Frequently Asked Questions

What will sessions be like?

Sessions will vary in content and the way the process unfolds, yet often I hold a general structure that begins with initially exploring what may want to be focused on in the session. The client chooses the direction the session takes, I will make space for what you are bringing in to the session and help you hone in on what is wanting to be more deeply explored or addressed. We then often go into a deepening where we either use a modality such as expressive arts, parts work that is informed by internal family systems therapy or talk therapy that cultivates new understanding of what the client is bringing into the space. This may also be a time when new possibilities and resources are imagined into. We will then reflect on the session to close and highlight resources and strengths as well as what you would like to take with you from the session. This may also be a time when, if desired, I can support you through offerings of tools or “home work” to support you in meeting your goals and developing new skills and behaviors.

How do you do “parts” work or internal family systems informed therapy?

“Parts work” has become very popular in the therapy world lately as it is being more widely recognized that we are not singular beings with one mind but complex multi-dimensional and often internally conflicted humans. Much of the distress and symptoms people come in to therapy for are not something that’s wrong with them, but the results of internal dynamics or internal conflicts between parts of them that learned to act and behave in certain ways. These parts are products of complex contexts and systems from the individuals’ family system to economic system. These ways parts are behaving have a function that is usually trying to keep us safe, these protective responses are based in a person’s history and developmental experiences. They are often formed and stuck acting at young ages and have not yet realized the capacities and possibilities of the adult person. They often are formed around the things that happened to us that felt like too much, too fast or too soon. These protective responses were often what we had available to us to cope with these experiences at the time. Often times these parts may be shamed or blamed which is part of the burden they carry (even though they are just trying to help in the only way they know how), this shaming and blaming doesn’t actually help them grow and change. The good news is these parts are not doomed and stuck, they are able to grow and learn and change and take on new roles as they are related to with respect, curiosity and appreciation. The conversation shifts away from what is wrong with you to what happened to you? Additionally, the approach I take recognizes that all people also have a core Self that just gets obscured at times by younger usually over-worked and stressed out parts taking over and taking charge. The Self knows how to relate with curiosity, it seeks to understand rather than judge, it cares about all the different parts and it reaches towards what is in pain with compassion. The Self in all of us is also incredibly creative and connected to the possibilities that may be beyond our current ways of operating. The therapy I do with clients helps them get reconnected to this Self and also to the possibilities that come to life as we start to listen to what is going on inside. It also can support client’s in unburdening the vulnerable parts of themselves that may have experienced trauma. To learn more about this work I recommend learning about Internal Family Systems Therapy. A great introduction is the book by creator of IFS Richard Schwartz, No Bad Parts.

What is expressive arts therapy? Do I have to be a “good” artist to do it?

Expressive arts therapy (EXA) can be for anyone! It is not about the product but about what happens through the process of art making. In an EXA session we begin with filling in (identifying the “problem” or what you want to work on) and then go into a de-centering or art making process where you will explore and expand into the unknown spaces that art making and creativity open. The art making modalities may include on modality or multiple (writing, visual art, sand tray, movement, music, drama). We then reflect on the art making process and identify and harvest what it may have revealed to you about your original “problem'.” In some ways it is about making space for something new to emerge that is unexpected, it is more about listening to what the emerging art has to say. This can also bring up resistance and discomfort which is all part of the process. The art making gets you in touch with your blocks while simultaneously connecting you with what resources you in facing those blocks. It becomes a mirror for what is going on inside and for new choices that may be present. I have found expressive arts therapy to be incredibly helpful for people who struggle with over-thinking and feeling stuck. It is also especially helpful for people who have long struggled with safely feeling and being with their emotions. Expressive arts therapy creates distance from “the problem” or the inner experience and helps shed new light and perspective that might not otherwise be easily found. It can also be silly and fun, and especially powerful for those who are working with bringing into expression what has long been sequestered or suppressed.

A great book for those interested in learn more and developing their own creativity is the book Trust the Process by Shaun McNiff.