Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (IFS) THERAPY?

IFS is an evidenced-based, trauma-informed therapeutic modality developed by Dr. Richard Swartz through his work as a family therapist.  This model believes that as humans, we hold many perspectives which are referred to as "parts."  IFS believes there are no bad "parts" and every "part" is working to protect us although it does not feel like it.  The IFS model believes that to the very core of our being is wisdom, which we refer to as the "Self."  It is your internal wisdom that will heal the "parts" of you.  As a therapist, my role is to support you in connecting to this wisdom so that your parts do not have to respond in ways that lead to emotional distress.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I EXPERIENCE A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS?

There are times when our exposure or experience exceed our abilities to cope in a healthy manner.  If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, please dial the below telephone number that corresponds to the need:

Mental Health Crisis: 

Dial or Text 988 

Mental Health Emergency:

Dial 9-1-1

HOW DOES MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY WORK?

The recent COVID pandemic highlighted the need for mental health support, despite the stigma surrounding access.  Since Vision Beyond Eyesight, LLC, provides virtual therapy, the following is a snapshot of what occurs during the first and subsequent sessions:

• First Session/Intake:

Prior to this session, you would have participated in a free, 15-minute telephone consultation; addressed your health insurance or private pay status with Headway; received the email invitation to set-up your client portal in SimplePractice. 

Next, you will electronically complete the administrative forms and clinical measurement tools several days before the first session/intake.  These tools and others support the determination your symptoms (i.e., sadness, persistent worry, disturbing memories); how often you experience the symptoms; how long you have experienced the symptoms; the severity (i.e., mild, moderate, severe) of the symptoms; other variables.  The clinician uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition; DSM-5 to determine your diagnosis.

Finally, the clinician and client will review the above and collaborate on the development of an individualized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.  The treatment plan acts as a guide for the client and clinician.

•  Subsequent Sessions:

These sessions will involve the clinician’s implementation of evidenced-based interventions (i.e., diaphragmic breathing) using various treatment modalities (i.e., Mindfulness) to support the improvement of your symptoms.  The treatment plan will be reviewed regularly to ascertain what is working, what is not working, and what revisions need to be made.

DOES WHAT WE TALK ABOUT IN THERAPY REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL?

The mental health therapy session content and all relevant materials to the client’s treatment will be held confidential unless the client requests, in writing, to have all or portions of such content released to a specifically named person/persons.  Some limitations of client held privilege of confidentiality exist and are itemized below:

• If a client threatens or attempts to commit suicide or otherwise conducts themselves in a manner in which there a substantial risk of incurring serious bodily harm.
• If a client verbalizes or document to threaten grave bodily harm or death to another person.
• If the clinician has a reasonable suspicion that a client or other named victim is the perpetrator, observer of, or actual victim of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of children under the age of 18 years.
• Suspected neglect of children under the age of 18.
• Suspicions, as stated above, in the case of an elderly person who may be subjected to these abuses.

(This is not a full listing of confidentiality limitations.)

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NO LONGER WANT TO CONTINUE THERAPY?

There are various reasons a client determines accessing therapeutic services is not in their best interest.  At any time, a client may inform their clinician of the decision to terminate services.

DO YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICATION?

Psychotropic medications are primarily prescribed by a psychiatrist.  However, some primary care providers may prescribe psychotropic medications for mild depression and/or anxiety.  If it is determined a client would benefit from psychotropic medications, they will be referred to a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner for medication evaluation.

WHY DO YOU REFRENCE BIBLICAL SCRIPTURES ON YOUR WEBSITE?

Vision Beyond Eyesight, LLC, (VBE) was divinely inspired to provide a safe, nonjudgmental platform for women to discuss their life’s challenges.  I believe in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The scriptures are a source of strength, hope and inspiration to support the engagement, education, and empowerment of people. From an IFS perspective, wisdom is drawn from the Holy Spirit which allows an individual to approach "parts" and people from a place of calm, compassion, curiosity, clarity, courage, creativity, confidence, and connectedness.