Therapeutic Approach:
It’s difficult to find the right therapist! Behind the curtain, there are tons of different therapeutic approaches and that means a different client experience.
Here’s a little bit of information about my therapeutic approach (only if you’re curious, no pressure) in an effort the reveal what’s behind the curtain.
Internal Family Systems
Great for resolving internal conflict and “doing the deep work”
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is an evidence based model of psychotherapy that recognizes and addresses the complex nature of the human psyche. It is particularly useful to resolve internal conflict. The approach is based on the belief that every individual has different "parts" within them, each with its own unique perspective, feelings, and behaviors.
The IFS therapy approach involves exploring these parts of oneself and learning to relate to them in a more compassionate and productive way. This process involves identifying and addressing parts that may be causing distress or harm, as well as accessing and strengthening "self" - the core, compassionate, and wise part of oneself.
The therapist acts as a guide throughout the IFS process, helping clients to identify their parts, understand their roles, and work towards greater integration and harmony within the inner system. Through this process, clients can learn to better regulate their emotions, improve their relationships, and develop a more authentic and fulfilling sense of self.
IFS has been found to be effective in treating a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and relationship issues. It can be used as a standalone therapy or in combination with other therapeutic approaches.
I primarily use ISF as the structure to my therapeutic practice along with mindfulness and yogic practices.
Polyvagal Theory
Helps resolve anxieties and traumas by getting to the root of why those emotions are in the body.
Polyvagal theory is a groundbreaking concept that explains how our nervous system responds to stress and affects our emotional, behavioral, and physiological responses. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the theory describes the three branches of the autonomic nervous system and how they work together to regulate our physiological states.
The theory suggests that the vagus nerve, which runs from the brainstem to the gut and other organs, plays a crucial role in regulating our physiological responses to stress. When we perceive a threat, our nervous system activates the sympathetic branch, which triggers our "fight or flight" response. However, if the threat persists or we feel overwhelmed, our nervous system may activate the parasympathetic branch, which can lead to feelings of shutdown or dissociation.
By understanding how the polyvagal system works, we can learn to regulate our nervous system and respond to stress in a more adaptive way. This can be especially helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma or struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns.
I integrate polyvagal theory into my approach to help clients understand their physiological responses to stress and learn practical techniques to regulate their nervous system. By working with the body-mind connection, we can help clients find greater emotional balance and resilience in their lives.
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a therapeutic approach that falls under the umbrella of humanistic and experiential psychotherapies. I have been a part of the Portland Community of Emotionally Focused Therapists for 11 years.
EFT was developed by Leslie S. Greenberg and Sue Johnson in the 1980s and is based on the premise that emotions are a central aspect of human experience and play a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. EFT focuses on helping individuals identify, process, and understand their emotions in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
In my practice, this approach can help clients develop emotional intelligence, gain insight into their emotional patterns, and learn healthier ways of dealing with their feelings. I find this theory really helpful in working with couples. EFT can be used to address various psychological challenges, including relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal conflicts. I work collaboratively with my clients, fostering a deep emotional exploration that leads to personal growth and positive change.
Attachment Theory
A super useful tool to help understand our reactions in relationships.
Attachment theory is a well-established concept in psychology that explains how our early experiences with caregivers can shape our relationships and emotional development throughout our lives. The theory was first developed by John Bowlby, who observed that infants and young children rely on their caregivers for safety, comfort, and security.
According to attachment theory, our early attachment experiences can shape our internal working models of ourselves, others, and the world around us. If we have secure attachment experiences, we may develop a sense of trust and safety in relationships, which can support healthy emotional regulation and resilience. However, if we have insecure attachment experiences, we may struggle with anxiety, mistrust, or difficulty regulating our emotions in relationships.
I integrate attachment theory into my approach to help clients understand their attachment patterns and develop greater awareness of how these patterns may affect their relationships and emotional well-being. By working with the body-mind connection and providing a secure and attuned therapeutic relationship, I can help clients develop greater emotional regulation and relational skills, and cultivate more fulfilling and satisfying relationships in their lives.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the crux of effective therapy. The ability to notice your internal state is the beginning of most healing and growth.
Mindfulness is a powerful practice that can help individuals cultivate greater awareness, presence, and acceptance in their lives. Based on ancient meditation practices, mindfulness has become a popular therapeutic approach that is backed by research and used in a variety of therapeutic settings.
In our sessions, we will integrate mindfulness into our work together to help you develop greater awareness of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment. By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to observe your experiences without judgment or reactivity, and develop greater emotional regulation and self-compassion.
Research has shown that mindfulness can be helpful for a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma. By incorporating mindfulness practices into therapy, we can develop greater resilience and coping skills, and find more meaning and fulfillment in our lives.
Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve your relationships, or deepen your self-awareness, mindfulness can be a powerful tool to support your growth and healing.