•  Before your first session, follow the link below to fill out intake paperwork.

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https://contact18.mytheranest.com/account/signup

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• Internal Family Systems

In the link below, listen to the founder of IFS explain the effectiveness of this amazing therapy.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdZZ7sTX840

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Key Concepts in IFS (as explained by Dr. Schwartz):

• The Self: At the core of everyone is a Self that is calm, compassionate, and wise. The goal of therapy is to help people access this Self.

• Parts: These are the various voices or sub-personalities within us. They fall into three categories:

  • Managers: Try to control our environment to keep us safe and functioning (e.g., inner critic, perfectionist).

  • Exiles: Hold pain and trauma from past experiences. Often suppressed by other parts.

  • Firefighters: Try to distract from or numb pain when exiles are triggered (e.g., through addiction, dissociation).

• Unburdening: The process of helping parts release the extreme roles and emotions they’ve taken on due to past trauma.

How IFS Therapy Works:

1. Identify and get to know different parts.

2. Develop a trusting relationship between the Self and the parts.

3. Heal wounded parts by allowing the Self to lead.

4. Help parts let go of unhealthy roles (unburdening).

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• Christian Counseling

In the link below, listen to an explanation of Christian counseling. 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMPlpQ9Mqqg

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Christian counseling is a form of counseling that integrates psychological principles with Christian beliefs and values. It is grounded in the Bible and often involves  Scripture and reliance on God's guidance. Christian counselors help individuals understand and cope with personal, emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges within a faith-based framework. 

The main purposes of Christian counseling include:

1. Spiritual Growth and Healing

   • To help individuals grow closer to God and align their lives with biblical principles.

   • To address emotional and spiritual wounds through the love and grace of Christ.

2. Emotional and Mental Wellness

   • To provide tools for managing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and other mental health issues.

   • To bring hope and peace through God’s promises.

3. Restoring Relationships

   • To promote forgiveness, reconciliation, and love in relationships (marriage, family, friendships).

   • To help individuals apply biblical principles like grace, humility, and sacrificial love in conflict resolution.

4. Biblical Guidance in Life Decisions

   • To provide godly wisdom when facing major life choices (e.g., marriage, career, parenting).

   • To discern God’s will in complex or morally difficult situations.

5. Integration of Faith and Psychology

   • To use psychological insights while maintaining the authority of Scripture.

   • To respect the spiritual dimension of people as essential to true healing. 

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• EMDR

In the link below, read more about EMDR. 

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https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/relationship-and-trauma-insights/202007/what-the-heck-is-emdr-therapy-can-it-really-help-me

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EMDR is a structured form of psychotherapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences and distressing memories. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s.

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How EMDR Works

EMDR helps the brain “unstick” and reprocess painful memories that are “frozen” due to trauma. During EMDR, the client recalls a distressing memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation—usually side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This process helps the brain reprocess the memory in a healthier way, reducing emotional intensity.

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• Enneagram Personality Test

Please click the link below to take the Enneagram Personality Test. This test result can be used as a guide to help the client and counselor better understand the client's core motivations. 

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https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test

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The Enneagram is considered helpful by many people—especially in personal development, relationships, and spiritual growth—because it offers deep insight into personality patterns, core motivations, and inner struggles.

Why the Enneagram Is Helpful

1. Self-Awareness

The Enneagram helps you understand why you think, feel, and behave the way you do.

It reveals your core fears, desires, and coping mechanisms.

This can lead to more mindful, intentional living.

2. Personal Growth

It doesn’t just label you—it shows you what growth and healing look like for your type.

Helps you recognize unhealthy patterns and move toward wholeness and maturity.

3. Empathy and Understanding                                       

Learning the types of others (friends, family, coworkers) promotes compassion.

You begin to understand people’s reactions, needs, and communication styles.

4. Spiritual Formation

For many Christians, the Enneagram is a tool for spiritual reflection and transformation.

It exposes the ways ego can block connection with God and invites surrender.

Many use it to confess, pray, and open up to God’s grace in deeper ways.

5. Improved Relationships

It helps people navigate conflict, communication, and emotional needs more effectively.

Encourages grace, patience, and respect in interpersonal dynamics.

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Example: How It Works

A Type 2 (The Helper) might realize they serve others to feel loved, and learn to set boundaries and receive love without overgiving.

A Type 5 (The Investigator) might notice they withdraw to feel safe, and learn to engage with others and trust in God's provision.