Internal Family Systems (IFS) assumes that our minds consist of multiple parts (e.g. “part of me wants this, while part of my wants something else.”) We will work from the assumption that none of our parts are bad or abnormal, but that some parts hold wounds and some parts  work hard to protect us, even though their strategies can feel extreme or unhelpful. Through “parts work,” we will aim to create a curious and compassionate space to better understand your parts and what they need to heal or contribute to your life in a more balanced way.

A narrative approach can support us to look at the skills, values, beliefs, and commitments you connect with, and use them to help you change your relationship with the problems that affect you. Narrative therapy assumes that telling a story is a form of action towards change, and involves working to objectify problems, frame them within a larger sociocultural context, and make room for previously unrecognized story-lines and possibilities.

I use this approach specifically when working with people who have experienced violence and abuse as well as people who have used violence, abuse, or caused harm in some way.

For survivors: I can work to help you notice the overt and subtle ways in which you have used caution, creativity, deliberation, awareness, and skill to handle difficult situations and assert your own dignity. My intention is to honor each of your acts of resistance against violence and work through difficult feelings such as guilt and shame.

For people who have caused harm: I can work with you to clarify where you feel uncomfortable with your own actions, take responsibility for your decisions, help you feel empowered to respond differently under stress, deepen your relationship and conflict skills, be accountable to those you’ve harmed, and work to create safety in relationships.

This approach can help you clarify how early childhood experiences with caregivers have impacted your view of yourself and your style of relating and connecting to others. Using this approach we can map your attachment style, explore the balance between boundaries and connection, and practice new ways to cultivate a sense of security with yourself and others. This can involve tuning into your body awareness to gather information, revise old patterns, and tap into more preferred ways of being. We can practice techniques to care for your insecure parts, helping you generate more self-acceptance and compassion.