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.
I consider it a supreme privilege to accompany my clients into the work of healing, growth, and self-discovery. Entering into these vulnerable and deeply personal spaces with my clients is sacred to me, and I work hard to provide the kind of safety, compassion, and attention that allows deep change. I work with a huge variety of issues but find that my strengths lie primarily in the area of...
At the Ludington Institute for Family Enrichment, we offer comprehensive, integrated therapeutic services incorporating multiple treatment modalities catered specifically to meet our clients' individual needs. I strive to meet my clients where they are at today with unconditional positive regard, this provides an unique environment that allows my clients to feel safe and supported as we work...
You've taken a courageous step forward by searching for a therapist. Therapy can help you discover your authentic self, revive your passion and joy, and find calm and balance. Whether you're going through a major life event, like cancer, or you've just felt bad for a while, we can work together to help you heal. I am committed to providing a warm, safe, and affirming atmosphere to foster your...
In these times of drastic global change, it is completely natural to feel anxious, fearful, overwhelmed, sad, and stressed. What's most important now is that you feel supported during this time not only by your self care practice, but also by your support team. I would like to be on that support team for you. In my practice, I specialize in working with individuals or couples who are feeling...
I understand that reaching out for help takes courage. Not because I'm a therapist, but because I've been there. From personal experience with generational trauma, domestic violence, and social injustices, I know how valuable therapy can be. I take my experience and use it to help marginalized populations heal from trauma, sexual abuse, childhood abuse, anxiety, & domestic violence. I strive to...
Is this YOU? Having fear of uncertainty? Our times are calling for you to drop into the uncertainty of your human experience. Climb above the feelings of being out of control and learn to feel nurtured in what you can control. Its time to stop judging, evaluating and stressing yourself out? Do you feel ashamed, guilty or hopeless at times? You feel unworthy because your inner voice tells you, y...
Welcome to Pathways Counseling of Saratoga, PC. where you will find a warm, supportive environment to explore issues, problems, and life challenges. Sarah Etkin, LCSW-R is a licensed clinical social worker with twenty years of clinical experience who provides guidance and support with care and compassion. The therapeutic approach is based on your unique needs and is focused on finding solutions...
Are you concerned about your child’s development? Are you struggling with a child who doesn’t listen and misbehaves? Do you want to learn how to be a better parent? Are you feeling overwhelmed with your child with Autism? Do you have concerns about your pre-teen and bullying? Are you looking for a safe space for your child to process their school, friend or relationship issues? My name is Miche...
When you think about your relationship, do you ever wonder “how did we get here?!” If so, then I am definitely the counselor you should meet with. I am a firm believer that each relationship we have impacts us in one way or another because, well… they do! I specialize in working with couples and families to assist them in building their communication skills, healing, and strengthening their...
My goal is to help you become clearer on where you are so you are able to acknowledge your pain, heal and find the freedom to experience life in a new way, making new decisions, and finding fulfillment. I work with clients who are feeling "stuck" and inevitably struggle with addictions, anxiety, depression, compulsive behaviors, unsatisfying relationships, and unfulfilling work. I believe we ar...
Many people have had scary or terrible things happen to them. Maybe you feel like you just want it to be over or you should have gotten past it already. Maybe you’ve told people what happened and their response was confusing, hurtful, or dismissive. Maybe you’re a parent and are completely lost on how to help your child move forward. You might have reminders of what happened impacting your life...
“I can’t believe this is happening to us! Has our marriage been a lie! It looks like the marriage is over and with all I’ve been through I can’t believe I still don’t want it to end! Can my marriage be saved?” Marriage is definitely a team effort and when you are not playing on the same team it can look hopeless. Yet, appearances are often misleading! There is HOPE for you! I understand...
Finding the right therapist is essential. I offer a safe and trusting environment where we can work together to explore what changes you would like to work towards and understand how your patterns developed over time. As a licensed mental health counselor, I work with adolescents (16 & up) and adults. I hold certification as an addiction specialist (MCAP), with experience in both inpatient and...
MY SCHEDULE IS CURRENTLY FULL. When was the last time somebody really listened? When was the last time you felt really heard? Being understood is an important starting point on any journey towards healing. Once we feel understood, we can begin trying new, more effective, approaches to address the problems that have disrupted our life and robbed us of joy. Together, we will find an approach that...
The quest to live authentically is challenging but ultimately transformative. With hard work and supportive professional guidance, clients have the opportunity to examine persistent, troubling patterns without judgment or shame, and in doing so create space for growth and possibility. I work with clients age 6 to end of life -- individuals, partners, and families -- to explore individual and...
