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 am a Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider. Do you struggle with anxiety, worry, depression, obsessive thoughts, or identity issues? Do you find it difficult to communicate with your spouse, child, or parent? Have you experienced abuse or a traumatic event, or are you dealing with grief and loss? You are not alone. Taking the first step of calling a therapist to set up an appointment can feel scary...
I have over 33 years’ experience in mental health, substance abuse field and a private provider for all age group, family, children, youth, adult and older adults; completed residency @ Walter Reed Hospital, received 2 public awards, was JAC Clinical Director, 15 yr FSW Adjunct Professor, overseen the 211 operation & expert in diagnostics. I teach individuals to recognize, become self-aware, wo...
I foster a warm, supportive, and productive therapeutic environment for my clients. The choice to attend counseling can be a very vulnerable and difficult decision for people. I help my clients feel comfortable with the therapeutic process by treating them with respect, compassion, and honesty in a judgement free environment. I have experience working in the community with adults and geriatrics...
I believe that everyone deserves the support they need to release emotions and regain control. My specialities include anxiety, depression, and relationships. I have over 10 years of experience assessing mood, personalities, and family systems. My approach guides clients in managing areas of need such as life changes, emotional regulation, and family/social stressors. While I maintain the utmos...
"Adversity introduces you to yourself." - Dr. Dan Allender. Therapy, at its best, facilitates this introduction. My great privilege as a therapist is to participate in offering the possibility for hope, healing and flourishing. Whether you have hit a crisis, or desire to dig deeper into long established patterns, entering therapy is a courageous and exciting first step. Please visit my website ...
Individuals seek therapy to make life changes, try new behaviors, and learn to heal/grow. Often, this is precipitated by a crisis demanding such growth. I encourage clients to gather and bolster personal resources in order to address problems they are struggling with and create new ways of thinking/believing. Our work will focus on the presenting issue, previous coping attempts, related emotion...
I see myself as a holistic practitioner. Therapy with me involves working with the body as much as the mind. This can be challenging for some, but leads to long-term resolution and healing in a more complete, organic nature. Through Somatic Experiencing (SE), I have been trained to work specifically with trauma and the way in which our survival energy becomes trapped in our bodies. We embody ou...
Do you feel dissatisfied with how you relate to others or to yourself? Are you unsure of how to break out of a behavioral, emotional, or cognitive loop? I work with my clients to identify the loops they’re stuck in, what is maintaining them, and how to begin to do things differently. I provide a safe, validating, and compassionate space for this exploration. Although I pay particular attention ...
I understand the anxiety often associated with going to a therapist for the first time. There are times in life we all could benefit from talking with a professional trained to help us process difficult emotions. In a safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive therapeutic partnership, I incorporate a variety of methods to help clients problem-solve and work through challenges to a better mental health...
Welcome. I imagine you find yourself considering therapy because at times you struggle with feelings that are overwhelming. You may be experiencing confusion or frustration because certain relationships are consistently challenging or you feel stuck in patterns of behavior that limit your ability to achieve your goals. When we experience these things it makes it difficult to feel connected to...
There exists in all of us a wound or hurt that we have learned to either live with, or maybe disguise-a protective and gracious attempt at avoiding pain. Therapy is a unique setting to safely explore not only past wounds, but how they impact your present life and relationships. In this way, we can learn to have compassion for the parts of us that have not felt cared for and move towards healing...
My therapeutic approach is strength-based, client-centered, and integrative with the belief that we have the innate ability to heal, grow, and seek greater meaning in life. I see each individual as unique, whole, and inherently good. I believe therapy is an interactive relationship between you and me. My approach prioritizes authenticity, trust, and empathy as the foundation for effective thera...
I work to help people find greater meaning, clarity and purpose - especially at important crossroads of change. Our view of self can be altered through past trauma, divorce, relocation, loss, illness, and new opportunities for growth can be embraced. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and past trauma can lower motivation and activate old ways that no longer serve you today. I collaborate with you...
My clients have been trying to make changes for a long time. Sometimes their struggles take over and cause them to do drastic things like over-exercise, binge, purge, or restrict. For a moment they feel better. But over time, their struggles begin to take on a life of their own. By the time my clients find me, they feel very distant from who they are and the life they used to enjoy. The people ...
Andrea is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. She received her Bachelor's degree from Towson University and Master's Degree from Seton Hall University. In addition, Andrea completed a Post Master's Program in Advanced Counseling at Montclair State University. Andrea has experience working as a counselor in the school setting...
