the transformation

IFS Mentoring

Whether it’s in person or teleheatlh sessions on Zoom, we’ll explore your biggest challenges and your greatest hopes for desired change using the IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapy model.

Living your best life as your best self is my mission.

This model of therapy is recognized by SAMHSA as an evidence-based, trauma treatment. As an extensively trained therapist in several modalities, including IFS, I must admit I have never been so excited by the effectiveness and positive impact of a therapy model. This process offers true, long-lasting lifetime change.  It is worthy of noting that the IFS model of psychology is now reaching beyond the therapy office. A wide variety of professionals, other than therapists are being trained to bring it into their occupational fields of education, sports coaching, corporate wellness, the prison system and government.

IFS is at the forefront of creating a new paradigm shift- a movement toward collaboration and peace within families, schools, communities and the world.  It becomes a new way of thinking about yourself, the world and life. As one of the fastest growing approaches in this field, the IFS model offers a clear, empowering, nonpathological understanding of personal trauma.  It helps to unveil intuitive wisdom and compassion that lie beneath the protective, defensive parts of us, so as to allow healing without having to relive the past! This allows a deep personal transformation. This strength-based, holistic approach offers the opportunity to experience well-being on all levels: mental, emotional and spiritual.

This approach is known to:

  • work effectively with individuals, couples, families and children

  • help both the client and therapist stay centered and open-hearted

  • provide a user-friendly vocabulary

  • respect the client's pace and leadership

  • establish an enjoyable, collaborative partnership between therapist and client

For research studies, articles, workshops, books and more info, visit www.ifs-institute.com

About IFS And its Impact

Rave Reviews

Reviews

“This IFS process of healing trauma didn’t make sense, at first. Now, this part of me acknowledges that I feel better, I’m not feeling stuck anymore. Positive, unexpected things are happening. New opportunities, new conversations, more confidence.”

Anonymous Client - Attorney in Buffalo, NY

Wende has such a warm, compassionate, and curious presence. She embodies so much Self-energy. She has held a beautiful container that has allowed me to do some very deep work that would have been difficult for me to do with anyone else.

IFS Therapist, Kelowna BC Canada 

“I’M SETTING OUT BOUNDARIES AT WORK AND WITH MY FAMILY AND I’M CONTINUING TO REINFORCE THEM. I FEEL LIKE I MATTER. I FEEL MORE WHOLE. MY FEELINGS MATTER. I WON’T SELL OUT MY DIGNITY FOR OTHER APPROVAL. THERE’S BEEN A SHIFT FROM FEELING POWERLESS AND UNIMPORTANT AS A KID TO SENSING A FEELING OF WORTHINESS!”

Anonymous Client - DDS in Buffalo, NY

highlighted therapy Services

IFS THERAPY Services

The IFS therapy model is the foundation for my counseling process. Listed below are some challenges that can be effectively addressed with the IFS model . Adjunct processes which I integrate with IFS, upon request, are also included.

  • Instead of pathologizing these symptoms, we explore the thoughts and stories behind them with a caring heart.

  • Parenting is a tough job! Especially if there is an “inner child’ within you who still needs to be loved. Let’s explore the obstacles that get in your way.

  • You don’t have to grieve alone. Let’s hold your loss and sorrow together, with compassion and patience.

  • Often when we can’t decide, or move forward with a goal, desire or dream, there are conflicting inner voices or beliefs that prevent your progress or ability to manifest. Let’s explore those together.

  • Identity, gender and racial concerns can be all-consuming. Emotions and thoughts take up too much internal space and prevent us from finding clarity, confidence, perspective and self leadership. With the non-pathologizing lens of IFS, we can untangle it all and help you courageously express your true self.

  • Trauma disturbs every aspect of you. There’s nothing quite as effective to center and ground the heart, mind and spirit as mindfulness and meditation. Paying loving attention to to your needs, and to the thoughts and emotions that are arising in the moment will help you find the spiritual (caring) connection you need to heal.

  • When we have experienced a traumatic event, it is held deep within the body and brain. The sensory experience (sights, smells, sounds, sensations) are locked in, and influence how we think, feel and behave. EMDR is one way to restore original, healthy patterning. IFS combined with EMDR adds elements of safety, compassion and deeper awareness of the readiness of your system to heal.

  • I have a deep respect for the ancient ways of healing and maintaining balance. Acupuncture is one of those methods, and is based in the knowledge that our body and mind operate with energetic patterns and that disease is a state of imbalance. Tapping is based in the philosophy of acupuncture. It is a method which effects the energetic patterning of mental, emotional and physical states, such as headaches, chronic pain, anxiety, fear, depression etc. Used with IFS, we speak the fears and beliefs held by parts of us, while tapping on major energy (acupuncture) points in our body. As we listen and hold these beliefs with compassion, we move closer toward balance and healing outcomes.

  • Without authentic self-compassion, no matter what the issue, there is no healing that yields permanent results. Let me help you discover what stands in your way toward experiencing your true self, your wholeness and natural well-being.

My process

Our first step together begins when you schedule your 20 minute Intro Call.  This is your personal time to ask any questions you may have, and discuss the reasons you are seeking counseling, and what you hope to experience as you envision your best self and best life.  We will also discuss the cost and length of each session, and plan a convenient time for your first appointment. If you live in WNY, we can plan to meet in person, or I am happy to offer telehealth sessions on Zoom, if you prefer.  After this call, you will be given a link which provides access to intake forms such as your personal/social history form, your privacy rights, my practice policies, and some release forms.

  During your first visit, we will focus on whatever you feel is most important for me to know.  We will discuss your biggest challenges, fears and desires for change. In the subsequent visits, we will follow an experiential, holistic path toward non-judgement, curiosity and discovery, using an IFS (Internal Family Systems) lens for greater understanding, self compassion, clarity and healing. (Please refer to the Internal Family Systems Page for more information about this counseling/coaching model.) 

Please note that my counseling process is unique in that it not only focuses on healing trauma, but also emphasizes the integration of new beliefs, resiliency and states of well being, as you release the burdens of the past.  When ready, you will move forward towards new ways of thinking, feeling and perceiving the world from the eyes of your true self. As you begin to live your life with new confidence, you can experience more love, connection, success and joy!

my invitation to you

Book your 20 min intro call

I have personally ‘walked the talk” of this healing journey. I’m here to guide you down this transformational path that I know will change your life.