Our first visit will last about 60 minutes, and we'll take this time to better understand what you hope to gain from working with me. During the first 1-3 sessions, I'll hope to learn more about you and your story until this point, including your accomplishments, your challenges & struggles, your values, and your hopes.
At that point, we'll check-in to ensure this feels like a good fit, confirm your therapy goals and plan for ongoing treatment.
The length of time in therapy varies for everyone. One person may be looking for indefinite, longer term support to help manage ongoing life stressors, while another person may have a very specific goal or topic to address and will choose to end as soon as that issue is resolved. I welcome you to communicate your preferences to me as you'd like. While I am available to offer suggestions and guidance, you are in control of your time in therapy and will be free to end at any time.
Internal Family Systems is an evidence-based therapy model that invites compassion and curiosity toward the various "parts" of ourselves. It is based in the recognition that we all have different parts of our personality that have developed in response to our life experiences. A simple example might be - "one part of me wants an extra cup of coffee this afternoon so that I can be alert for an important meeting, but another part of me knows I won't sleep as well tonight and is criticizing me for drinking too much caffeine every day!"
Some of our parts work hard to protect us from harm and keep us safe or comfortable. Some of our parts are simply craving love and support and a space to feel their feelings and express themselves. All of our parts are worthy of our curiosity and compassion. In the IFS model, we understand that underneath all of our "parts" there is the core of who we are, which IFS calls Self, who carries unending depths of wisdom and compassion, and a great capacity for healing. In work with an IFS practitioner, every part of you is welcome. You are invited to discover your deepest Self and build a nuanced relationship with all the parts of you, working together with your practitioner toward deep healing.
There's quite a bit more to it, but hopefully this offers a starting place to see if you'd like to explore more!
While I am absolutely open to other ways of working as you prefer, this framework is primary in my approach and will inevitably inform my way of conversing with you during our time together. Quite simply - I think IFS is powerful and has great potential to support many of us on our healing journey.
I am currently not in-network with any insurance. If you have a PPO plan, I can provide a superbill at the end of each month, which you can submit to your insurance company for partial reimbursement. Please be in touch with your insurance provider to determine whether reimbursement is an option for you.
I do currently have limited openings. Please reach out to inquire.
It matters to me that you feel both safe and productive in our time together. The best way to discover the answer to this question, sometimes, is to have a meeting or two. No hard feelings if I'm not your vibe after we say hello and spend some time together. But I can try to offer a couple of things to consider as you decide if you want to take the next step and reach out:
My primary hope in therapy is to support you in developing a compassionate relationship with yourself, trusting that this will help you move toward wellness. A good fit for me is someone who is not only looking for tools & skills to get through the day but is also seeking deep & lasting healing. If you are looking for a safe space to explore yourself and your experiences in a compassionate and curious way, we might be a good fit, and I invite you to reach out.
My natural approach and personality is gentle and warm. I am an active participant in the therapy session. I also believe that therapy works best when we can genuinely collaborate. You know yourself best. I hope to be creative alongside you on your journey toward wellness.
We might also be a good fit if you are seeking support in any areas of my personal interest and specialty: identity ambiguity and multicultural experience, chronic illness, emotional sustainability in social justice work, healthcare provider burnout, compassion fatigue, self-esteem and self-compassion, spirituality and religion, existential meaning making.