What is Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS)?

Internal Family Systems is a therapeutic approach that views each individual as a system composed of protective and wounded inner parts, all guided by a core Self. It recognizes the natural multiplicity of the mind and values this diversity. Similar to members of a family, inner parts often become entrenched in extreme roles within us, losing access to their valuable qualities. On the other hand, the Self is present in every individual, undamaged and possessing the inherent ability to promote healing.

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Marcus Berley
What is Solution-Focused Therapy?

Solution Focused Therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that emphasizes short-term interventions with clear objectives. It integrates principles and practices from positive psychology, guiding clients to generate solutions rather than fixating on their issues. Essentially, this therapy fosters hope, elicits positive emotions, and directs attention toward future possibilities.

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Marcus Berley
What is Health at Every Size (HAES)?

HAES is a public health approach that aims to de-emphasize weight loss as a primary health objective and promote a reduction in the discrimination faced by individuals who are overweight or obese. HAES-informed therapy focuses on the individual’s life experience, context (including size discrimination and fatphobia where applicable), and unique skills and abilities.

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Marcus Berley
Am I depressed or just sad?

Sadness and depression are related experiences, but they are distinct from each other. Understanding the differences between the two can help you recognize when you may be going through a typical emotional response or facing a more significant mental health concern. Here are the key differences to look out for:

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Lily Gordon
What is DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people to regulate their emotions, improve their relationships, and cope with difficult situations.  Through a combination of 1-on-1 and group therapy, DBT teaches people skills to help then learn and practice mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation.

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Marcus Berley
Breaking Down “Therapy-Speak”

"Therapy-speak" is a term used to describe clinical psychology language that's making its way into mainstream culture. Efforts to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma are essential to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals who may need help. But certain words, like depression, have become misconstrued. So I'm breaking down a few words that fall into the category of commonly misinterpreted therapy-speak. 

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Lily Gordon
What is ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts and feelings are not always accurate or helpful and that trying to control them can make them worse. Instead, ACT teaches people to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment and focus on taking actions consistent with their values.

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Marcus Berley
The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique for Anxiety

The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique can help you manage anxiety, stress, or other overwhelming emotions. Its purpose is to bring your attention to the present moment through your senses – sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste. By doing so, you can contain anxiety and create a sense of calm. Here’s how it works:

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Lily Gordon
What are the different types of therapy?

Psychotherapy is difficult to describe. There is an ever-growing body of psychotherapeutic literature and theory, with each modality (type of therapy) describing its particular version of what therapy is and how it works. These modalities are rich and varied and, for most clients, somewhat devoid of tangible meaning. 

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Marcus Berley
What is Family Systems Therapy

Family systems therapy recognizes that families are emotional units, interconnected systems of interdependent individuals. It emphasizes that family members influence one another, and their psychological well-being cannot be fully understood in isolation from the entire family system. Family members respond to each other in predictable ways based on their roles and unspoken relationship agreements.

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Marcus Berley
Embracing Our Anxious Minds

Life can be a thrilling adventure for those of us who are perpetual worriers!  We have the capacity to turn the most mundane tasks into heart-racing, nail-biting experiences. From going to a party to choosing what to eat for breakfast, every decision becomes an Olympic event. To soothe this constant anxiety, we must first develop a compassionate relationship with our anxious minds.

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Rachel Lund
Quiz: Who's My Ideal Therapist?

Finding the “right” therapist can be so challenging - what do you look for, how do you know if someone will be a good fit, what are all of these different therapeutic approaches (CBT, EMDR, relational, psychodynamic, etc), and how do I know which would be right for me? This quick 8-question quiz will help you find out!

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Rachel Lund
5 Tips for Better Sleep

I know I’m not the only one whose sleep routine needs a little TLC when summer rolls around in Seattle. This handful of sleep tips helps me get the quality rest I need – even when the sun doesn’t set until after 9pm! 

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Lily Gordon
Intimacy “Into-Me-See": A Journey of Intimacy and Vulnerability

Esther Perel, renowned psychotherapist and relationship expert, beautifully encapsulates the essence of intimacy with her profound statement, "Into-Me-See." These three simple words hold immense depth, inviting us to explore the intricacies of connection, vulnerability, and the power of truly being seen by another. Let us delve into the meaning behind "Into-Me-See" and its transformative journey.

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Dominique Washington
Partner Blog: Perfectionism and a Path to Happiness

On the surface, perfectionism might seem like a good thing. After all, doesn’t everyone want to be the best version of themself? But the problem with perfection is that it's an impossible - and counterproductive - goal. There's no such thing as perfect, no matter how hard we try to be it.  And the more we try, the more we set ourselves up for disappointment and frustration.

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Rachel Lundmedia
The Invisible Hands of Diet Culture

Diet culture is everywhere - it’s in our advertising, at our medical offices, in our clothing, in our grocery stores, and over time with repeated exposure, in ourselves. But what is diet culture? The Butterfly Foundation defines diet culture as a “set of ever-changing myths about food and bodies, promoting the idea that one’s body weight automatically equals health and that foods can be simplistically categorized as ‘good’ and ‘bad’…

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Amanda Kieser