My Approach
I practice Internal Family Systems (IFS) — a model that recognizes every part of you has a purpose, and healing comes from understanding, not from fighting yourself.
What is Internal Family Systems?
IFS was developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz and is one of the most researched and effective approaches to therapy available today. The core idea is simple but profound: your mind is naturally made up of different parts, and every part has good intentions — even the ones that cause you pain.
When we understand our parts instead of fighting them, something remarkable happens: the parts begin to relax, and our core Self — the calm, curious, compassionate center of who we are — can lead.
Protectors
Managers try to prevent pain before it happens — through perfectionism, people-pleasing, control, or hypervigilance. Firefighters rush in after pain hits — through numbing, distraction, anger, or shutting down. Both are trying to protect you. They deserve understanding, not criticism.
Exiles
These are the younger, more vulnerable parts that carry the wounds — the shame, fear, grief, or loneliness from early experiences. Protectors work so hard because they're trying to keep these exiled parts from overwhelming you. In therapy, we create safety so these parts can finally be witnessed and healed.
Self
Beneath all the parts is your Self — a state of calm, curiosity, clarity, compassion, confidence, courage, creativity, and connectedness. Self isn't a part you need to build. It's already there. Our work together helps clear the way so Self can lead your inner system.
The Body Matters
Parts don't just live in your thoughts — they live in your body. The tightness in your chest, the knot in your stomach, the heaviness in your limbs. That's why I integrate somatic experiencing and EMDR alongside IFS.
Using polyvagal-informed practices, we work with your nervous system — not against it. We learn to notice when you're in fight, flight, or freeze, and gently guide your system back toward safety and connection.
What a Session Looks Like
We start where you are
No scripts, no predetermined agenda. We begin with what's alive for you right now — what part is showing up, what you're feeling in your body.
We get curious together
I'll help you notice which parts are present and what they're trying to do. We approach them with curiosity, not criticism.
We go at your pace
Parts work isn't about forcing anything open. We move as fast as your system allows, and we honor every 'not yet.'
We integrate body and mind
As needed, we'll bring in somatic awareness, grounding practices, or EMDR to help your body process what your mind has understood.