Do you take insurance?

I’m in network with Aetna and United. I also accept private pay.

How long will I need to be in therapy?

I typically meet with clients on a weekly or biweekly basis. The duration of therapy depends on several factors, including consistent attendance, the topics we are working on, and progress toward the goals outlined in the treatment plan.

Do you see kids or couples?

I do not. I primarily work with women, focusing on issues related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, and grief and loss. I specifically love working with women who are interested in incorporating somatic practices, such as Reiki and EMDR, alongside talk therapy.

Where are you located?

Meer Soul Counseling is located in Olde Town Arvada at 5738 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80002 in the Town Square Professional Building.

Do you accept virtual clients?

Yes, I am based in the Denver metro area of Colorado, but I can see clients throughout the state of Colorado. Additionally, I am licensed in Montana, Texas, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington State, Florida and Oregon, so I can work with clients in those states as well. Select Contact Me on my website to inquiry about availability.

How much would a session cost out of pocket?

My rate for a one-hour session is $150 (may be subject to change). I can also provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based therapy approach used to help people process trauma, anxiety, and distressing life experiences. EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess difficult memories so they feel less overwhelming and no longer trigger the same emotional intensity.

How do I get started?

I typically begin with a virtual 15-minute consultation to discuss what you'd like to work on and to ensure we're a good fit for each other. You can schedule a consultation by filling out the Contact/Request an Appointment form on my website.

What is KAP (Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy)? Is it covered by insurance?

KAP combines prescribed ketamine with psychotherapy to support deeper healing and insight. At Meer Soul Counseling, we partner with medical providers for the medical portion, while we provide the therapy. Insurance generally does not cover the medication, but the therapy portion may be reimbursable depending on your plan.

Who is your ideal client?

I work with millennial women experiencing grief, trauma, anxiety, and major life transitions. My ideal client often feels overwhelmed or disconnected beneath the surface and is seeking deeper, lasting healing through holistic therapy such as EMDR, IFS, and mindfulness.

Understanding the Appeal of Internal Family Systems Therapy and Its Transformative Power

meersoulcounseling
Jun 4
3 min read

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, often called "parts work," has gained significant attention in recent years for its unique approach to healing and self-understanding. Unlike traditional therapies that focus mainly on symptoms or behaviors, IFS invites people to explore the different "parts" within themselves and how these parts interact. This method offers a fresh perspective on emotional struggles and personal growth, making it appealing to many seeking deeper change.

The Origins of Internal Family Systems Therapy

IFS was developed in the 1980s by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, a family therapist who noticed that people often experience conflicting feelings or thoughts that seem to come from different parts of themselves. He realized that these parts act like a family inside the mind, each with its own role and perspective. Instead of seeing these parts as problems, Schwartz viewed them as valuable aspects of the self that want to be heard and understood.

This idea marked a shift from traditional therapy models. Rather than trying to eliminate or suppress difficult feelings, IFS encourages people to build a relationship with their internal parts. This approach helps individuals find balance and harmony within themselves, leading to lasting change.

How Internal Family Systems Therapy Works

At its core, IFS is about recognizing and working with the different parts inside us. These parts can hold emotions, memories, beliefs, or behaviors. They often develop as a way to protect us from pain or harm. For example, one part might try to keep us safe by avoiding certain situations, while another might push us to succeed at all costs.

The goal of IFS is to help people connect with their "Self," which is a calm, compassionate, and curious center within everyone. From this place, individuals can listen to their parts without judgment and understand their needs and fears. This process creates space for healing and integration.

People often find this approach effective because it:

Promotes self-compassion: Instead of blaming or criticizing themselves, they learn to treat their parts with kindness.
Encourages curiosity: They become interested in why their parts behave a certain way, leading to deeper insight.
Supports emotional healing: By addressing the root causes of distress, not just symptoms, they experience real change.
Builds internal harmony: Parts that once conflicted can begin to cooperate and support each other.

Why People Are Drawn to IFS Therapy

Many people are attracted to IFS because it feels personal and empowering. It respects the complexity of human experience and offers a way to understand inner conflicts without shame. Here are some reasons why IFS resonates with so many:

It validates inner experience: People often feel fragmented or confused by their emotions. IFS helps them see these feelings as parts of a whole, making their experience easier to accept.
It offers practical tools: Clients learn how to communicate with their parts and manage difficult emotions in daily life.
It fosters lasting change: By working with the root causes of distress, IFS can lead to improvements that last beyond therapy sessions.
It is adaptable: IFS can be used alongside other therapies or for personal growth outside of formal therapy.

For example, someone struggling with anxiety might discover that a part of them is trying to protect them from feeling overwhelmed, while another part feels frustrated by the limits anxiety imposes. Through IFS, they learn to listen to both parts and find ways to soothe and support them, reducing anxiety over time.

The Transformative Power of IFS in Practice

Many people report profound shifts after engaging with IFS therapy. These changes often include:

Greater self-awareness: Understanding internal parts helps people recognize patterns and triggers.
Improved relationships: As individuals become more compassionate toward themselves, they often extend that kindness to others.
Reduced emotional distress: Healing wounded parts can lessen feelings of shame, fear, or anger.
Enhanced decision-making: With a clearer sense of self, people make choices aligned with their true values.

One case study involved a woman who struggled with self-criticism and low self-esteem. Through IFS, she identified a part that harshly judged her and another that felt vulnerable and scared. By connecting with these parts from her Self, she was able to calm the critical voice and nurture the vulnerable one. Over time, her confidence grew, and she felt more at peace.

Practical Steps to Explore IFS on Your Own

While working with a trained IFS therapist is ideal, there are ways to begin exploring parts work independently:

Notice your inner dialogue: Pay attention to different voices or feelings inside you.
Name your parts: Give them simple labels like "the worrier" or "the protector" to make them easier to understand.
Practice curiosity: Ask your parts what they want or need without judgment.
Use journaling: Write conversations between your Self and your parts to deepen insight.
Seek support: Consider joining IFS groups or workshops for guidance.