Therapy With An IFS Approach

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

My Clinical Framework

My clinical framework incorporates important concepts from Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, and neuroscience as practiced by The Mindsight Institute. Through my experience, I have found that individuals' responses to stress are frequently rooted in an inherent desire for self-preservation as well as a longing for genuine human connection. In simpler terms, we often engage in certain behaviors to feel loved, safe, and truly seen by those around us. Our relational patterns and habits tend to develop as a means to establish a sense of steadiness and to effectively meet our emotional and psychological needs. However, there are instances when what was once an adaptive behavior eventually becomes maladaptive, leading clients to seek my guidance in finding meaningful change. The beginning of this transformative process starts with cultivating self-awareness and noticing the aspects of our lives that are no longer working effectively. In collaboration with my clients, I work to develop a tailored plan specifically designed to enhance their overall quality of life and the quality of their relationships with others.

Research Based Therapeutic Approaches

My eclectic therapeutic approach incorporates a diverse range of frameworks drawn from various therapeutic modalities, including Relational Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, I utilize valuable tools and techniques from the Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO) program, 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 a devoted parent of two children. My clinical career began with a focus on providing intensive in-home therapeutic services to individuals and families who were facing various crises. In this role, I worked collaboratively with families to develop comprehensive treatment plans that were specifically 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.