About
Internal Family Systems
The IFS Model views a person as containing an ecology of relatively discrete minds, each of which has valuable qualities and each of which is designed to, and wants to, play a valuable role within. These parts are forced out of their valuable roles, however, by life experiences that can reorganize the system in unhealthy ways.
IFS therapy works to create more Self while gaining trust and understanding of different parts of us. It is working with our internal world to create more balance and harmony.
The IFS model identifies three different sub-personalities or parts within each person:
Exiled parts These parts result from past traumatic experiences. We tend to want to avoid exploring these parts.
Managers These parts try to protect the Self from the exiled parts by maintaining control over our internal world and external environment.
Firefighters These parts subdue the exiled parts when they are triggered, helping to keep them concealed from the Self.
IFS is an empowering paradigm for understanding and harmonizing the mind and, thereby, larger human systems. One that can help people heal and helps the world become a more compassionate place.
About Me
While originally from California, I lived almost ten years in Connecticut including attendance at the US Coast Guard Academy. While living in Connecticut I completed my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, got married, and had my first son (now 10 years old). We then lived in Michigan for five years where I worked in private practice and had my second son (now 8 years old). In 2018 we moved to Carlsbad, California.
A few facts about me
I have always wanted to be a dolphin trainer
I completed a half Ironman 70.3 mi in Benton Harbor, MI (Steelhead)
I am legally deaf, though you wouldn’t know without me telling you. I wasn’t treated until I was 19 years old (arguably my biggest trauma)
If I am not working or with my family, you can find me at the beach playing doubles volleyball.