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 believe providing encouragement and acceptance are important to the therapeutic process. Therefore, I apply an integrative, client-centered and culturally-sensitive approach to helping individuals achieve their goals and maintain personal wellness. Mixing conventional and alternative approaches, I draw on a variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful. By working...
(Not currently accepting clients) I am here to provide you with a safe and supportive space to deepen self-awareness and foster self-compassion. If you are experiencing difficulty with life transitions, emotional turmoil, relational conflict, trauma, or issues pertaining to gender/sexuality, I can help you towards growth and healing. We will explore your personal narrative within the context of...
From Adversity to New Life. While often it is our daily reactions that make us what change, neurobiological research now proves that past traumatic experiences cause damage to the brain. EMDR Therapy helps clients to process and overcome a multitude of difficult life experiences and regain healthy thinking and functioning. Trauma-informed Therapy is essential to quality care. We train and assis...
Welcome and thank you for considering Sense of Self Portland for your counseling/therapy needs! I believe strongly that everyone can benefit from having a safe and neutral place to discuss any and all aspects of their life and to share their struggles and successes. I love working with people from all walks of life and hope that my humanistic & person-centered style can help support you along i...
Creating an environment for healing, resilience and growth. Therapy is not just a process that leads to functioning, but flourishing, as you become the person you were born to be. We believe in the power of your dreams!! Hablamos Espanol! Specialties include: Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, Couple's Counseling, Addictions Counseling, and Financial Counseling Transitions. A passion to empowe...
Whether you are struggling with parenthood, having frequent conflicts with your partner, grieving a loss, trying to establish healthy boundaries with family and friends, or working to understand yourself better — having someone to help support you through that process with empathy, insight, and guidance can be life changing. I have a masters in the field of psychology, am married and a mother o...
Sometimes, life becomes overwhelming or seemingly out of control resulting in anxiety, sadness, depression, confusion, anger, or irritability, along with a feeling of being powerless and without options. Factors may be related to work, marriage, parenting, financial stress, addiction, infidelity, symptoms of past traumatic experience(s), and many other things. Is your situation draining your...
Relationships are hard work, and some days are much more overwhelming than others. When we don't feel like we are getting along with ourselves or with our loved ones, we sometimes choose to yell, scream, walk away, or freeze up. Sometimes we drink or take something else. I believe that our relationships are vital and that when we don't feel like they are going well, it can ruin our day or make ...
We often get stuck by accident but get healthy on purpose. My hope is to be your coach helping you process where you got stuck and more importantly find steps you are able and willing to take that will lead you move toward the healthy life you desire. I specialize in working with individuals and couples who have communication issues, past infidelity and current porn or sex addiction. I am a...
We've gotten used to putting ourself on the back burner. "I'm ok...I'm fine.,. I've just gotten used to it." is what we say and "I'll take care of that later" but later never comes. We try to keep pushing. We scream in silence hoping someone hears and helps; The tears come out when alone and we worry they will never stop. "I have to be strong for them" What happens when you have no more strengt...
Our clients are people who struggle with everything from depression to being Empty Nesters. Some are having marriage problems or recently got a divorce. There are those who have been caring for a love one for a long time and are overwhelmed by the responsibilities. Regardless of the struggles, each of our clients want help. They want the pain and suffering to go away. Gateway 2 Counseling is on...
Are you preoccupied with thoughts about food and exercise? Do you feel shame when you don’t “measure up” to certain expectations? Are you your own worst critic? I am passionate about helping people strengthen their self-relationship. In a culture that promotes and celebrates unrealistic body ideals, it’s no wonder many of us struggle with body-image issues, eating disorders, and low self-esteem...
People seek my professional help for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, something in their lives is just not right. They may wish to make specific changes or to understand themselves better. They may struggle with their relationships, have difficulties in their jobs or studies, and/or old traumas continue to negatively affect their present. Also, sometimes they just don’t know what to do with the...
**NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS CURRENTLY** Life seems harder for your child than others. Just getting through each day is a challenge. As you see your child struggle, you feel frustrated and drained. Maybe your family is stuck together in your child's hard place. The energy seems to flow to dealing with sadness, worry, or acting out. Once the situation seemed a passing phase, but more and more it...
Are you ready to heal the root level? The team at Illuminate Wellness provides an integrative approach to healing with evidence-based treatment modalities that encourage self-nurturing, self-reliance, and finding the delicate balance between acceptance and change. Sometimes we all need a bit of extra support. Let us help you heal in an open, non-judgmental, and safe space created just for you t...
