“IFIO (Intimacy From the Inside Out©) uses a systemic approach to heal, improve, and provide relationship help. The IFIO method combines deep intrapsychic work along with interpersonal exploration. It's a powerful relationship therapy model with applications for work with couples and individuals.” —Toni Herbine-Blank

In my work with couples (romantic partners, family members, work relationships, etc) I use IFIO, which employs the basic principles of IFS (Internal Family Systems Therapy) and applies it to relationships, resulting in a deeper understanding of the parts of ourselves and each other that become activated during conflict. One of the biggest stumbling blocks to healthy communication in relationships is unwittingly stepping on each other’s trauma and vulnerabilities!

I start by tracking the communication patterns of the couple, then we go a bit deeper into the “parts” of each that are getting activated, often using the felt sense of the body to give us more information. The end result is more inner peace in each system and more compassion toward and understanding of oneself and one’s partner.  

My training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Somatic Experiencing offers additional tools for emotional regulation and stress relief.