We have a variety of trainings and modalities that inform our approach to therapy. We will describe our core approaches to give you a sense of how we work.
Internal Family Systems:
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an approach to therapy that helps people change gently and compassionately. It is deeply respectful of a person’s spiritual life. Jeanine and Russell have both done intensive training in the IFS model.
If you have ever said, “Well, a part of me wants to . . . , but another part of me wants to . . . ,” then you understand the basic premise of Internal Family Systems Therapy. IFS recognizes that our minds are made up of different parts, each with their own ideas, feelings, and intentions. Some of our parts may be in harmony with one another, while other parts may be in tension. For example, one part of you might want to stop getting so angry, but another part of you wants to make sure you’re speaking up for yourself and not being taken advantage of. Or one part of you might want to be successful and achieve your goals, while another part of you wants to protect you from disappointment and criticism, so it keeps you from putting your best self forward. Often our parts are carrying burdens that keep us locked in to certain habits of thinking, feeling, and acting. For example, a part of you might be carrying the burden of feeling unloved and undeserving, and this part might expend tremendous effort trying to get others to like you. Or a part of you might believe that the world is a dangerous place, and this part keeps you from taking some of the risks that are necessary for happiness.
One of the goals of IFS therapy is to help people understand those burdens and release them. Internal Family Systems theory also holds that at the core of each person is a True Self that is wise, loving, and calm. In our understanding, this Self bears the image of God and is the place within us that is connected with Spirit. The Self is the key to change, and in IFS therapy we help people strengthen connection with Self and draw upon its resources.
Somatic-Based Therapies:
Russell is trained in two approaches that make use of the mind-body connection: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Both these approaches are effective in helping people stabilize after trauma and work through traumatic memories. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is also effective in helping people change long-held patterns of behavior and personality.
Jeanine is trained in the Trauma Reliance Model (TRM) which engages our understanding of the biology of traumatic stress reactions. Through skill building and accessing resilience we learn ways to return to a balance in our body, heart and mind.
Enneagram Therapy:
Jeanine uses the Enneagram in individual and couple therapy, as a teacher, and in Spiritual Direction. The Enneagram is a personality map that describes nine different ways people interact with the world. It can be a powerful tool for change because it unites many psychological insights with spiritual and contemplative components. The Enneagram provides a model that helps you understand your motivations and patterns of interactions. Growth occurs as you develop your inner observer, practice awareness, and find new possibilities for action.
What is your Enneagram type?
Jeanine offers typing interviews for people who are unfamiliar with the Enneagram or unclear about their type. Once type is clear, there are many resources for awakening and moving from habitual patterns of thinking and behaving.