Internal Family Systems therapy encourages people to embrace all parts of themselves, even the difficult ones. Its goal is to help people achieve balance and harmony within themselves.
IFS states that people do not have “bad” parts. Instead, they experience difficulty embracing all aspects as simultaneously affecting one another. IFS seeks to name and understand these parts and ultimately balance the factors that work toward self-growth.
Life experiences can encourage the various parts of the self to become out of balance, forcing the system into a less-than-harmonious operating state. Your IFS counselor will help you recognize these parts of yourself, inquire as to why you think they might be off-balance, and then assist you in balancing them.
People with a wide range of mental health concerns can benefit from IFS, but it is particularly effective for those who have dealt with traumatic experiences.
**Accepting New Clients** Research shows that the number one key factor to living a long life is directly related to one’s feeling of connectedness with others. Yet, a quarter us feel as though we have no one to talk to. It’s biologically imperative to know that we belong, matter and feel seen and heard. Therapy helps people (sometimes for their first time ever) to feel understood and have thei...
Life can throw numerous curve balls, and sometimes we need to expand our support system to persevere and carry on. Reaching out to meet with a counselor is not a sign of weakness, but rather shows bravery and a willingness for growth and change. When an individual makes the decision to enter counseling, it can be an intimidating choice during an already difficult time. It’s not always easy to b...
Do you have difficult relationships? Do you put everyone's needs before your own? Do you wonder why do don't get as good as you give? Do you suffer from overwhelm? Do you experience a lack of motivation? Do you ruminate over the little things? Do you have trouble sleeping because you can't stop your thoughts? Do you feel frequently tired? If you have answered "yes" to any or all of these...
I enjoy working with a wide range of individuals. Areas of particular interest include: life transitions, relationship issues, self confidence issues, divorce and grief. I enjoy helping clients build a mix of internal resources with mindfulness, emotional regulation skills and ways to feel safe and relaxed their bodies. I also work with clients on integrating additional resources such as nature...
Stonebriar Counseling Associates is a diverse group of private mental health therapists who provide counseling services for children, teens, adults, families, and all forms of relationship counseling such as marriage, divorce, couples, and premarital. We offer a comforting, supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic environment to work on difficult issues and mental health symptoms. Our focus is to...
Are you dealing with a life transition? As a transition specialist I can think of no other time when so many of us were jolted into a transition and a new way of life! I specialize in working with individuals and families that are going through a transition in their life. These transitions could include; divorce, job loss, getting back into the work force, becoming a teenager, becoming an adult...
We all need hope and encouragement from others who will walk alongside us through difficult circumstances. You may have lost sight of who you are or your value, but there is always hope. I enjoy working with clients who are motivated to grow in their lives, who are seeking to know who they are and to find their value. I have a relational style of counseling and am trained in EMDR to bring a...
Karen is a seasoned Licensed Professional Counselor who places value on the individual, their life experience, and their perspective. Having gained a range of expertise within different cultural settings, Karen has acquired the skills to address trauma, loss, changes within the family and the insidious nature of verbal/emotional abuse that often go unrecognized. Karen identifies areas of streng...
At Ascend Counseling, PLLC we believe that all people deserve a place to come as they are. As seasoned therapists, we provide a safe, collaborative experience for our clients combining empathy with professional excellence to guide the therapeutic process. Many therapeutic practices simply help you manage your symptoms and/or survive the next crisis. But at Ascend Counseling, PLLC, we believe th...
My ideal client is a female with a trauma history that is negatively impacting her life and relationships. She may be experiencing depression, anxiety and/or difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships. She desires to no longer be held hostage by her trauma experiences. She wants a fulfilling life in which she can stop repeating the past and create a happy and satisfying future. She wants...
I work with couples and individuals using a mindfulness based, here-and-now, approach that invites all aspects of you into therapy. I welcome individuals of all ages asking “What do I want to do with my life?”. In my work with couples, I help partners build deeper connections, foster better communication, and work towards a more fulfilling relationship. Whether you are in the midst of a new...
If you're feeling overwhelmed with worry, anxious and on-edge, or helpless and sad—you're having a normal response to extraordinary circumstances. Life has thrown us all for a loop, and your nervous system is likely on high alert. Right now, many of us feel uncertain and stressed—and this lack of feeling safe can cause your mental health to suffer. Whatever you're experiencing, you need a safe...
Do you feel like all the pieces are falling apart? Have life transitions caused you to feel completely unsteady? Are you experiencing an inner battle where who you are and who you wish to be, are in conflict? Do you carry shame, trauma, and secrets so deeply and feel unsafe exploring and healing these parts? Do you live an alternative lifestyle (LGBTQIA, Poly, Kink, BDSM) and do not know where ...
My philosophy for healing orients around the pursuit of self-love and acceptance. Are you interested in knowing some of the signs that you may not be operating from a place of self-value? Here are a few: You feel uncomfortable when given a compliment. You talk yourself out of asking for help. You are reluctant to assert your opinion.You struggle to confront someone who is taking advantage of yo...
Would you like to heal current or past hurts with those who mean the most to you? Do you want to feel a deeper connection with your loved ones but have no idea where to begin? We are hard wired as humans to connect, but sometimes our fear of being vulnerable keeps us stuck in patterns of communication that may not serve us well. I will provide a non-judgmental safe space with respect and...
