FAQ

IFS is a modality where we map out different “parts” of ourselves. Parts can be thought of as subpersonalities or though-emotion-habit patterns that exist in relation to each other.

In IFS there are three types of parts and the true self. Exiles are painful memories we’ve shoved down deep within ourselves that carry self-limiting beliefs. Managers pre-emptively prevent us from feeling that pain and block conscious awareness from recognizing Exiles. Firefighters are parts of us that react to the pain of the Exiles’ activation in everyday life. The true self is in everyone and can unblend from the the parts causing suffering.

We understand them better and offer compassion and curiosity to them. I found that this modality seemed to fill in the gaps of the other healing modalities I have tried and was complimentary to them as well. Many modalities try to silence and get rid of the parts of ourselves that cause suffering (one’s system could have a part that worries a lot, or a part that drinks too much alcohol, or a part that carries shame from middle school or family dynamics) which often makes those parts feel judged. These parts double down, coming back even stronger.

IFS allows us to gently gets to know our parts; and what pain they are protecting us from. Eventually IFS helps us heal the pain we shoved deep down in our system by unburdening those strong self-limiting beliefs. This structure looks different in everybody (some people are more visual and use imagery, others are more vocal and use dialogue) but essentially the goal is to un-blend from protector parts to reach the pain we have exiled and slowly but surely unburden the pain.

Pros: Fee-for-service without having to worry about health-insurance fit and one can still see me even if their health insurance changes. For folks who want to receive a healing modality without a diagnostic label or receive IFS as an adjunct service to therapy could benefit from these sessions. Coaching also is more flexible when it comes to referrals and location in which someone can live and receive my services. 

Cons: A coaching container is not as appropriate for folks in a crisis situation that could necessitate psychiatric hospitalization. If someone wants to receive a diagnosis and have targeted diagnostic-specific intervention; they would benefit more from a therapy container. Anyone with active suicidal ideation, or in psychiatric crisis should access mental health services within the healthcare system with a licensed therapist in a therapy container.

For you and I to have a conversation about my style and whether I would be a good IFS practitioner for your needs. 

Also, for me to make sure you are aware this is a coaching service and not therapy even though I am a doctoral-level mental health occupational therapist and my clinical training informs my coaching work.

Therapy necessitates a diagnosis via the DSM and along with structured assessment and treatment that is usually diagnosis-specific. Psychospiritual coaching is about navigating life transitions, personal growth and achieving goals. IFS is appropriate in both containers and both containers are about alleviating suffering in oneself and the people in their lives. Therapy is a more appropriate container for psychiatric crisis for important safety reasons. If clients are struggling with active suicidal ideation or active homicidal ideation; I will refer them to an appropriate therapy container within the healthcare system for safety purposes.

Currently all sessions will take place via video conferencing (zoom). An office space in Portland, Oregon area coming soon. Home-visits can also be scheduled by request on a case-by-case basis.