Approach
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative tool that conceives every human being as a system of protective and wounded inner parts lead by a core Self. Self is in everyone. It can’t be damaged. It knows how to heal. IFS is frequently used as an evidence-based psychotherapy, helping people heal by accessing and healing their protective and wounded inner parts.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), as with most therapy approaches, focuses on the individual’s present concerns. However, rather than just talking about it, EMDR uses eye movements and other forms of stimulation to activate the brain’s ability to resolve
these concerns.
Polyvagal Theory focuses on what is happening in the body and the nervous system, and explains how our sense of safety, danger or life threat can impact our behavior. Polyvagal Theory gives us a scientific framework that supports the integration of physiological (“bottom-up”) therapies with cognitive (“top-down”) approaches to help change and improve how we feel, think and connect with others.
We truly love our jobs and approach each client's history and inner world with compassion and genuine curiosity.
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While you may have a sense of where your symptoms originate, it's common for our clients to grapple with identifying a specific incident or relationship that triggers their distress. This uncertainty is natural, as trauma responses can arise from diverse sources, including childhood experiences, intricate relational dynamics, or specific incidents resulting in PTSD.
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At Steyn Integrative Counseling, our therapists understand the complexity of these experiences and prioritize creating a safe, collaborative environment for healing. We aim to remove any sense of fear, shame or overwhelm often associated with therapy, instead fostering a partnership where your comfort and boundaries guide the process.
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Central to our therapeutic approach is Internal Family Systems (IFS), a method that respects the wisdom of your body and its various "parts". Through IFS, we acknowledge and engage with different aspects of your internal world, honoring each part's unique role and perspective. This approach encourages deep exploration and healing, fostering a profound understanding of where our thoughts, feelings, sensations, urges, and behaviors are rooted without overwhelming you.
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We approach healing with sensitivity and respect, only delving into previously overwhelming experiences when all parts of you feel ready and comfortable to do so. Techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), IFS unburdening exercises, Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), somatic awareness and compassionate witnessing may be integrated into our work to facilitate healing at a pace that feels right for you.
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By prioritizing collaboration, comfort, and empowerment, we aim to guide you towards healing and integration, allowing you to reclaim creative possibilities for yourself.
At Steyn Integrative Counseling, we recognize the intricate connection between our life narratives and their impact on both our mental and physical well-being. Our experiences, particularly periods of significant stress or overwhelm when we are young and most vulnerable, can leave lasting imprints on our bodies and minds. These effects can transcend generations through epigenetic mechanisms, influencing conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, PTSD, and more.
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In therapy, terms like 'overwhelmed,' 'dysregulated,' 'triggered,' and 'activated' are often used to describe what we might identify as a trauma response or mental health symptom. Gabor Maté, a doctor, has said, "Trauma is not what happens to you; it is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you". During moments of overwhelm, our bodies and brains can become disconnected from the present context and from our true self, often compromising our autonomic nervous system's ability to assess safety accurately.
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This disconnection frequently manifests in various physical symptoms, ranging from digestive issues and sleep disturbances to heightened emotional reactivity towards everyday situations and interactions. By acknowledging and addressing these mind-body connections, we work towards fostering holistic healing and restoring balance in our clients' lives.
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