My Approach to Therapy

How I Work: EFT & IFS

I primarily use two powerful therapeutic approaches: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Both are evidence-based, transformative methods that help you understand yourself and create lasting change.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

EFT is based on a simple but powerful idea: emotions are the key to change. When we can access, understand, and work with our emotions—especially the vulnerable feelings we usually protect against—real transformation becomes possible.

In EFT, we explore the patterns that keep you stuck. Maybe you withdraw when conflict arises, or you pursue connection in ways that push people away. We'll identify these cycles and the emotions driving them, then help you respond differently.

EFT is particularly effective for couples therapy, but I also use it with individuals to help them understand their attachment patterns and emotional responses.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS recognizes that we all have different "parts"—the anxious part, the critical part, the part that wants to please everyone, the part that's been hurt and is trying to protect you.

These parts aren't problems to eliminate. They're trying to help, even when their strategies aren't working anymore. In IFS, we get curious about these parts: What are they trying to do for you? What are they protecting you from?

When your parts feel understood and can relax their protective roles, your "Self"—your wise, compassionate, grounded center—can lead. That's when real healing happens.

What This Means in Practice

You won't just talk about your problems intellectually. We'll work with what's actually happening in the moment—the emotions in your body, the thoughts running through your mind, the parts of you that get activated.

Sessions might include:

• Exploring patterns you're stuck in and the emotions driving them
• Getting to know different parts of yourself with curiosity rather than judgment
• Learning to stay present with difficult emotions instead of avoiding them
• Practicing new ways of responding to triggers and challenges
• Accessing your core self—the part of you that's already whole and wise

Beyond the Techniques

While EFT and IFS provide the framework, the real magic happens in the relationship we build. You need to feel safe enough to be vulnerable, seen enough to share what you usually hide, and challenged enough to grow.

I bring my full self to our work—empathy, humor, directness, and genuine care. Some therapists stay neutral. I don't. I'll share observations, ask hard questions, and celebrate your wins.