Hi, I'm David. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, a University of South Carolina and Western Carolina University graduate, and a Level 1 trained Internal Family Systems therapist. 

 

I was drawn to Internal Family Systems (IFS) because, as a social worker, I think about things from a strength-based perspective. I don't like the idea of a "disorder." I will do my best to never shame you. IFS doesn't require labels to work. Instead, it is based on a few beliefs that resonate with me and will hopefully resonate with you. 

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1. We are all multiple- we all have parts inside us that take on behaviors to protect us from being hurt in ways they don't trust we can survive. 

2. These parts and their behaviors are not disorders- IFS is completely non-pathologizing. Your coping mechanisms are adaptive, normal, and even expected, even if they're a little extreme or sometimes not helpful. We don't always understand the reasoning of our parts, but we can get to know them better. ​

3. You, and everyone you've ever interacted with, have a Self. The Self is unburdened, whole, connected. It's the You that feels easy- calm, clear, compassionate, curious, confident, courageous, creative, and connected. When I experienced IFS as a client, I knew it was how I wanted to work with and interact with the world.