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*** I specialize in providing treatment for couples and families. One of my main areas of focus is helping clients navigate the transition to parenthood, which can include issues such as postpartum depression, miscarriage, infertility, and the adjustment to becoming a parent. I also specialize in working with families with Autism. As a Marriage and Family Therapist I...
Things are falling apart. You never thought you would be here. There are moments in life when we feel lost, hopeless, and overwhelmed. Whether you come to this place because life circumstances have taken a turn, you've been hurt in some way, or life suddenly feels too big to manage, you need to know there is hope. There is another side to this pain, grief, and struggle, and as a guide, I would...
People often lack information and resources or are too close to a problem to have a useful perspective on the situation. I love working with people who feel " stuck" or are bearing burdens that overwhelm them. Often, people have been thrown a “curveball” in life and need someone to come alongside them who can handle their difficult issues respectfully and confidentially. I feel it is a privileg...
The counseling relationship thrives when you are able to be open, knowing that your vulnerable stories will be received with empathy and acceptance. Whatever struggles you feel now or whatever barrier is impeding your goals, whether it be depression, anxiety, addiction, or unresolved trauma, the safety of a comfortable counseling relationship is the first step to begin healing. I believe everyo...
Everyone has a story; everyone has struggles; everyone is fighting their own battle. We all experience some degree of suffering though it and all of us need a safe place. A safe place where we can be who we really are, where we can listen to our own needs, wants, feelings, and beliefs. I create this kind of environment for you by providing validation, empathy, and compassion. I conduct...
What's your greatest fear? Where does it hurt the most? These two questions plague us all at one time or another. Is fear holding you back from experiencing life as you've always dreamed it could be? Is the hurt of painful memories, difficult circumstances, or impossible relationships keeping you from truly becoming the person you are meant to be? There is hope. And there is healing. I'm here t...
Some people know exactly what they are looking to accomplish, others are not so sure. Maybe you are desperate for peace in life. Maybe you just do not know how to communicate anymore, you are alone, or you need to talk about a loved one. I'm here to sort through it with you. Usually, talk therapy is what's needed to raise your own awareness, express your emotions, and welcome healing or change....
Have you been hurt by a past church or religious experience? Has it knocked you off balance and led you to doubt your relationships with other people, with God, or even within yourself? If so, you are not alone. Most of us at some point have walked through various degrees of Spiritual Abuse ranging from mild, disorienting misuse of power to full-blown cult experiences. These toxic systems and...
The impulse to change (yourself or your circumstances) often arises out of pain. We have outgrown who we were but are not fully our true authentic selves. Old coping mechanisms no longer work; judgements and fear set in. I work to help you find your self-compassion, befriend your emotions, and learn new coping skills. I assist you in healing your trauma and developmental wounding in order to...
We are a vibrant and energetic group of clinical psychologists, therapists, and wellness professionals located in the Del Ray area of Alexandria, VA. We are passionate about guiding adolescents and adults on their personal journeys of growth and transformation through a holistic approach to psychotherapy. We believe that wellness is attained by addressing the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission...
Starting in 1973 I’ve worked at two on-campus crisis intervention centers; medical and psychiatric hospitals, an alternative education high school, ran a residential program and provided countless interventions in all forms of crisis. Since 2011 I worked through the ER of our local hospital, as a certified Recovery Coach for the ER, and a Substance Use Disorder Team, where I stayed current with...
Restoration Marriage and Family Counseling Service is a place of Refuge, Healing and Love. As a Marriage and Family Therapist my goal is to provide psychotherapy and pastoral counseling that will promote building healthy relationships and to contribute to the development of a strong community. My approach is eclectic utilizing several therapy styles and techniques based on your specific needs. ...
IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT - Your nervous system has created a behavior pattern in an attempt to protect you from a perceived threat. I am a Breakthrough and Transformation expert. I use a combination of Polyvagal Theory, Somatic IFS (Internal Family Systems) Therapy, Traditional IFS and Coaching to help you understand and make changes to your body/mind/spirit response to STRESS. I strongly believe...
I’m Velma, a licensed clinical social worker trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Internal Family Systems. I specialize in trauma-informed treatment of anxiety, anger and depression with individuals, couples and families in St. Louis, Missouri. I work collaboratively with you to resolve physical, emotional, social or spiritual challenges that often present as anxiety, depression,...
Life is tough, and I’m here to show you, that so are you! As we move through life, we’re continuously faced with new stressors: pressure from work and school, relationships, finances, health, and sometimes even a world pandemic gets thrown in there. We never truly know what is coming next. As a young adult myself, I have been faced with all of these same challenges over the years. Sometimes we...
