Therapeutic Modalities
I've got a whole toolbox of therapeutic magic tricks! I love to mix and match techniques to create
the perfect recipe for each unique person.
About Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic modality that recognizes and addresses multiple sub-personalities or families within each person's mental system. These sub-personalities consist of wounded parts and painful emotions such as anger, shame, and fear, as well as parts that try to protect us from the pain of these wounded parts. The IFS model promotes internal harmony and external balance by helping individuals better understand and coordinate these diverse parts of themselves.
-
Concept of the Self: IFS starts with the belief that the core self is inherently good and whole. This Self is a source of wisdom, healing, and balance, and is central to the IFS therapy process.
-
Types of Sub-Personalities:
-
Exiles: These are often wounded, traumatized parts of the self, carrying burdens from past hurts. They are often hidden away by other parts to protect the self from pain.
-
Managers: These parts try to keep the person safe and functioning by controlling their environment and emotions. They manage everyday life and ward off any feelings or actions that might trigger the exiles.
-
Firefighters: When an exile's pain breaks through, firefighters react instantly to suppress or distract from the pain. This can manifest in impulsive behaviors like substance abuse, overeating, or aggression.
-
-
The IFS Process: The therapy process involves identifying and understanding these different parts, their roles, and their interrelations. The goal is to help the parts transform and heal, rather than eliminate or change them.
About Compassionate Inquiry
Compassionate Inquiry is a psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr. Gabor Maté that focuses on uncovering the hidden emotions, beliefs, and imprints from past traumas that can govern our behavior and shape our lives. The approach is gentle yet powerful, helping individuals to connect with their true selves and heal from their deepest wounds.
This approach is built on the idea that true healing occurs when individuals face their pain with compassion rather than avoidance. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of childhood experiences and societal influences on mental health and behavior.
About Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that delves into a person's unconscious processes as they are manifested in the individual's present behavior. The goals of psychodynamic therapy are to increase self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior.
This therapy focuses on the belief that our unconscious holds feelings, thoughts, and experiences that are outside of our conscious awareness but significantly impact our behavior and emotions. It emphasizes the importance of childhood experiences and how they shape adult personality and behavior patterns.
About Attachment-Based Psychotherapy
This therapy is grounded in attachment theory, which posits that early relationships with caregivers shape our patterns of attachment and influence our emotional and relational development. Emphasis is placed on how early attachment experiences affect self-esteem, emotional regulation, and the ability to form healthy relationships in adulthood.