of the self. These parts usually fall into three broad categories:
- Exiles: These parts are often vulnerable, wounded, or carry emotional pain, trauma, or negative beliefs. Exiles are often suppressed or pushed away to protect the person from the intense feelings they carry.
- Managers: These parts are protective and try to maintain control over the person's life by preventing emotional pain. Managers often strive to keep things organized, in control, and safe, and they may engage in behaviors such as perfectionism, overthinking, or people-pleasing to keep things under control.
- Firefighters: These parts are also protective, but they typically emerge when the exiles' pain or emotions become overwhelming. Firefighters respond impulsively or reactively, often using coping mechanisms like distraction, substance use, anger, or other extreme behaviors to put out the emotional "fire" created by the exiles.
Self: The "Self" is considered the core, compassionate, wise, and balanced aspect of a person. It is the part of the person that can lead and heal the system of parts. The Self is often described as calm, curious, confident, and connected to a sense of inner wisdom. In IFS therapy, the goal is to help the person connect with and lead from their Self, allowing the parts to heal and harmonize.
Internal System: The concept of the internal family refers to how these parts interact with each other. In an "unhealthy" system, parts may be in conflict, with managers trying to control the exiles and firefighters reacting to emotional crises. IFS therapy helps the person develop a better understanding of their internal system and work toward greater harmony and balance.

Benefits of IFS:

Emotional Healing: IFS helps individuals process and heal emotional wounds by addressing the underlying pain carried by the exiled parts.
Self-Leadership: It helps people reconnect with their core sense of self, which can lead to greater emotional resilience and clarity in decision-making.
Improved Relationships: By understanding and harmonizing their internal system, individuals can improve their relationships with others, as they are better able to communicate, regulate their emotions, and understand their needs.
Trauma Resolution: IFS is particularly effective for people dealing with trauma, as it helps process and release painful experiences that have been stored in the mind and body.

In summary, Internal Family Systems therapy is a compassionate and integrative approach that sees the psyche as made up of different parts that need to be understood and healed. The goal is to help people connect with their core Self, heal emotional wounds, and bring about greater harmony and well-being in their internal world.

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy approach developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, primarily for the treatment of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is based on the idea that traumatic memories and experiences can become "stuck" in the brain, leading to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. EMDR aims to help process these memories and integrate them in a more adaptive and functional way.

Key Concepts of EMDR:

Memory Processing and Trauma: In EMDR, it's believed that when a person experiences trauma or overwhelming events, the brain's normal processing mechanisms become disrupted, causing these memories to be stored in an unprocessed, fragmented form. As a result, these memories remain vivid, distressing, and emotionally charged, and they can intrude into the person’s present experience through flashbacks, nightmares, or anxiety. EMDR helps reprocess these memories to reduce their emotional charge and integrate them into the broader narrative of the person's life.
Bilateral Stimulation: One of the most distinctive features of EMDR is the use of bilateral stimulation (BLS), often in the form of guided eye movements. This typically involves the therapist guiding the patient’s eyes back and forth across their visual field while the patient focuses on a traumatic memory or related issue. Other forms of BLS can include tapping or auditory tones alternating from one side to the other. The bilateral stimulation is thought to help facilitate the brain's natural healing process and promote integration of the memory in a more adaptive way.

What EMDR Treats:

EMDR is primarily known for treating trauma and PTSD, but it has also been found effective for a range of other mental health conditions, including:

Anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety, panic attacks)
Phobias (e.g., fear of flying, social anxiety)
Depression
Grief and loss
Addictions
Chronic pain (when associated with trauma)
Self-esteem issues
Performance anxiety or stress

The Benefits of EMDR:

Rapid Relief from Trauma: Many people experience significant relief from trauma symptoms in a relatively short period of time compared to other therapeutic modalities.
Less Verbalization Required: Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR doesn’t require the person to recount or relive the traumatic event in great detail. This can make it easier for individuals to process difficult memories.
Non-invasive and Structured: The process is designed to help individuals process trauma in a structured way without needing to “talk through” every detail of their painful memories.
Improved Emotional Regulation: EMDR helps individuals reduce the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories, allowing them to experience a greater sense of emotional regulation and well-being.

Effectiveness of EMDR:

Numerous studies have shown EMDR to be an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD. It is recognized by organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as an evidence-based treatment for trauma. Many clients report experiencing reduced trauma symptoms, less anxiety, and improved emotional resilience after undergoing EMDR therapy.

Summary:

EMDR is a powerful, structured therapeutic approach that helps individuals process traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress through the use of bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements). It is especially effective for trauma and PTSD, but it can also address a variety of other emotional and psychological challenges. The goal of EMDR is to help clients integrate painful memories in a more adaptive way, leading to healing, emotional balance, and improved overall mental health.

My Approach

I approach counseling as a joint endeavor in which you, as the client, and I work together to understand your goals, uncover and evaluate difficulties, and move towards healthy functioning and personal fulfillment. I believe inside each of us is a unique human being that has the potential for growth and overall achievement of personal wellbeing when provided the essential tools and resources.

When you work with me, I will help you 'unravel the cords' of your life that have become entangled to understand how each strand played a part to ultimately give clarity to the issue or situation. I enter the counselor-client relationship with optimism and eagerness to work with you and I am committed to making sure you receive the most effective, appropriate treatment available.