Like most things in life, self-care is totally relative. It’s the intention behind, motivation for, and the result of an activity that determines whether or not something is self-care. The best self-care activities are things that either move us toward where we want to be or, when we’re happy with where are, help us stay there.

Today, I’m going to write about what I offer in therapy to my clients – which might be different from what you’ve experienced before or from what other clinicians offer. IFS isn't the only kind of therapy out there – this is just the space I live in as a therapist. And I love what I do because I see it bring such relief to my clients every single day.

Finding relief when you’ve been hijacked by your emotions is all about nurturing a healthier relationship with your thoughts and feelings.

Whenever tragedy strikes or tough times fall, we say things like “We’re all in this together” or “We’re all in the same boat.” But if we’re honest, we are NOT all in the same boat – and we all know it. And, it's your well-being that matters, not the scale of your problems.

Historically, February is always the hardest month of the year for me. Despite this being a yearly pattern, I always find myself mystified each February as to why I am feeling so awful.

St. Louis boasts a variety of parks, each offering unique ways to engage with nature and practice mindfulness. These spaces provide a haven, not just for physical relaxation, but also for emotional and mental rejuvenation. Engaging with the serene surroundings of these parks becomes a conduit for healing, especially for those navigating the impacts of past trauma.

As an IFS Counselor in St. Louis, MO, I've had the privilege of working with some truly inspiring professional women. They are the go-getters, the achievers, the ones who make balancing a high-powered career, family, and social life look effortless. But beneath this veneer of perfection, there’s often a deeper story – one of self-neglect self-forgetfulness, and detrimental self-sacrifice. Sure, they might fit in the occasional treat like actually baking for their kid’s school bake sale or a quick catch-up at a happy hour - maybe they even sneak in a luxurious facial at The Only Facial in St. Charles once a year. However, what I've noticed is that real, deep-rooted, self-attuned self-care – the kind that nurtures the soul and aligns with their innermost needs – tends to be overlooked.

Calling all Supermoms of St. Louis! You’ve got a lot on your plates—kids to take care of, jobs to handle, and maybe a coffee that's always half-full (or half-empty, depending on the day either way, it’s always 3 hours cold). However, in between the whirlwind of drop-off and pick-up each day, I can help you navigate the bustling world of mom life without losing sight of you. So first - here are a few practical resources for busy moms in the St. Louis area that can assist in reigning in the chaos. Then I’ll get to how I can help through my work as an IFS counselor in St. Louis, MO. 

Googling "How do I start IFS?" or trying to hunt down an IFS counselor in St. Louis? You're not alone. And if you’re finding it overwhelming, you’re also not alone there. Venturing into the world of Internal Family Systems can be a big undertaking - at least initially. You may not know where to start at first. Good news - if you’re reading this, you can start right here. And good news again - if you're reading this, you've already taken the first step – you're curious, and that's a big deal.