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.
At The Retreat Counseling Center, we provide therapy, counseling, and coaching services to Orange County's busy professionals and their families. Chances are, since you've landed on this webpage, some things in your life may not be working well. Maybe you're on the edge of a divorce? Or maybe your job is in jeopardy. Or maybe you just feel a bit lost with what you feel you're supposed to do nex...
I am a warm and caring human being with a clear understanding that therapy is not a "one size fits all" process. I fully appreciate the uniqueness of each individual, couple and family and will work with you to develop a plan that makes sense to you and addresses the realities of your life. Whether your goal is to improve your relationships, alleviate undesirable symptoms, bring more purpose an...
Do you ever feel shut down or have difficulty getting out of bed? Are there times when you turn to food or diet as a way to manage strong emotions? I specialize in working with women who experience anxiety, depression and eating disorders. I will help you engage in the creative process to explore underlying issues and reveal hidden strengths. Art therapy offers a profound way of transforming an...
Visiting this site today, you are one step closer to a refreshed you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover what is most meaning to you, most important and help move you toward living a life that is full of joy and worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can w...
At some point in our lives, we may face challenges, overwhelming decisions to make or we just need an impartial person to help us process our experiences. These are just a few reasons why people seek therapy and I provide a supportive, non-judgmental and encouraging approach to helping others become better versions of themselves. I encourage my clients to be active participants in therapy and b...
I'm honored to work with people struggling with women's issues, motherhood, food & weight challenges & chronic pain, depression & anxiety. Partnering together will uncover what is blocking opportunities to awaken your true nature. I ensure a safe environment where compassionate listening occurs. By providing a wealth of tools & techniques customized to create your "secret sauce", new & deeper...
Is anxiety beginning to control your life? Are you having a hard time adjusting to a new transition or change ? Are you feeling dissatisfied in your interpersonal relationships? If you said yes to any of these questions, I would love to help! I believe my role as your therapist is to use my knowledge and open-minded attitude to help you unlock the potential within yourself and your relationship...
**Nearly ALL insurance providers are now covering secure video (TeleHealth) therapy sessions. PLEASE do not hesitate to reach out to me if you think you could benefit from talking to a professional during these times, I will help you navigate and find someone. It is JUST as important that we take responsibility for our MENTAL health right now.** I am a licensed professional counselor and limite...
You don't have to feel like this. It doesn't have to be this way. You are not alone. My name is Mary Kate Hopwood and I want to help. I believe that people already have the solutions to their problems inside themselves, and that they can discover these solutions through careful reflection. I focus on listening deeply and forming a strong, supportive bond with my clients to help them find the...
Not currently taking new clients. I believe that each individual has strength and ability to meet their therapeutic goals. I have 10+ years experience working with adults and children who’ve experienced early childhood trauma. I use an attachment focus understanding that trauma in the early years has a life-long impact on health and well-being. My experience and training include play therapy,...
In working with therapy clients, I utilize strategies that are appropriate and effective for each individual client, family or couple; often taking an eclectic approach. I am always seeking to understand who you are as a person, not only what you are struggling with. Together we will identify specific, meaningful treatment goals and an effective plan. It takes a lot of courage to seek help. I...
My ideal client is any adult or teen experiencing any sort of issue related to their family or relationships. I enjoy helping those with anxiety, depression and stress to overcome those and get to their personal best. I really enjoy helping others to unpack and unload all the normal stressors that pop up in day to day life. Allow me to provide you with the support that you need to reclaim your...
Life can be challenging for all of us....let's step on the path to solutions and wellness. I am professionally experienced and trained in providing guidance, support and effective techniques to children, adolescents and adults during their life journeys. I believe in the connection between physical and mental wellness and eliminating emotional stress to create wellness in the body. With 20 year...
Sometimes life’s circumstances and challenges can leave you feeling stuck. You find yourself just wanting someone to help you or your family to begin living a more meaningful life. My aspirations are to be a change agent that helps people to restore, rebuild, and regain hope in living a healthy, meaningful, and wholesome life. I specialize in working with teens and adult males/females who suffe...
Life can be overcome by stress easily, and for some of us that stress becomes unbearable. Thoughts and feelings become overwhelming, leaving life feeling out of control and chaotic. In my work, I bring a wealth of curiosity and compassion to exploring a person's inner world of thoughts and feelings. Through this exploration, clients find deep internal healing and develop meaningful satisfaction...
