
Let the light into your innermost thoughts and feelings…
…with Internal Family Systems (IFS) Pastoral Coaching.
Often times people come to a time in their lives when they are wondering “What is going on with me?” Perhaps they have experienced some kind of traumatic event. Even more often a person just needs someone else to hold space for their feelings and thoughts so they can make sense of them. They need a listening and attuning ear.
If this describes you, Internal Family Systems pastoral coaching will help. My goal is to help you become a confident agent for the decisions you need to make, or even a courageous agent for the healing of your wounds and burdens. I work with both individuals and couples.
Sign up for a free Zoom consultation using the calendly app. First sessions are 25 minutes and free. A sliding scale is an option if money is an issue for further sessions.
About me: I earned a B.S. in Chemistry (1991) from St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. I married my college sweetheart, and went on to earn a M.S. in Chemical Engineering (1994) from Ohio State. Six children and thirty years later I earned a MA in Theology (2018) from Sacred Heart Major Seminary. I now teach for the Catholic Bibilical School of Michigan (bio), continue to raise my children with my husband, and work towards healing for myself and others utilizing the IFS model of discovering our inner wisdom that has been gained from all life experiences, even the most difficult ones.
Philosophy: My personal IFS work is through a Christian lens. This does not mean that I am unable to work with non-Christians; in fact, I welcome it. As Dr. Richard Schwartz, founder of IFS says, “ALL parts are welcome.” This means all your thoughts and feelings are welcome, whether Christian or non-Christian! I believe all persons have inherent dignity by nature, and I believe that Jesus is the eternal healer, through the Holy Spirit. It is my goal to welcome all parts of you with love (as Jesus would)—extending curiosity, calm, compassion, courage, connection, clarity, confidence, and creativity. These are qualities that you, in turn, will extend to all the tender places of past and present pain, leading them to healing and integration in your internal system.
I am a Level 2 trained IFS Practitioner. I completed my Level 1 training in August 2021, and Level 2: ‘Intimacy from the Inside Out’ (IFIO) in March 2023. My continuing education includes Colleen West’s Master Class: Healing Complex Trauma with Trauma-Informed IFS, as well as monthly hours of group and individual supervision with a certified IFS consultant. You can view my bio with the IFS Institute here.
I want to share an important truth that I have discovered in my healing journey: a healer (whether therapist, coach, spiritual director, or pastor), cannot give what they do not have. I believe in doing my own healing work in order to help others. If I believe that you will be better served by a licensed therapist I will make that recommendation after discussing this with you, and I will be happy to recommend a licensed therapist who is trained in the IFS model.
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him, and He will act” (Psalm 37:4).
“Be present in The Presence in the present moment.“