My Approach

Emotional Well-being

I draw on both Internal Family Systems and Hakomi in my work to support emotional well-being. IFS is grounded in the belief that the mind is naturally multiple, and that is a good thing. Our inner parts contain valuable qualities, and our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole. These sub-personalities take on different roles, such as an inner critic or inner child, and consist of painful feelings like anger and shame. The goal of IFS is to help clients access Self so that they can heal wounded parts and bring their minds into balance. It is an evidence-based approach that has been shown to be effective for improving general functioning and well-being. IFS integrates well with the Hakomi method of assisted self-discovery which encourages the exploration of sensation, emotion and felt experiences in the body as well as habitual tension and movement patterns. Your physical and emotional experiences in the present moment become an entry point to access beliefs and unconscious thought patterns, often formed in the past, that block well-being and increase suffering. With increased awareness comes the possibility of shifting habitual patterns, healing, and transformation. The foundation of Hakomi is loving presence – the practitioner being fully present and attuned to the client – to create a kind, gentle space to be curious about yourself.

We go at your pace. All of your parts are welcome. This work can create profoundly deep changes.

Couples / Relationships

I draw on Internal Family systems in my work with couples, specifically Intimacy from the Inside Out.  My work with couples is also informed by the work of Stan Tatkin and attachment theory. Through this process, partners come to a deeper understanding of themselves and the other, including how their personal histories inform their approaches to conflict and intimacy. We slow things down to practice new ways of relating, with the goal of growing your capacity to be in relationship with all the parts of you while also being in relationship with your partner. This can lead to greater safety, trust and authenticity.

Because of the additional complexity of having two people in the session and need for space for all clients, I require 80 min sessions for couples and other relationships, and encourage 110 min sessions whenever possible. 

I also offer intensives and workshops for couples, in partnership with Ben Trelease. Please visit Me-You-We to learn more.