EMDR therapy and counselling for trauma and PTSD
IFS, developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, is a therapeutic model focused on the internal family of parts within the self, rather than external family members. It views the psyche as a system of sub-personalities, each playing a role in daily functioning. Every part is believed to have a positive intent—to help us adapt and survive life’s challenges.
Some parts, referred to as 'managers' parts work proactively to maintain safety and manage daily responsibilities, often appearing healthy and constructive (e.g. the organised part that makes to-do lists or the self-care part that encourages exercise). Under stress or crisis, these managers can become overactive, leading to tension within the system and behaviours that feel self-sabotaging - such as withdrawal, anxiety, or depression. When managers take on extreme roles, they are considered ‘protectors,’ reacting to past experiences in an effort to prevent future harm.
An IFS informed approach to EMDR is a kind and gentle way of exploring your current way of being. This deep mind and body introspection helps us to understand and address the root cause of any symptom or behaviour. IFS informed EMDR therapy is particularly helpful for alleviating PTSD, anxiety and depression. Once we have identified parts that feel problematic, I will then integrate relevant IFS and EMDR techniques to help you maintain focus and move towards your therapy goals.
Our aim is to welcome all parts of your system and ensure they feel heard, understood and valued. This process in itself is calming for our inner psyche as it provides us with some clarity and perspective around the symptoms that brought us to therapy.
Parts we perceive as ‘problematic’ often function as protective mechanisms against unresolved stress or trauma from earlier years. They adopt a ‘never again’ stance - never again will I be hurt, trust, risk failure, or be deceived. Unresolved traumatic memories can be easily triggered by present experiences, leading to distressing symptoms or behaviours that bring us to therapy. IFS informed EMDR offers a powerful, compassionate approach to help resolve these past memories identified through exploring your internal system.
IFS informed EMDR therapy enables clients to explore inner thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement or bias. I offer a relaxed client-centred approach and believe that we have an innate human instinct to grow and self-actualise, even in the most challenging circumstances.
This ensures you are empowered to take greater control in the future when life throws unexpected challenges your way. My goal is to help you get to know yourself. Because the better you know yourself, the better you can problem-solve.
