Natural Compassion Counseling
IFS therapy and clinical supervision in Boulder, Colorado
My Approach
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps you understand and heal your inner world. The idea is simple: we all have different “parts” of ourselves—like the self-critical part, the anxious part, the alone part, or the caretaker. These parts developed for good reasons, often to protect us, but over time they can become exhausting or limiting. In
Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps you understand and heal your inner world. The idea is simple: we all have different “parts” of ourselves—like the self-critical part, the anxious part, the alone part, or the caretaker. These parts developed for good reasons, often to protect us, but over time they can become exhausting or limiting. In IFS, we don’t try to get rid of these parts. Instead, we learn how to listen to them with compassion, uncover their positive intentions, and help them release the burdens they’ve been carrying.
Many clients find that this approach goes beyond traditional talk therapy. Many describe it as a process of coming home to themselves—building inner safety, self-trust, and freedom.
Polyvagal Theory
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Polyvagal therapy focuses on helping your nervous system find its way back to safety and ease. After experiencing stress, trauma, or prolonged pressure, our bodies can become trapped in patterns of fight, flight, or shutdown—even when we’re no longer in danger. This can manifest as persistent anxiety, unshakeable exhaustion, or difficulty
Polyvagal therapy focuses on helping your nervous system find its way back to safety and ease. After experiencing stress, trauma, or prolonged pressure, our bodies can become trapped in patterns of fight, flight, or shutdown—even when we’re no longer in danger. This can manifest as persistent anxiety, unshakeable exhaustion, or difficulty being fully present with yourself or others. Polyvagal approaches use gentle, body-based exercises to retrain the nervous system through practices such as grounding, breathwork, soothing sensory exercises, and connection-focused techniques. Over time, these tools help you feel more steady, resilient, and at ease in your own skin.
Many people describe this work as “resetting” the body’s alarm system—making life feel less overwhelming, allowing you to face challenges with greater clarity and calm.
Self-Compassion Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Self-Compassion Therapy
Self-Compassion practices are about learning to treat yourself with the same kindness and care you would offer to a close friend. Many of us have no trouble supporting others; however, when it comes to our own struggles, we may respond with harshness or self-criticism. Over time, this way of being can deepen stress, burnout, and feelings
Self-Compassion practices are about learning to treat yourself with the same kindness and care you would offer to a close friend. Many of us have no trouble supporting others; however, when it comes to our own struggles, we may respond with harshness or self-criticism. Over time, this way of being can deepen stress, burnout, and feelings of inadequacy. Self-compassion approaches provide practical ways to soften the inner relationship with yourself.
Developing self-compassion doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or letting yourself 'off the hook.' Instead, it can help you face difficulties with resilience and a sense of worthiness.
Clients describe self-compassion as a profound relief—finally discovering a way to feel both strong and gentle with themselves at the same time.
About Me
Hi, I’m Kate Keach (she/her), a licensed clinical social worker offering trauma-informed IFS therapy in Boulder, CO and virtually throughout Colorado and Massachusetts.
I founded Natural Compassion Counseling because I believe the most powerful form of healing comes from within—when we learn to uncover our innately calm and compassionate qualities of mind. From there, we can meet our inner world with greater understanding and care.
My therapeutic style is trauma-informed, warm, and collaborative. I’m not here to tell you what you “should” do or assume I know what’s “best” for you. My goal is to help you turn inward and discover your path forward from a place of inner wisdom and strength.
I have been practicing Tibetan Buddhism for twenty years. I’m also a parent, a partner, and a fellow traveler on the healing path. I feel grateful for the teachers and guides who helped me reconnect with a sense of wholeness during difficult times, and I would be honored to support you as you move toward greater healing and ease in your own life.
In the FAQ section, you can find more information about how to begin working with me, as well as the insurance companies I am in-network with.
Education
- BA English, Buddhist Studies, minor in Psychology UW Madison
- MSW Simmons School of Social Work
- IFS Level 1 with Kay Gardner; additional IFS training with Frank Anderson
- Rhythm of Regulation Polyvagal Training with Deb Dana
- Windhorse Intensive Psychotherapy Training with Phoebe Walker
- Supervision Training at Smith College of Social Work
Boulder Office
My office is conveniently located at 703 Walnut St. in the heart of downtown Boulder. This quiet space is across from a park and offers free parking. Here are a few photos of the space.