Psychotherapy with
Heart & Humor
~ Combining the superpowers of IFS and EMDR to heal the past and transform the present. ~
We can change our past...to heal our present(!)
Brain science has taught us that it's not too late to show up for the child we were and give ourselves what we needed back then. Together, we can heal your past using IFS, EMDR, and the intentional use of your imagination.
I'll guide you in the process-- your brain will do the rest.
What is IFS?
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You'll find that, just as is true of well-fed children in the outside world, your inner characters will transform--they'll become lighter and happier--when you feed, rather than starve them.
- Richard Schwartz​, Creator of Internal Family Systems
IFS stands for Internal Family Systems . . . a bit of a clunky name for a very powerful and newer type of therapy. IFS is widely considered to be one of the most effective ways to heal our most painful and/or problematic emotions, beliefs, and behaviors.
And here's the thing. The IFS model understands that every one of us has sub-personalities or parts. That our brains aren't unitary. Instead we're made up of many sub-personalities or parts that operate quite independently from one another. And who each have their own beliefs, emotions, skill set, and--in many cases--traumatic memories.
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Think "part of me feels confident and part of me feels shame." "Part of me wants to go to the party and part of me wants to stay home."
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IFS helps us get to know, love up, and heal our wounded and struggling parts.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a VERY awkward name for a VERY powerful and effective psychotherapy technique. This breakthrough therapy removes the charge from traumatic memories. So you remember what happened, but it's just a memory, without any disturbance.
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Therapists and clients alike who experience EMDR are routinely astonished at the results.
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EMDR uses something called "bilateral stimulation" which simply refers to anything that stimulates the left and right sides of your body in an alternating way. Examples include tapping on your left then right arm, moving your eyes left then right, or even wearing headphones that alternate tones left and right.
What is EMDR?
Services
Individuals
In addition to EMDR, I offer IFS/parts work to help people find the hurting parts inside that desperately need to be found, known, loved up and healed.
These are the inner parts of us that carry our depression, isolation, shame, addictive behaviors, perfectionism, low self-esteem, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and all the other effects of childhood abuse and neglect that result in complex PTSD.
I will meet you--and your hurting inner parts--where you are, with deep compassion, curiosity, and acceptance. I am a devoted listener. I will hold your pain with gentleness and respect, and I'll help you heal.
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Couples
I help couples get to the longings, needs, and fears beneath their fights, alienation and grievances. I do this by listening and communicating with great care, and by creating an environment in which both partners feel safe, heard, and respected. I help couples talk to each other and get unstuck.
If you have any questions about how I work, or if you'd like to talk with me about what you and your partner are struggling with, you are most welcome to call, text, or e-mail me.
​I wish you and your partner all the best!