Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people understand and heal the different aspects of their inner world. These “parts” of us often develop in response to life experiences. Some parts carry difficult feelings like fear, shame, or sadness, while others take on roles to protect us from these emotions, such as helping us stay in control, avoiding pain, or keeping us safe.

Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS provides a way to connect with the Self and create a sense of inner balance. Through this process, you can learn to understand the roles these parts play, gently heal the wounded ones, and help the protective ones feel safe enough to relax. IFS can be effective for addressing concerns like trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, is an extensively researched, evidence-based psychotherapy effective for treating trauma, including PTSD, Complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, dissociative disorders, phobias, personality disorders, and attachment-related challenges. Trauma impacts the body, emotions, and brain, but natural reprocessing can sometimes become stuck, preventing healing.

EMDR helps restart this process using dual attention stimulation such as, eye movements, auditory cues, or tactile pulses to target unresolved traumatic memories, reduce distress, and reshape negative beliefs. By reactivating the brain's information-processing system, similar to REM sleep, EMDR resolves the emotional and physical impacts of trauma, freeing individuals to focus on the present and future.

Developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine, Somatic Experiencing (SE™) focuses on resolving the effects of stress and trauma by addressing how they manifest in the nervous system, helping individuals release stuck patterns of fight, flight, or freeze. Elements of from this work can be used in session to support individuals in accessing and processing distress in small, manageable ways, building awareness of bodily sensations, and fostering grounding and resilience.

SE is effective in addressing a variety of stressors, including PTSD, attachment trauma, acute stress from life-threatening events, cumulative stress, accidents, sexual or physical assault, emotional abuse, and neglect.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to help individuals manage intense emotions and develop healthier coping strategies. It is particularly effective for those struggling with emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviours, and relationship challenges.

DBT focuses on teaching skills in four key areas: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These tools help individuals increase emotional awareness, navigate difficult situations, regulate their emotions, and foster healthier relationships. DBT is especially effective for managing trauma, anxiety, depression, and issues related to self-worth and boundaries.