My Approach to Therapy

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a growing, evidence-based therapy model that addresses mental health challenges including trauma, anxiety, depression, and attachment issues. It is also increasingly recognized for supporting health conditions affected by stress, such as autoimmune disorders. I often describe IFS as “getting under the hood of the car”—a way to understand what’s happening beneath the surface.

IFS views the mind as a system of distinct “parts” or sub-personalities, each with its own role and perspective—much like members of a family. Sometimes, these parts are in conflict, causing distress or unhelpful behaviors. Often, these parts act out of pain or trauma from the past. IFS helps you develop a compassionate dialogue between these parts and your core Self—the calm, mindful center within you. This healing process promotes internal harmony and creates space for growth and change.

Clients who engage with IFS often experience profound relief and the ability to shift longstanding patterns that have been holding them back.

Mindfulness—the practice of non-judgmental awareness—is woven throughout my work. This powerful tool helps you ground yourself and reorient your attention, increasing your sense of control and resilience. With mindfulness, difficult emotions and stressful situations can be faced with greater calm and clarity, fostering new possibilities for healing.

Somatic therapy recognizes the deep connection between mind and body, using body-based awareness as a pathway to healing. Rather than focusing solely on thoughts or emotions, somatic techniques invite clients to notice physical sensations, posture, breath, and movement patterns that may hold unconscious material or reflect past experiences.

Hakomi is a gentle, mindfulness-centered approach to psychotherapy that blends principles of somatics, Eastern philosophy, and Western psychology. Rooted in the idea that much of our emotional experience is held in the body, Hakomi helps uncover unconscious beliefs and habits that shape how we move through the world. In a Hakomi session, the therapist invites the client into a state of mindful self-observation, where subtle body cues, emotions, and inner narratives can arise and be explored with curiosity and compassion. This process allows old patterns—often formed in early life—to be met and shifted in a safe, attuned relationship. Hakomi emphasizes presence, nonviolence, and the belief that healing naturally unfolds when we are supported in a space of acceptance and awareness.

Together, we will gently explore these patterns within the safety of our therapeutic relationship. Drawing on my experience with depth-oriented methods, I hold a core belief that you already possess the inner resources needed to heal and grow; my role is to help nurture and support that process.

Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, offers a powerful framework for understanding how our nervous system responds to stress, safety, and connection. It explains that the autonomic nervous system—responsible for regulating things like heart rate, digestion, and emotional responses—is constantly scanning the environment for cues of danger or safety. These cues influence whether we feel calm and connected, anxious and activated, or shut down and withdrawn. By recognizing these states and learning how to work with them, clients can begin to regulate their nervous systems more effectively. In therapy, Polyvagal-informed techniques may involve breathwork, grounding, mindfulness, and other practices that support a sense of safety and resilience in the body. This approach is especially helpful for individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, or chronic dysregulation.

The Gottman Method is an evidence-based approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, grounded in decades of research on what makes relationships succeed or struggle. This method helps partners improve communication, deepen emotional connection, and manage conflict more constructively. Therapy often focuses on strengthening the "Sound Relationship House"—a model that includes building trust, shared meaning, and friendship as the foundation of a healthy relationship. Using structured interventions and practical tools, the Gottman Method supports couples in breaking negative cycles, increasing intimacy, and enhancing relationship satisfaction. It’s effective for couples at any stage—whether you're navigating long-standing challenges or simply looking to strengthen your bond.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a highly effective, evidence-based approach to couples therapy that focuses on strengthening the emotional bond between partners. Rooted in attachment theory, EFT helps couples identify and shift negative patterns of interaction that often stem from deeper feelings of insecurity, fear, or disconnection. Through guided conversations, couples learn to express their core emotions more openly and respond to each other with increased empathy and attunement. The goal of EFT is to create a more secure, responsive connection—where both partners feel seen, valued, and supported. EFT is especially helpful for couples experiencing recurring conflict, emotional distance, or the aftermath of relational injuries such as betrayal or trauma.