UNFILTERED:
Making the Invisible, Visible
If therapy and Fight Club have a common thread, it's their first rule: don't talk about it. This code works wonders if you're in the loop, but it's less helpful when you're on the sidelines, contemplating whether or not to step into the ring.
Think of these articles as your insider's guide to therapy.
I'll offer you a candid view of my work as a therapist, without sacrificing the sacredness of my client's confidentiality. Like your favorite reality TV show, we'll delve into the highs, lows, and 'pour-the-red-wine' moments of life for women in their 30s and 40s.
I'm pulling back the curtain on the invisible world of therapy for women who think their struggles aren't "significant enough", one blog post at a time.
What Is IFS Therapy?
Feeling caught between numbing out and lashing out? Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy goes beneath the surface of overwhelm and frustration to help you reclaim calm and control. Discover how IFS uncovers the layers of your inner world, empowering you to break free from burnout and find clarity without needing to “fix” yourself.
The Emotional Genie
Today, we'll delve deeper into another type of protector part – Firefighters. These parts function as the alarm systems of our inner world, reacting swiftly (and sometimes impulsively) to extinguish emotional fires. Unlike Managers who focus on preventing danger, Firefighters spring into action after we're already feeling overwhelmed by negative emotions - often without much consideration for their impact on others, or on the long-term.
What Are the Different Types of Parts in Internal Family Systems Therapy?
Over the next four blog posts, we'll be diving deep into the fascinating world of IFS parts. Today, in part one, we'll introduce you to the concept of parts and answer some key questions, like: What are parts? How many parts are there? How do I identify them? Do they have names? We'll also explore the idea of "polarized" parts, those internal battles that often leave us feeling stuck.
From Drama Queens to Dream Team: The Goal of IFS Therapy
Ever feel like your emotions are a bunch of bickering roommates holding you hostage? Your "Inner Critic" won't stop nagging, your inner "Drama Queen" throws a tantrum over a missing emoji in a text, and your "Worry Wart" screams "danger!" at every turn. Your inner world is a reality show gone wrong (minus the entertainment value).
Living a Self-Led Life
Today, I’m going to write about what I offer in therapy to my clients – which might be different from what you’ve experienced before or from what other clinicians offer. IFS isn't the only kind of therapy out there – this is just the space I live in as a therapist. And I love what I do because I see it bring such relief to my clients every single day.
3 Things to do When Your Emotions Hijack You
Finding relief when you’ve been hijacked by your emotions is all about nurturing a healthier relationship with your thoughts and feelings.
How Do I Start IFS?
Googling "How do I start IFS?" or trying to hunt down an IFS counselor in St. Louis? You're not alone. And if you’re finding it overwhelming, you’re also not alone there. Venturing into the world of Internal Family Systems can be a big undertaking - at least initially. You may not know where to start at first. Good news - if you’re reading this, you can start right here. And good news again - if you're reading this, you've already taken the first step – you're curious, and that's a big deal.
What are the 5 P's of Internal Family Systems?
Exploring the 5 Ps of Internal Family Systems Therapy is crucial: Playfulness, Patience, Presence, Perspective, and Persistence. Though the 8 C’s are used more commonly (curiosity, compassion, courage, calm, creativity, connectedness, clarity, and confidence), the 5 P’s also embody core attributes of self-energy and are central to the therapeutic process.
What is the Internal Family System?
Let's face it, we're all a little complicated. Internal Family Systems is a therapy that celebrates, not simplifies, your complexity. As an IFS counselor in St. Louis, Mo, I offer a unique approach to understanding the many layers of your personality. IFS offers a unique approach to understanding the many layers of our personality. This method isn't just about fixing problems; it's about embracing every part of who you are and learning to live in harmony with yourself.
