IN SHORT

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a depth-oriented, evidence-based approach that helps you understand and heal the different parts of yourself. Developed by Richard Schwartz, IFS is widely used for trauma therapy, attachment wounds, anxiety, and relationship challenges.

IFS is based on the idea that we all have an internal system made up of protective parts and vulnerable parts shaped by past experiences. At the core of this system is the Self—a calm, compassionate, grounded presence that is not broken and does not need to be fixed.

In IFS therapy, we work gently and collaboratively to help you access Self-energy, unburden trauma held by parts, and create more emotional regulation and choice—both internally and in relationships. This approach is especially effective for people seeking trauma-informed therapy, attachment-based therapy, and deeper personal growth.

What is somatic attachment therapy?

Somatic attachment therapy is a body-based approach to healing attachment wounds by working directly with the nervous system. It integrates attachment theory, somatic therapy, and trauma-informed care to explore how early relationships shape patterns of safety, closeness, and trust.

My work is informed by pre- and perinatal psychology, including the teachings of Janet Evergreen (Charlottesville), which recognize that attachment patterns begin forming before birth and in the earliest moments of life. These early experiences often live in the body rather than in conscious memory.

Through somatic awareness, nervous system tracking, and relational attunement, we support the completion of interrupted survival responses and create conditions for greater regulation, resilience, and secure attachment in adult relationships.

What are Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), and how does this affect relationships?

Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) - also referred to as sensory processing sensibility - are individuals with nervous systems that process emotional and sensory information deeply. High sensitivity is a temperament trait—not a diagnosis—and is commonly seen in people seeking therapy for overwhelm, anxiety, trauma, or relationship stress.

In relationships, HSPs may:

Feel emotions intensely and care deeply
Notice subtle shifts in tone, mood, or energy
Become overwhelmed by conflict or prolonged stress
Need intentional downtime to regulate their nervous systems

Therapy for Highly Sensitive People focuses on nervous system regulation, boundary-setting, and attachment repair so sensitivity becomes a strength rather than a source of burnout or self-doubt.

Is there touch involved in somatic therapy?

Touch in somatic therapy is always minimal, intentional, and consensual.

While I am also a licensed bodyworker in Virginia, somatic therapy primarily uses your own body awareness as the main source of information and healing. When touch is used, it may involve a supportive hand on the shoulder for grounding or gentle contact behind the back to help the nervous system feel supported during trauma processing.

Somatic therapy may also include slow, intentional movements that help complete protective responses that were interrupted during a traumatic experience.

All touch occurs only with explicit verbal consent, clear communication, and ongoing choice. Touch is never required for healing or progress in therapy.

Is it too late for therapy or couples counseling?

Do both partners need to participate in couples therapy?

When is couples therapy helpful?

What is conscious uncoupling?

This is one of the most common questions people ask when considering trauma therapy or couples counseling.

It might be.And it is still worth trying.

Whether you are navigating long-standing relationship patterns, trauma, or a major life transition, therapy can support insight, nervous system regulation, and meaningful change—even later in life or after years of struggle. The goal is not perfection, but honesty, repair, and self-trust.

No. While couples therapy is most effective when both partners participate, meaningful change can begin with just one person.

When one partner works on attachment patterns, emotional regulation, and relational awareness, the relationship system often shifts. In many cases, this individual work naturally invites or inspires the other partner to join couples therapy later.

Couples therapy can be beneficial at many stages of a relationship, including:

Preventative couples counseling to build healthy communication and attachment
When conflict, distance, or resentment begins to surface
During major life stressors such as parenting, financial strain, illness, or caregiving for aging parents
When partners are considering separation or seeking conscious uncoupling

You do not need to be in crisis for couples therapy to be helpful.

Conscious uncoupling is a therapeutic process that helps couples end a romantic relationship with clarity, respect, and care—especially important when co-parenting or maintaining long-term connection.

Rather than focusing on blame, conscious uncoupling supports partners in understanding attachment dynamics, grieving what is ending, and establishing healthy boundaries and communication. This approach helps reduce trauma, supports nervous system regulation, and creates a more stable foundation for co-parenting and future relationships.