Therapy Techniques
Below are brief explanations of the therapy techniques I utilize within my work.
Parts Work
Does the following experience sound familiar? "A part of me wants to do one thing, but another part of me wants to do something totally different". This is a common experience and shows how we already embody Parts Work within our lives.
"Parts Work" is the label I utilize to include different techniques and theories which all revolve around the same concept of parts. My training within Parts Work includes courses within Internal Family Systems (IFS) and nature-based Parts Work through the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute.
The foundation of Parts Work is that we have many different "parts" that make up our identity. When these parts disagree on what is best for us, we experience internal conflict. The important first step of Parts Work is getting to know our parts. We can help our parts communicate with one another, understand each other’s roles, and work together. The Self (as defined in IFS) is the core, compassionate, wise, and grounded aspect of a person. Through this work, we also move the Self into a leadership role which supports a balanced system.
​Resource for Parts Work
No Bad Parts - Richard Schwartz (book)
Somatic Work
The term "Somatic" is defined as "relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind". Somatic work includes different techniques which are focused on supporting the whole system of a person, not just their mind. When we experience a trauma, we experience it throughout our body. In somatic work, we explore ways to help our entire system heal and experience safety.
In addition to several trainings and classes on somatic techniques, I am currently in the 3-year training for Somatic Experiencing. This was created by Peter Levine and has been shown to be incredibly beneficial with many different trauma responses.
Resource for Somatic Work​
Waking the Tiger - Peter Levine (book)​
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of paying full attention to the present moment without judgment. It means being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings as they happen, rather than being lost in thoughts about the past or worrying about the future.
When you're mindful, you focus on what you're experiencing right now. For example, if you're eating, mindfulness would mean paying attention to the taste, texture, and smell of the food instead of thinking about other things. It’s being fully "in the moment" rather than on autopilot.
Mindfulness can also help you notice your emotions and thoughts without getting overwhelmed by them. Instead of reacting automatically, you can observe and choose how to respond more calmly. It's often practiced through meditation, but it can be applied to everyday activities, like walking, breathing, or listening to someone talk. Mindfulness has been heavily researched recently and has been shown to have incredible benefits.
Resource for Mindfulness Techniques
Mindfulness for Beginners - Jon Kabat-Zinn (book)
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