Therapies
Internal Family Systems
Have you ever watched Inside Out? It’s a fantastic kids’ movie, but it also does an incredible job of showing what’s happening inside our minds. Just like in the movie, we all have different “parts” of us—some that feel big and loud, others that seem to hold onto pain, and a deeper, wiser self underneath it all.
This idea is at the heart of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It’s one of the fastest-growing and evidence-based psychotherapy approaches today. IFS recognizes that every part of you—yes, even the ones that bring anxiety, self-doubt, or fear—has a positive intention: to protect you from past wounds.
The beautiful thing? You also have a core Self within you—calm, wise, and capable of healing those wounds. When you learn to access that Self, real healing begins.
IFS is used for almost any mental health challenge and is particularly powerful in trauma work. It’s a gentle yet transformative way to understand yourself and find true inner harmony.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1990s, EMDR is a powerful psychotherapy approach designed to help people process and heal from traumatic memories. By using bilateral stimulation—typically side-to-side eye movements—EMDR helps the brain reprocess distressing experiences in a way that reduces their emotional intensity.
Today, EMDR is widely recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD and is increasingly used for anxiety, phobias, and other emotional challenges. Its ability to unlock and heal trauma makes it a life-changing therapy for many.
Compassion focused therapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): Building a Safe Haven Within
As humans, we all experience suffering at some point in our lives. But instead of fighting against it, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) teaches us to turn inward with kindness and understanding.
Rather than self-criticism or judgment, CFT encourages us to cultivate compassion—offering ourselves the same warmth and care we would give a loved one. This shift from condemnation to compassion becomes a source of strength, helping us build resilience in the face of challenges.
When we practice self-compassion, we create a sense of inner safety, allowing us to acknowledge mistakes without fear, let go of blame, and move forward with confidence and well-being. True growth begins when we meet ourselves with kindness.
Circle of security
The Circle of Security: Strengthening the Parent-Child Bond
The Circle of Security (COS) is a relationship-based early intervention program designed to nurture secure attachment between parents and their children. Decades of university-based research have shown that securely attached children tend to be more empathetic, have higher self-esteem, build stronger relationships, adapt better to school, and manage their emotions more effectively than those without this secure foundation.
At its core, COS helps parents understand their child’s emotional needs while building a safe, supportive connection. This approach deeply influences my work with mothers and their babies, fostering stronger, more resilient bonds that support lifelong well-being.
dialectical behaviour therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Building Skills for a Balanced Life
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that focuses on helping people live in the present moment and build healthier relationships. The main goal of DBT is to equip individuals with practical skills to manage intense emotions, reduce conflict in their relationships, and ultimately create a life they feel is worth living.
DBT is based on four key areas:
- Mindfulness – Learning to focus on the present without judgment.
- Emotional Regulation – Managing and understanding difficult emotions.
- Distress Tolerance – Developing skills to handle emotional pain in healthy ways.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness – Improving communication and relationships with others.
Lisa is a DBT-informed practitioner, which means she has received training in DBT and understands the core principles, though she does not run DBT groups.
HOlistic Therapies
Supporting You in Every Way
Throughout my career as a mental health clinician, I’ve realized that helping people stay well and feel fulfilled involves many different layers. It’s not just about managing thoughts and emotions—it’s about addressing the whole person: mind, body, spirit, and heart.
Driven by this understanding, I’ve expanded my practice to include approaches that nurture all aspects of well-being. By integrating holistic methods into my therapy, I aim to support you in ways that resonate spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
If you're interested in exploring more ways to maintain your health in every dimension, click the link below to visit my additional website, where you'll find more details.