Therapy With An IFS Approach

In my practice, I use an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens to support to couples, families, and individuals as they navigate life transitions and engage in the process of self-discovery. Together, we explore the roots of personal identity and consider a variety of effective tools to manage the stressors of everyday living.

My Clinical Framework

My clinical framework incorporates concepts from Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, and The Mindsight Institute. I have found that individuals' responses to stress are often rooted in a desire for self-preservation and a longing for human connection. In simpler terms, we do what we do to feel safe, seen, and loved. Our relational patterns and habits develop as a means to steady ourselves as we try to meet our emotional needs. Sometimes, behaviors that once served us become barriers to personal growth and we begin looking for new ways to manage our emotions and relationships.

The beginning of this transformative process starts with self-reflection and noticing what our strengths are as well as what’s no longer serving us. With my clients, I develop a tailored plan specifically designed to enhance overall quality of life, so harmony is felt inside and out. Clients often report feeling lighter and less bogged down as a result of this work.

Research Based Therapeutic Approaches

My eclectic therapeutic approach incorporates a range of frameworks from various therapeutic modalities, including Relational Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I also utilize tools and techniques from the Internal Family Systems Institute, Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO) program, The Gottman Institute, as well as the PEERS program developed at the Semel Institute, UCLA, to enhance the therapeutic experience for individuals and families.

Beyond The Clinical Office

In addition to being a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts, I am also an experienced educator and parent of two children. My clinical career began with providing intensive in-home therapeutic services to individuals and families  facing crisis. I worked with families to develop comprehensive treatment plans that were designed to strengthen their stress tolerance and enhance coping skills. I dedicated more than a decade to collaborating with parents, students, school staff, and community agencies as a counselor for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of educational settings, spanning from kindergarten through grade 12, including public, private, and residential programs that cater to children with special needs. The clinical skills and insights I offer to my clients are the result of the culmination of these many rich and diverse experiences.