Frequently Asked Questions

IFS vs HOLISTIC HEALING

Internal Family Systems (IFS) FAQ

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based therapy model that helps you understand and heal the different “parts” of yourself. We all have parts that developed to protect us, manage difficult emotions, or help us cope with life’s experiences. Rather than trying to eliminate these parts, IFS helps you understand them with curiosity and compassion so they no longer have to carry the burdens they’ve been holding.

  • Not at all. While IFS is highly effective for trauma recovery, it is equally valuable for everyday struggles such as stress, self-doubt, relationship difficulties, emotional overwhelm, burnout, and personal growth. Everyone has parts, and everyone can benefit from developing a healthier relationship with them.

  • An IFS session is a collaborative conversation where we’ll gently explore the thoughts, emotions, sensations, and protective patterns that arise. You won’t be forced to relive painful experiences. Instead, we’ll move at a pace that feels safe while helping your internal system develop greater trust, balance, and healing.

  • Parts are different aspects of your personality that influence how you think, feel, and respond. You may notice an inner critic, a people-pleaser, a perfectionist, or a part that wants to avoid conflict. These parts often developed for good reasons and have worked hard to protect you, even if their strategies no longer serve you today.

  • At the center of IFS is the belief that everyone has a core Self—a calm, compassionate, confident, and connected inner presence. Therapy helps you access this Self so you can lead with clarity rather than feeling controlled by fear, shame, or old survival patterns.

  • IFS can be effective for a wide range of concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, perfectionism, people-pleasing, low self-esteem, and life transitions. It is especially helpful for those who feel “stuck” or experience internal conflict.

  • Yes. Internal Family Systems is an evidence-based psychotherapy model with growing research supporting its effectiveness, particularly in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being.

  • Finding the right therapist is an important part of the healing process. My hope is that you'll feel seen, safe, and supported from our very first conversation. I believe therapy works best when there's trust, connection, and a sense that you can simply be yourself.

    If, for any reason, I'm not the right fit for your needs, that's okay. I truly believe finding the right therapist matters, and I'm always happy to help connect you with someone who is.

Holistic Therapy FAQ

  • Holistic therapy is an approach to mental health that considers the whole person—not just symptoms. It recognizes that emotional well-being is influenced by the mind, body, nervous system, relationships, lifestyle, and past experiences. Rather than focusing only on changing thoughts, holistic therapy helps create lasting healing by addressing the root causes of emotional distress.

    My approach blends evidence-based psychotherapy with holistic, trauma-informed practices tailored to your unique needs. Depending on your goals, sessions may incorporate Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic therapy, mindfulness, EFT Tapping, nervous system regulation, cognitive behavioral strategies, and other evidence-based approaches to support healing, resilience, and overall well-being.

  • Not at all. Holistic therapy is not based on any religion or spiritual belief system. It simply recognizes the connection between mental, emotional, physical, and relational health. Therapy is always personalized to your beliefs, values, comfort level, and goals.

  • ‍ ‍Holistic therapy can be effective for a variety of concerns, including:

    • Anxiety and chronic stress

    • Trauma and PTSD

    • Depression

    • Life transitions

    • Relationship challenges

    • Low self-esteem

    • Burnout

    • Grief and loss

    • Emotional overwhelm

    • Perfectionism

    • People-pleasing

    • Women’s mental health

    • Nervous system dysregulation

  • Every session is individualized. Some sessions may involve processing emotions, learning coping skills, exploring relationship patterns, or working with different parts of yourself through IFS. Other sessions may include mindfulness, grounding exercises, nervous system regulation techniques, or somatic practices. Together, we’ll create an approach that fits your unique needs.

  • Yes. My approach combines evidence-based psychotherapy with holistic techniques that research has shown can support emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and overall well-being. Depending on your needs, therapy may include Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic interventions, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, cognitive behavioral strategies, and other trauma-informed approaches.

  • Somatic therapy recognizes that stress and trauma are often stored within the body and nervous system—not just the mind. Through body awareness, grounding techniques, breathing exercises, and nervous system regulation, clients learn to release tension, improve emotional regulation, and feel more present and connected.

  • Traditional talk therapy often focuses on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Holistic therapy includes these while also addressing how your nervous system, body, relationships, and life experiences influence your mental health. Many clients find that this whole-person approach creates deeper, more lasting change.

  • Holistic therapy may be a good fit if you’re looking for more than symptom management. If you want to better understand yourself, heal from past experiences, regulate your emotions, improve your relationships, and experience lasting personal growth, this approach can provide a comprehensive path toward healing.

  • Yes. I offer holistic therapy in person at my Wake Forest, North Carolina office, as well as secure virtual therapy for clients throughout North Carolina, New York, and South Carolina. Whether you prefer meeting in person or from the comfort of your home, you’ll receive the same personalized, compassionate, and trauma-informed care tailored to your unique needs and goals.

  • Finding the right therapist is an important part of the healing process. My hope is that you'll feel seen, safe, and supported from our very first conversation. I believe therapy works best when there's trust, connection, and a sense that you can simply be yourself.

    If, for any reason, I'm not the right fit for your needs, that's okay. I truly believe finding the right therapist matters, and I'm always happy to help connect you with someone who is.

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Still have questions? I'd love to help. Reach out to schedule a free consultation or contact me to learn more about how therapy can support your unique journey.

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