Every single one of us has parts that carry a burden. 

They are often the most painful things within us, wounds that formed earlier in life and still carry what was never fully healed.

I’m a failure

I’m unworthy of being loved

I don’t belong anywhere

In response, parts of us step in to cope by taking on roles that shape how we think, feel, and act.

If I am perfect, I will not feel like a failure. 

If I offer even more care, I will be worthy of being loved.

If I find the perfect friend or partner, I will feel I belong.

If I act like everyone else, I will be loved.

And the pain is avoided, managed, regulated for a time.  Beneath the surface, however, the beliefs often stay. You might already have a sense that something deeper is there that hasn’t fully been reached, even if you’ve done meaningful work before.

In Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, we don’t try to override these beliefs. Instead, we gently get to know the parts of you that carry them. We go at a pace that you decide, building trust with your inner world before going deeper.  With enough compassion, those parts can begin to share what they’ve been holding and, when they’re ready, release it.

I specialize in helping people work directly with the deeper, often hidden parts of themselves that carry pain, shame, and long-held beliefs.  This method pairs well with treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and shame.  If this way of working resonates with you, you’re welcome to schedule a consultation to see if I feel like a good fit.