Trauma-Informed Therapy: My Approach

Internal Family Systems Therapy (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. 

Clients often find that IFS goes beyond traditional talk therapy. Many describe it as a process of coming home to themselves—by building inner safety, self-trust, and well being.

Polyvagal Therapy focuses on helping your nervous system return to a state of safety and ease. After experiencing stress, trauma, or prolonged pressure, our bodies may become trapped in patterns of fight, flight, or shutdown, even when the danger has passed. This can manifest as persistent anxiety, unshakeable exhaustion, or challenges in feeling fully present with yourself or others. 

Polyvagal approaches utilize gentle, body-based exercises such as grounding, breathwork, soothing sensory activities, and connection-focused methods. Over time, these tools help you become more steady, resilient, and at ease within your own skin. 

Many clients describe this process as "resetting" the body’s alarm system, allowing life to feel less overwhelming and enabling them to face challenges with greater clarity and calm.

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, yet 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. in therapy, 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. Many clients describe self-compassion work as a profound relief—finally discovering a way to feel both strong and gentle with themselves at the same time.